If you live in large cities, you may have already noticed a significant increase in the number of people using the bicycle as a means of transportation. The possibility of escaping the chaos in traffic and the ecological awareness developed through disclosure are some of the main reasons alleged by those who have already set aside the car to adopt the bike as a lifestyle.
According to those responsible for the? Maringá Bicicultura ?, a group that is articulating to make cycling an increasingly common activity in the scenario of the third largest city of Paraná, the number of supporters of? Skinny? has been expanding significantly. The group believes that, more than people's recent awareness of the importance of seeking alternatives to relieve traffic and the dissemination made by organizations such as theirs, what effectively contributes to this increase in the number of practitioners is the marketing network itself. created by these same practitioners.
Adriano Gabriel, Bicicultura's Facebook page administrator and one of the group's coordinators, said: “The best bicycle advertisement is to see people who have gained quality of life, abandoned their cigarette or sedentary lifestyle and made new friends. It is contagious: one pulls another and everyone wins with it ?.
The same positive feeling seems to materialize in all people who find in bicycle culture a refuge from the chaos of big cities. Amanda Castro, a commercial assistant, adopted the pedals a year ago and can no longer stay away from them. ? I started attending the? Pedals? [weekly events, usually at night, aimed at the integration of cyclists and the promotion of the bicycle as a life practice] because some friends invited me. I soon realized how much it could add to my life, both physically and psychologically, and I became almost an addict?
Why is cycling good?
To counter the psychological chaos that permeates life in big cities, this kind of exercise is a different and effective option. For Amanda,? Bicycle use promotes physical and psychological well-being. For those who do not have time to stop and look at the landscape where they live, cycling is a gift. It feels wonderful and almost impossible to describe, like when you smell that wet earth before a rain ?.
The body could not benefit more either. She says she lost about eight pounds in two months as soon as she started pedaling. This loss was also accompanied by muscle mass gain. “For self-esteem, it was amazing. I gained a leg and lost fat?
- Tones the legs;
- helps to lose fat;
- helps in gaining muscle mass;
- Relax;
- improves the quality of life;
- it's a good option to get away from traffic
- makes it possible for you to? the landscape
- increases self-esteem.
Tips for those who want to start cycling
Gabriel is adamant that - before starting any physical activity, it is worth consulting a health professional. Having your doctor's approval, start pedaling gradually. First in the streets of the neighborhood near your home, then in the parks and so the challenges increase with the pleasure in physical activity ?.
It is not necessary to spend much initially. If the goal is just to make short urban commutes, a simpler bike will do the trick. If possible, do a? Test drive? on the bike before you buy. Identify the right frame size and look for a comfortable saddle (bicycle seat) ?, says Gabriel. The picture varies according to the size of who will use the bike, so find out which size suits you, look for a bike shop.
Here are some bicycle options of different models and values that can be found in online stores in Brazil:
The Track Bikes TB 100 has 18V double suspension. The rim is ideal for those looking for more performance. It is designed to give greater shock absorption and less chatter on uneven terrain. R $ 419.00 on Netshoes
Very light, Caloi Ventura is designed for leisure-seekers only, making it perfect for a walk in the park or on the beach. If you intend to face more radical training, it is not indicated. R $ 479,00 on the Casas Bahia website
The Caloi Sprint 10 Aro 700 has a special system for speed mode and is ideal for those looking to improve performance. $ 1699 on Netshoes
If you want performance and are willing to shell out a little more money, Caloi Elite 2.7 is a good buy. This bike suits adventure seekers and wants to get heavier. $ 2999 at Americanas.com
Amanda says she suffered a lot when she decided to make the first pedal more "radical", precisely because the bike was not suitable for the activity. “My bike was not ideal for that kind of terrain. Was I hiking with basic street equipment? Therefore, the tip is to look for a bike shop that offers a consulting service before selling the product.
Today there are several stores that seek to know your goal when it comes to indicating a bike. This caution is worth buying, because it will be compensated when you start pedaling, in fact, he says, and adds: "You just can't leave the helmet, the glasses and the gloves. Are safety equipment as important as the bike itself?
The Pink Side of the Bike
In Maringá, a group derived from? Maringá Bicicultura? is the “Rosa Side Biciculture”, dedicated entirely to the practice of pedaling by women. One of those responsible for the organization, Amanda explains that the group works as an? Arm? from the core group. “We schedule with the ladies on alternate days of the week. This pedal has a completely different pace and intention and is especially designed for us. Today we have about 50 active women in the group, but there is a very large turnover and the number is increasing ?, reports, excited. ? Other cities also have this kind of initiative, which leaves no excuse to abandon the skinny ?, laughs.
Facebook is a good place to discover and get to know the groups that are organizing to combine cycling in your city. These groups also make it possible for you to interact with other people interested in the sport and keep you informed of the news regarding the bike. If there isn't a group like this where you live, how about starting one yourself? Invite some friends and start spreading the word.
If you were excited to start cycling, how about looking in your city for groups that engage in this practice? Put your equipment and good pedaling.
How Cycling Can Boost Your Mental Health – GCN Does Science (April 2024)
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