Posted on December 20, 2009 by Dave W

Of course I don’t really expect you to kiss my saddle. The KISS I refer to is the acronym for ‘keep it simple stupid’ or as I prefer ‘keep it short and simple’.

If we adopt this principle in our training will we see any improvement at all?

I can only speak for myself as this is exactly true for me. I cannot guarantee it will be the same for you as everyone is different.

This is not meant for professional sports people, but for the person who has tried for many years to find a routine that both fits with their lifestyle and actually works. So sorry Lance, Bradley, Alberto and the other 2010 Tour De France competitors, I cannot help you when you start of in Rotterdam.

As I have said before, I recently concentrated my efforts more into cycling than I had ever done before.

Recreational cycling, is not only good for fitness, but also getting out and about is a great way to see your surroundings and you may be surprised by how beautiful your local area can be.

Just spinning your wheels will not be enough if you want to get fitter and lose weight and you will have to put in some serious effort to succeed.

So where do we start? Firstly we need to know where we are going.

You would not get in your car in the morning and just drive without knowing where you are going, would you?

No, you would know exactly where you are going, plan your route, looking out for possible hazards and obstructions on the way.

When we embark on our fitness or weight loss journey there are going to be plenty of hazards along the way, but most of them come from within ourselves, and the saying ‘your own worst enemy’ can be very appropriate if we don’t stay focused on our goal.

Rule number 1. Write down your aim, your destination, your goal.

It might be to lose 10 pounds or to get fitter for a particular event you might be doing.

Again, if you are contemplating competing at a professional level this article is not for you.

Rule number 2. Write down when you want to achieve you target by.

Rule number 3. Write down how much time you can commit to your goal and try to stick to it.

Rule number 4. Get on your bike. Keep changing your routine and keep increasing your workload. Keep your short rides intense and your long rides interesting.

I will be posting some specific training routines which I have used, so look out for them in my other posts.

Rule number 5. Don’t try re-inventing the wheel, your bike already has two, give them a spin and see if it takes you to your destination.

As a cursory warning, it is not recommended you start a new exercise regime without first consulting your doctor. If you are starting cycling for the first time it is a good idea to get a base level of fitness/competence by riding comfortably for a few weeks before you increase intensity.

Dave W

Cycling For Fitness

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