How much cycling distance is needed to travel every day for good muscular exercise?
As a bicycler I used to travel on cycle daily for about half an hour to maintain fitness of my legs and body.
But I want to know how much time and distance is needed for a good exercise.
fitness
edited Nov 16 '18 at 16:09
Thunderforge
1054
asked Nov 15 '18 at 8:27
Hamza SaifHamza Saif
477
|
show 1 more comment
As a bicycler I used to travel on cycle daily for about half an hour to maintain fitness of my legs and body.
But I want to know how much time and distance is needed for a good exercise.
fitness
edited Nov 16 '18 at 16:09
Thunderforge
1054
asked Nov 15 '18 at 8:27
Hamza SaifHamza Saif
477
3
"half an hour" a day of activity is enough to maintain basic health and is generally recommended for all healthy adults. How far do you ride in that half-hour and at what relative intensity? IE are you cruising about, or going hard? Are there a lot of stops at lights (ie recovery time) or are you moving most of the time?
– Criggie♦
Nov 15 '18 at 9:08
7
Quality matters more than quantity. Cycling for half an hour at walking pace gives you barely any exercise at all -- much less than walking for half an hour, since bikes are ridiculously efficient.
– David Richerby
Nov 15 '18 at 9:19
2
The fitter you get, the more kilometers you'll want to ride. When I restarted riding after an eight year pause, I started with something like eight kilometers a day. That was all I could do. Now, I'm doing at least 25km a day, but usually I take some detours bringing the figure up to 35km. Just because the longer route is more fun. At some point of fitness, the extra cost of additional kilometers just becomes negative...
– cmaster
Nov 15 '18 at 9:26
1
@Criggie someday I cruise and someday go hard, and their are 2 stops at lights.But this recovery time for me is very short and I keep moving most of the time.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:24
Yeah I agree with u @cmaster as it's all about stamina of a person.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:32
|
show 1 more comment
As a bicycler I used to travel on cycle daily for about half an hour to maintain fitness of my legs and body.
But I want to know how much time and distance is needed for a good exercise.
fitness
edited Nov 16 '18 at 16:09
Thunderforge
1054
asked Nov 15 '18 at 8:27
Hamza SaifHamza Saif
477
As a bicycler I used to travel on cycle daily for about half an hour to maintain fitness of my legs and body.
But I want to know how much time and distance is needed for a good exercise.
fitness
fitness
edited Nov 16 '18 at 16:09
Thunderforge
1054
asked Nov 15 '18 at 8:27
Hamza SaifHamza Saif
477
edited Nov 16 '18 at 16:09
Thunderforge
1054
asked Nov 15 '18 at 8:27
Hamza SaifHamza Saif
477
edited Nov 16 '18 at 16:09
Thunderforge
1054
edited Nov 16 '18 at 16:09
Thunderforge
1054
edited Nov 16 '18 at 16:09
Thunderforge
1054
1054
asked Nov 15 '18 at 8:27
Hamza SaifHamza Saif
477
asked Nov 15 '18 at 8:27
Hamza SaifHamza Saif
477
asked Nov 15 '18 at 8:27
Hamza SaifHamza Saif
477
477
3
"half an hour" a day of activity is enough to maintain basic health and is generally recommended for all healthy adults. How far do you ride in that half-hour and at what relative intensity? IE are you cruising about, or going hard? Are there a lot of stops at lights (ie recovery time) or are you moving most of the time?
– Criggie♦
Nov 15 '18 at 9:08
7
Quality matters more than quantity. Cycling for half an hour at walking pace gives you barely any exercise at all -- much less than walking for half an hour, since bikes are ridiculously efficient.
– David Richerby
Nov 15 '18 at 9:19
2
The fitter you get, the more kilometers you'll want to ride. When I restarted riding after an eight year pause, I started with something like eight kilometers a day. That was all I could do. Now, I'm doing at least 25km a day, but usually I take some detours bringing the figure up to 35km. Just because the longer route is more fun. At some point of fitness, the extra cost of additional kilometers just becomes negative...
