New Year, New Commute

 

News Flash…. New Year’s Eve is around the corner and the resolutioners are lining up to get gym memberships.

Kev would tell you to shut up and deal with it, but you don’t have to. Try something different.

 

 

Instead of letting the resolutioners ruin every part of your workout maybe its time to switch some things up. Make biking to work your commute goal in the new year. Biking is a great option for cardio and has several health benefits.

– Improve your mental health by taking a relaxing bike ride to work rather than getting stressed sitting in bumper to bumper traffic.

– With your body working harder to keep you warm, bike commuting in the cold literally wakes you up.

– Exercising in the cold increases your metabolism burns more calories efficiently.

– Bike commuting increases your exposure to the sun which helps better your mood and increase your vitamin D levels.

– Biking in the winter is easier than biking in the summer. Starting now will help increase your endurance and stamina for the warmer months.

With so many benefits to bike commuting in the winter, it is worth trying this winter season. So how do you prepare for bike commuting to work during this season? Here are a few tips:

 

Protect your face

You’ve already experienced it. The wind, cold, and the rain are not very kind to your skin. Before hitting the streets, make sure you have all the essentials- a warm hat, s thick scarf, and moisturizer for your skin. You don’t have to sacrifice healthy, moisturized skin for a healthy and active commute.

 

 

 

Layers Up

Layering up for a bike ride is a little different than layering up to go hop in the car. Instead of putting on bulky sweaters invest in quality gear with a purpose.

Remember the rules of thumb- wick, hold, and block.

Wick the water away. Hold the heat in. Block the cold air out.

 

 

Cover your extremities

We can’t forget our hands and toes. Protecting your hands and toes is like getting insurance on your car… it’s required. Set yourself up for success and get two pairs of gloves. One pair for the cold and another for the rain. Additionally, your feet are your best assets. They expend a great deal of body heat and if you intend to stay warm, you need to make sure they are covered. Whether you wear thermal socks, buy weatherproof shoes or try cycling boots, make sure you are protecting your feet.

 

 

 

Watch out for the stuff that falls from the sky

We will not speaketh of the white stuff that may or may not fall for the sky and will shut down the city in the process, but know you can still bike in wet weather. Preparing your bike for the wet weather will ensure that you stay dry and get too your destination clean and quickly. Suit up your bike with fenders to keep the water and dirt off your clothes. Add some lube to your chains to keep them from corroding from the extra exposure to moisture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

However you decide to commute this winter season, know that there are options to make your commute healthier and more active. Check out our resources for more advice on bike commuting. Happy Commuting!