For an exercise that's fun, thrilling, gets you outdoors and encompasses all fitness levels, try trail bike riding. It's a terrific cardiovascular workout and lower-body muscle-strengthening activity.
Whether you're a casual rider or an enthusiast, the following guidelines by avid cyclist and personal trainer, Karen Finnell will help you stay safe on the trails:
What to wear
• Invest in a CSA-approved helmet that fits properly. Helmets must be worn down over the front of the forehead to be effective.
• Wear solid shoes, not sandals. Shoes should have rigid soles to protect the bottoms of the feet.
• Clothing should be comfortable. Wear cycling shorts to protect sensitive areas of your groin and to prevent chafing and soreness inside your thighs. If it's a cool day, dress in layers and bring a backpack so you can store unwanted articles. If it's warm, don't choose cotton clothing, which can remain soaked once wet. Polyester or nylon is a better selection of fabrics that wick sweat away.
• Wear padded gloves to protect against abrasion in the event of a crash. These accessories will also help to alleviate numbness or pain in your fingers and palms, which comes as a result of gripping handlebars too tightly or from the vibration that is often felt when tackling large gravel trails.
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