– cmaster
Nov 15 '18 at 9:26
1
@Criggie someday I cruise and someday go hard, and their are 2 stops at lights.But this recovery time for me is very short and I keep moving most of the time.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:24
Yeah I agree with u @cmaster as it's all about stamina of a person.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:32
|
show 1 more comment
3
"half an hour" a day of activity is enough to maintain basic health and is generally recommended for all healthy adults. How far do you ride in that half-hour and at what relative intensity? IE are you cruising about, or going hard? Are there a lot of stops at lights (ie recovery time) or are you moving most of the time?
– Criggie♦
Nov 15 '18 at 9:08
7
Quality matters more than quantity. Cycling for half an hour at walking pace gives you barely any exercise at all -- much less than walking for half an hour, since bikes are ridiculously efficient.
– David Richerby
Nov 15 '18 at 9:19
2
The fitter you get, the more kilometers you'll want to ride. When I restarted riding after an eight year pause, I started with something like eight kilometers a day. That was all I could do. Now, I'm doing at least 25km a day, but usually I take some detours bringing the figure up to 35km. Just because the longer route is more fun. At some point of fitness, the extra cost of additional kilometers just becomes negative...
– cmaster
Nov 15 '18 at 9:26
1
@Criggie someday I cruise and someday go hard, and their are 2 stops at lights.But this recovery time for me is very short and I keep moving most of the time.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:24
Yeah I agree with u @cmaster as it's all about stamina of a person.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:32
3
3
"half an hour" a day of activity is enough to maintain basic health and is generally recommended for all healthy adults. How far do you ride in that half-hour and at what relative intensity? IE are you cruising about, or going hard? Are there a lot of stops at lights (ie recovery time) or are you moving most of the time?
– Criggie♦
Nov 15 '18 at 9:08
"half an hour" a day of activity is enough to maintain basic health and is generally recommended for all healthy adults. How far do you ride in that half-hour and at what relative intensity? IE are you cruising about, or going hard? Are there a lot of stops at lights (ie recovery time) or are you moving most of the time?
– Criggie♦
Nov 15 '18 at 9:08
7
7
Quality matters more than quantity. Cycling for half an hour at walking pace gives you barely any exercise at all -- much less than walking for half an hour, since bikes are ridiculously efficient.
– David Richerby
Nov 15 '18 at 9:19
Quality matters more than quantity. Cycling for half an hour at walking pace gives you barely any exercise at all -- much less than walking for half an hour, since bikes are ridiculously efficient.
– David Richerby
Nov 15 '18 at 9:19
2
2
The fitter you get, the more kilometers you'll want to ride. When I restarted riding after an eight year pause, I started with something like eight kilometers a day. That was all I could do. Now, I'm doing at least 25km a day, but usually I take some detours bringing the figure up to 35km. Just because the longer route is more fun. At some point of fitness, the extra cost of additional kilometers just becomes negative...
– cmaster
Nov 15 '18 at 9:26
The fitter you get, the more kilometers you'll want to ride. When I restarted riding after an eight year pause, I started with something like eight kilometers a day. That was all I could do. Now, I'm doing at least 25km a day, but usually I take some detours bringing the figure up to 35km. Just because the longer route is more fun. At some point of fitness, the extra cost of additional kilometers just becomes negative...
– cmaster
Nov 15 '18 at 9:26
1
1
@Criggie someday I cruise and someday go hard, and their are 2 stops at lights.But this recovery time for me is very short and I keep moving most of the time.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:24
@Criggie someday I cruise and someday go hard, and their are 2 stops at lights.But this recovery time for me is very short and I keep moving most of the time.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:24
Yeah I agree with u @cmaster as it's all about stamina of a person.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:32
Yeah I agree with u @cmaster as it's all about stamina of a person.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:32
|
show 1 more comment
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
As individual speeds vary depending on fitness, bike and conditions, most information on this subject discusses intensity and time spend exercising, rather than distance. Most leisure cyclists ride between 10-18mph (16-30kph) on the road, a bit less off-road. As you can see it's a fairly wide range, so time and intensity are better measures.They can also more easily be applied to other sports.
For good health, the WHO recommends:
Adults aged 18–64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity
aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75
minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the
week.
If you'd like to improve your cycling fitness as well as your health, then British Cycling has a number of beginners training plans, depending on what you would like to achieve.
