Physical activity is important in order for you to maintain optimum health. Weight loss occurs when you burn more calories in 24 hours than you consume.
Bicycling will increase calorie output. It requires energy to move your body and your bicycle through air and gravity. Bicycling will not increase your appetite. In fact, the reverse is true. Bicycling can actually suppress appetite for several hours. It’s best if you can bicycle for a half hour prior to the largest meal of the day. Doing so will prevent you from overeating while increasing your metabolism.
Bicycling for just 30 minutes each day burns 330 calories and will promote weight loss over your entire body by building muscle. If you seem to be gaining weight, do not discontinue your bicycle exercise regime. Remember, muscle weighs more than fat and bicycling builds muscle.
If you live in an area that has a lot of inclement weather or ice and snow during the winter months, consider purchasing a stationary bike. The rewards will be well worth the investment.
Running
Running is a very effective way to lose and maintain excess weight. However, it will take time. Patience is a virtue. Don’t expect to lose weight overnight. In fact, as body fat turns to muscle you may even gain a pound or two. Stick to your regime. Pounds will melt slowly away. You don’t have to run fast; a slow, steady gait is preferred. The rule is run long and steady at a reasonable pace.
Start out running just five minutes a day. Do this two or three times a day to begin with so as not to overtax your body. As your ability to run longer distances increases, cut back to once a day and increase your running time slowly to 90 minute intervals three times a week. This will promote your to the fat burning zone and your body will use stored fat as a source of energy. It may take several months to increase your running time to this pace. Once you reach your goal, you’ll never look back. Then, you can mix running and walking to lose and maintain weight.