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Cyclist Diet and Fitness

Maintaining energy levels is vital for long bike rides. Along with a balanced diet and a regular cycling routine, you can be fighting fit and raring to go.

Cyclist Diet And Fitness

Top Fitness Tips For Cyclists

Cycling is good for fitness as well as fun!

Follow these basic rules and feel the benefits:

  • Warm up and cool down – stretching your muscles before and after a bike ride will prevent any unnecessary injuries.
  • Build up the distance – a little and often is a good rule to follow and allows you to steadily increase the workload as you get more confident.
  • Regular riding – try several short, mid-week bike rides after work and aim for longer journeys at the weekend.
  • Sensible diet – eat a balanced diet to accompany your fitness routine.
  • Winter training – using your bike in the winter isn't easy, but you could always invest in a trainer. This is a device that bolts onto the rear of your bike and turns it into a static cycling machine, also called a Turbo Trainer. View our Elite Magnetic Trainer.

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The Right Diet

Always remember to pack a drink.

To ensure your cycling exertions don't go to waste, make sure you eat a healthy diet.

Eating before a ride is advisable but try to take on food at least two hours prior to setting off and avoid fatty food.

Remember to eat 10-15 minutes after your ride as well, as this will get energy to your tired muscles where it is needed the most and may help to prevent soreness later on.

Longer rides should be followed by a high-carbohydrate meal in the evening to replace the calories burned during the day.

There are also several ranges of specially formulated energy bars and sports drinks on the market that are designed to be consumed when exercising.

Isotonic sports drinks replace salt lost during perspiration as well as carbohydrates. Carrying a supply of water is also important for staying hydrated. You can fit a bottle and cage to your frame. View our range.