However, not everyone responds the same way to exercise, so the improvements are not guaranteed.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 11:24
James BradburyJames Bradbury
5,44922446
1
I'd modify your first sentence to say that most information discusses time spent exercising and intensity.
– David Richerby
Nov 17 '18 at 10:12
add a comment |
There is no real answer to this, as it totally depends on what you mean by 'good exercise'.
For a professional racing cyclist it means 30 hours a week of structured training including effort above an below that required for an actual race.
For adults the American Heart Association recommends as a minimum:
at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75
minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both,
How many km and at what level of effort you can ride depends on your current level of fitness. Work up to a level that is sustainable and enjoyable for you.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:41
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.1k23891
add a comment |
I have no hard data to answer this, just my experience: I commute every day, 13 km one way, practically flat, and I do my best to do the route in 30-35 minutes with a city bike.
My legs are pretty toned, and when I have to step up on the travelled distance it's not a big deal.
But a more precise answer strongly depends on the single individual.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:55
L.DutchL.Dutch
3,65411344
1
This is anecdotal but a fine answer. I also travel circa 10km one way, to work and back 5 days a week. This works very well to keep muscular strength and overall fitness top notch. (as long as you eat sensibly as well). TLDR: 3-4 hours / 100 km / 60 miles per week
– vikingsteve
Nov 15 '18 at 14:27
add a comment |
The distance covered is only one measure of your trip. The efforts and rewards of an exercise session will be related to both the length and the intensity.
Your 30 minutes could be 5 km at a casual dawdle, or 20 km at a hard pace.
Slower sustained riding builds the "slow twitch" fibres which can fire repeatedly for long times but aren't that strong. These are "endurance" muscles and help you ride for a long time.
Short, High intensity efforts build the "fast twitch" fibres, which are the "sprint" muscles. These get tired real quick and once that happens you have to slow down.
Riders with high endurance can ride all day at a moderate pace. Riders with fast twitch muscles can burst into fast sprints but may not have as much endurance. Ideally you want both.
Relevance? You need to mix it up - for example: From a red traffic light, go hard in a bigger gear than normal, right up to your fastest speed for as long as you can, then relax.
See if you can vary your route to get in a hill or slope to climb. Move your position on the bike a little, to recruit and train other muscles - you'll feel this.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 21:03
Criggie♦Criggie
44.7k573151
add a comment |
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
As individual speeds vary depending on fitness, bike and conditions, most information on this subject discusses intensity and time spend exercising, rather than distance. Most leisure cyclists ride between 10-18mph (16-30kph) on the road, a bit less off-road. As you can see it's a fairly wide range, so time and intensity are better measures.They can also more easily be applied to other sports.
For good health, the WHO recommends:
Adults aged 18–64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity
aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75
minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the
week.
If you'd like to improve your cycling fitness as well as your health, then British Cycling has a number of beginners training plans, depending on what you would like to achieve.
However, not everyone responds the same way to exercise, so the improvements are not guaranteed.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 11:24
James BradburyJames Bradbury
5,44922446
1
I'd modify your first sentence to say that most information discusses time spent exercising and intensity.
– David Richerby
Nov 17 '18 at 10:12
add a comment |
As individual speeds vary depending on fitness, bike and conditions, most information on this subject discusses intensity and time spend exercising, rather than distance. Most leisure cyclists ride between 10-18mph (16-30kph) on the road, a bit less off-road. As you can see it's a fairly wide range, so time and intensity are better measures.They can also more easily be applied to other sports.
For good health, the WHO recommends:
Adults aged 18–64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity
aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75
minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the
week.
If you'd like to improve your cycling fitness as well as your health, then British Cycling has a number of beginners training plans, depending on what you would like to achieve.
However, not everyone responds the same way to exercise, so the improvements are not guaranteed.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 11:24
James BradburyJames Bradbury
5,44922446
1
I'd modify your first sentence to say that most information discusses time spent exercising and intensity.
– David Richerby
Nov 17 '18 at 10:12
add a comment |
As individual speeds vary depending on fitness, bike and conditions, most information on this subject discusses intensity and time spend exercising, rather than distance. Most leisure cyclists ride between 10-18mph (16-30kph) on the road, a bit less off-road. As you can see it's a fairly wide range, so time and intensity are better measures.They can also more easily be applied to other sports.
