There is a nice little paradox in the world cycling: ‘Cycling is good for weight loss, but cycling can be harmful for overweight people!’
As a fat cyclist who’s done a solo ride from Pune to Goa while weighing over 100 kg and has lost 15 kilos over a couple of years of cycling, I’m here to squash this misconception. Forget that lanky kid you’ve seen zooming past vehicles in his fitting nylon kit, cycling is for all shapes and sizes.
Here are 5 reasons why cycling is great for overweight people:
1. It is low impact
Stay with me for some boring science stuff. Running and jumping place a high impact on your joints, especially if you’re already heavy. Cycling gives you a similar calorie burn while you’re sitting comfortably. Ok, maybe not as comfy as a couch, but you get the point! All the work comes from your muscles. And not just your legs, as I painfully learned when my first long ride that ended with sore triceps. Legs propel you forward, core gives you power, upper body helps you maneuver, and that alert brain helps you dodge the crazy rickshaw approaching you from the wrong side. It is truly a full body sport.
2. You’ll find your tribe
Do social occasions mean drinking with colleagues or eating junk food with friends? Why not have a party on two wheels instead? My wife and I have replaced our pizza dates with Sunday morning cycle rides. If you don’t have friends, family or a special one who wants to go for a ride – don’t worry, cycling is a very welcoming community. Ride the same route a couple of times and you’ll surely be added to Whatsapp groups, get invited for cycle tours, or find a group that does weekend long rides. While these can be chatty and fun, being around experienced cyclists is a bonus. You’ll get tips about stretching, strength training, dieting and new routes! Warning: These long rides do come with mid-ride junk food, but oh my god, a hot, crispy vada pav tastes so much better after an hour of cycling!
3. You have zero pressure
Do you like to ride solo? With a fast group who challenges you with their speed, or a slower group who prefer to soak in the experience? Short loops or long tours? Hilly or flat? Off road or highways? You have the power to make these choices! Saying “cycling isn’t for me”, is like saying “Subway isn’t for me.” Cycling is for you, because you can MAKE it for you. Choose your own adventure and enjoy the cycling in india.
4. It’ll help you lose weight
you burn a lot of calories without impacting your joints, what’s not to like? Still worried about being too heavy? Alright, story time:
On the outskirts of Mumbai is a challenging cycling heaven – the steep Yeoor hills. Every morning, you’ll find one of the most respected members of the Thane cycling community – Mr Ambar Joshi riding there. After an illustrious power lifting career, Mr Joshi had an accident that drastically changed his life. At one point during his recovery, he weighed 150 kilos. If anyone could say “I’m too heavy to cycle” it’d be him. Couple of years ago, he decided to take up cycling. Today, he’s 36 kgs lighter and climbs up Yeoor hill 7 times, all the while looking relaxed as ever! What’s your excuse?
5. It brings you joy!
This is the most important point. Struggling with weight, hormonal issues or eating disorders can get stressful. Sometimes, you just need to escape the troubles of life. What better way to do that than on two wheels, with the wind in your face, knowing that your own strength has powered you beyond your limitations? Think about the confidence that brings. Actually, enough thinking. Go buy that cycle, find that cycling group, register for a cycling tour and start your cycling journey today!
I hope I’ve managed to convince you with these reasons. And while you’re motivated, all I can think of is that hot, crispy vada pav. Oh well, now I know the destination for tomorrow’s ride!