For good health, the WHO recommends:
Adults aged 18–64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity
aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75
minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the
week.
If you'd like to improve your cycling fitness as well as your health, then British Cycling has a number of beginners training plans, depending on what you would like to achieve.
However, not everyone responds the same way to exercise, so the improvements are not guaranteed.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 11:24
James BradburyJames Bradbury
5,44922446
As individual speeds vary depending on fitness, bike and conditions, most information on this subject discusses intensity and time spend exercising, rather than distance. Most leisure cyclists ride between 10-18mph (16-30kph) on the road, a bit less off-road. As you can see it's a fairly wide range, so time and intensity are better measures.They can also more easily be applied to other sports.
For good health, the WHO recommends:
Adults aged 18–64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity
aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75
minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the
week.
If you'd like to improve your cycling fitness as well as your health, then British Cycling has a number of beginners training plans, depending on what you would like to achieve.
However, not everyone responds the same way to exercise, so the improvements are not guaranteed.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 11:24
James BradburyJames Bradbury
5,44922446
edited Nov 18 '18 at 12:41
answered Nov 15 '18 at 11:24
James BradburyJames Bradbury
5,44922446
answered Nov 15 '18 at 11:24
James BradburyJames Bradbury
5,44922446
answered Nov 15 '18 at 11:24
James BradburyJames Bradbury
5,44922446
5,44922446
1
I'd modify your first sentence to say that most information discusses time spent exercising and intensity.
– David Richerby
Nov 17 '18 at 10:12
add a comment |
1
I'd modify your first sentence to say that most information discusses time spent exercising and intensity.
– David Richerby
Nov 17 '18 at 10:12
1
1
I'd modify your first sentence to say that most information discusses time spent exercising and intensity.
– David Richerby
Nov 17 '18 at 10:12
I'd modify your first sentence to say that most information discusses time spent exercising and intensity.
– David Richerby
Nov 17 '18 at 10:12
add a comment |
There is no real answer to this, as it totally depends on what you mean by 'good exercise'.
For a professional racing cyclist it means 30 hours a week of structured training including effort above an below that required for an actual race.
For adults the American Heart Association recommends as a minimum:
at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75
minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both,
How many km and at what level of effort you can ride depends on your current level of fitness. Work up to a level that is sustainable and enjoyable for you.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:41
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.1k23891
add a comment |
There is no real answer to this, as it totally depends on what you mean by 'good exercise'.
For a professional racing cyclist it means 30 hours a week of structured training including effort above an below that required for an actual race.
For adults the American Heart Association recommends as a minimum:
at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75
minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both,
How many km and at what level of effort you can ride depends on your current level of fitness. Work up to a level that is sustainable and enjoyable for you.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:41
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.1k23891
add a comment |
There is no real answer to this, as it totally depends on what you mean by 'good exercise'.
For a professional racing cyclist it means 30 hours a week of structured training including effort above an below that required for an actual race.
For adults the American Heart Association recommends as a minimum:
at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75
minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both,
How many km and at what level of effort you can ride depends on your current level of fitness. Work up to a level that is sustainable and enjoyable for you.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:41
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.1k23891
There is no real answer to this, as it totally depends on what you mean by 'good exercise'.
For a professional racing cyclist it means 30 hours a week of structured training including effort above an below that required for an actual race.
For adults the American Heart Association recommends as a minimum:
at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75
minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both,
How many km and at what level of effort you can ride depends on your current level of fitness. Work up to a level that is sustainable and enjoyable for you.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:41
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.1k23891
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:41
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.1k23891
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:41
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.1k23891
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:41
Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus
36.1k23891
36.1k23891
add a comment |
add a comment |
I have no hard data to answer this, just my experience: I commute every day, 13 km one way, practically flat, and I do my best to do the route in 30-35 minutes with a city bike.
My legs are pretty toned, and when I have to step up on the travelled distance it's not a big deal.
But a more precise answer strongly depends on the single individual.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:55
L.DutchL.Dutch
3,65411344
1
This is anecdotal but a fine answer. I also travel circa 10km one way, to work and back 5 days a week. This works very well to keep muscular strength and overall fitness top notch. (as long as you eat sensibly as well). TLDR: 3-4 hours / 100 km / 60 miles per week
– vikingsteve
Nov 15 '18 at 14:27
add a comment |
I have no hard data to answer this, just my experience: I commute every day, 13 km one way, practically flat, and I do my best to do the route in 30-35 minutes with a city bike.
My legs are pretty toned, and when I have to step up on the travelled distance it's not a big deal.
But a more precise answer strongly depends on the single individual.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:55
L.DutchL.Dutch
3,65411344
1
This is anecdotal but a fine answer. I also travel circa 10km one way, to work and back 5 days a week. This works very well to keep muscular strength and overall fitness top notch. (as long as you eat sensibly as well). TLDR: 3-4 hours / 100 km / 60 miles per week
– vikingsteve
Nov 15 '18 at 14:27
add a comment |
I have no hard data to answer this, just my experience: I commute every day, 13 km one way, practically flat, and I do my best to do the route in 30-35 minutes with a city bike.
My legs are pretty toned, and when I have to step up on the travelled distance it's not a big deal.
But a more precise answer strongly depends on the single individual.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:55
L.DutchL.Dutch
3,65411344
I have no hard data to answer this, just my experience: I commute every day, 13 km one way, practically flat, and I do my best to do the route in 30-35 minutes with a city bike.
My legs are pretty toned, and when I have to step up on the travelled distance it's not a big deal.
But a more precise answer strongly depends on the single individual.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:55
L.DutchL.Dutch
3,65411344
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:55
L.DutchL.Dutch
3,65411344
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:55
L.DutchL.Dutch
3,65411344
answered Nov 15 '18 at 12:55
L.DutchL.Dutch
3,65411344
3,65411344
1
This is anecdotal but a fine answer. I also travel circa 10km one way, to work and back 5 days a week. This works very well to keep muscular strength and overall fitness top notch. (as long as you eat sensibly as well). TLDR: 3-4 hours / 100 km / 60 miles per week
– vikingsteve
Nov 15 '18 at 14:27
add a comment |
1
This is anecdotal but a fine answer. I also travel circa 10km one way, to work and back 5 days a week. This works very well to keep muscular strength and overall fitness top notch. (as long as you eat sensibly as well). TLDR: 3-4 hours / 100 km / 60 miles per week
– vikingsteve
Nov 15 '18 at 14:27
1
1
This is anecdotal but a fine answer. I also travel circa 10km one way, to work and back 5 days a week. This works very well to keep muscular strength and overall fitness top notch. (as long as you eat sensibly as well). TLDR: 3-4 hours / 100 km / 60 miles per week
– vikingsteve
Nov 15 '18 at 14:27
This is anecdotal but a fine answer. I also travel circa 10km one way, to work and back 5 days a week. This works very well to keep muscular strength and overall fitness top notch. (as long as you eat sensibly as well). TLDR: 3-4 hours / 100 km / 60 miles per week
– vikingsteve
Nov 15 '18 at 14:27
add a comment |
The distance covered is only one measure of your trip. The efforts and rewards of an exercise session will be related to both the length and the intensity.
Your 30 minutes could be 5 km at a casual dawdle, or 20 km at a hard pace.
Slower sustained riding builds the "slow twitch" fibres which can fire repeatedly for long times but aren't that strong. These are "endurance" muscles and help you ride for a long time.
Short, High intensity efforts build the "fast twitch" fibres, which are the "sprint" muscles. These get tired real quick and once that happens you have to slow down.
Riders with high endurance can ride all day at a moderate pace. Riders with fast twitch muscles can burst into fast sprints but may not have as much endurance. Ideally you want both.
Relevance? You need to mix it up - for example: From a red traffic light, go hard in a bigger gear than normal, right up to your fastest speed for as long as you can, then relax.
See if you can vary your route to get in a hill or slope to climb. Move your position on the bike a little, to recruit and train other muscles - you'll feel this.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 21:03
Criggie♦Criggie
44.7k573151
add a comment |
The distance covered is only one measure of your trip. The efforts and rewards of an exercise session will be related to both the length and the intensity.
Your 30 minutes could be 5 km at a casual dawdle, or 20 km at a hard pace.
Slower sustained riding builds the "slow twitch" fibres which can fire repeatedly for long times but aren't that strong. These are "endurance" muscles and help you ride for a long time.
Short, High intensity efforts build the "fast twitch" fibres, which are the "sprint" muscles. These get tired real quick and once that happens you have to slow down.
Riders with high endurance can ride all day at a moderate pace. Riders with fast twitch muscles can burst into fast sprints but may not have as much endurance. Ideally you want both.
Relevance? You need to mix it up - for example: From a red traffic light, go hard in a bigger gear than normal, right up to your fastest speed for as long as you can, then relax.
See if you can vary your route to get in a hill or slope to climb. Move your position on the bike a little, to recruit and train other muscles - you'll feel this.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 21:03
Criggie♦Criggie
44.7k573151
add a comment |
The distance covered is only one measure of your trip. The efforts and rewards of an exercise session will be related to both the length and the intensity.
Your 30 minutes could be 5 km at a casual dawdle, or 20 km at a hard pace.
Slower sustained riding builds the "slow twitch" fibres which can fire repeatedly for long times but aren't that strong. These are "endurance" muscles and help you ride for a long time.
Short, High intensity efforts build the "fast twitch" fibres, which are the "sprint" muscles. These get tired real quick and once that happens you have to slow down.
Riders with high endurance can ride all day at a moderate pace. Riders with fast twitch muscles can burst into fast sprints but may not have as much endurance. Ideally you want both.
Relevance? You need to mix it up - for example: From a red traffic light, go hard in a bigger gear than normal, right up to your fastest speed for as long as you can, then relax.
See if you can vary your route to get in a hill or slope to climb. Move your position on the bike a little, to recruit and train other muscles - you'll feel this.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 21:03
Criggie♦Criggie
44.7k573151
The distance covered is only one measure of your trip. The efforts and rewards of an exercise session will be related to both the length and the intensity.
Your 30 minutes could be 5 km at a casual dawdle, or 20 km at a hard pace.
Slower sustained riding builds the "slow twitch" fibres which can fire repeatedly for long times but aren't that strong. These are "endurance" muscles and help you ride for a long time.
Short, High intensity efforts build the "fast twitch" fibres, which are the "sprint" muscles. These get tired real quick and once that happens you have to slow down.
Riders with high endurance can ride all day at a moderate pace. Riders with fast twitch muscles can burst into fast sprints but may not have as much endurance. Ideally you want both.
Relevance? You need to mix it up - for example: From a red traffic light, go hard in a bigger gear than normal, right up to your fastest speed for as long as you can, then relax.
See if you can vary your route to get in a hill or slope to climb. Move your position on the bike a little, to recruit and train other muscles - you'll feel this.
answered Nov 15 '18 at 21:03
Criggie♦Criggie
44.7k573151
answered Nov 15 '18 at 21:03
Criggie♦Criggie
44.7k573151
answered Nov 15 '18 at 21:03
Criggie♦Criggie
44.7k573151
answered Nov 15 '18 at 21:03
Criggie♦Criggie
44.7k573151
44.7k573151
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3
"half an hour" a day of activity is enough to maintain basic health and is generally recommended for all healthy adults. How far do you ride in that half-hour and at what relative intensity? IE are you cruising about, or going hard? Are there a lot of stops at lights (ie recovery time) or are you moving most of the time?
– Criggie♦
Nov 15 '18 at 9:08
7
Quality matters more than quantity. Cycling for half an hour at walking pace gives you barely any exercise at all -- much less than walking for half an hour, since bikes are ridiculously efficient.
– David Richerby
Nov 15 '18 at 9:19
2
The fitter you get, the more kilometers you'll want to ride. When I restarted riding after an eight year pause, I started with something like eight kilometers a day. That was all I could do. Now, I'm doing at least 25km a day, but usually I take some detours bringing the figure up to 35km. Just because the longer route is more fun. At some point of fitness, the extra cost of additional kilometers just becomes negative...
– cmaster
Nov 15 '18 at 9:26
1
@Criggie someday I cruise and someday go hard, and their are 2 stops at lights.But this recovery time for me is very short and I keep moving most of the time.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:24
Yeah I agree with u @cmaster as it's all about stamina of a person.
– Hamza Saif
Nov 15 '18 at 18:32