I can't stand gyms. I went to a ladies only gym in Southampton for a while, but hated working out next to the whippet-like women in full make up, tight lycra, and dangly earrings, running for miles on the cross-trainers but barely breaking a sweat.
So, I gave up the gym, and for the price of 3 months gym membership, I got a really nice second-hand bike instead. And most of the time I'm pretty good with it, but come winter I go into hibernation mode. It's dark when I leave the house to go to work, it's dark when I get home, and really, if I could sleep all winter I would.
Around this time of year, though, I slowly come out of hibernation mode. On Thursday boyfriend and I ventured out for our first cycle of the year. We only went 6 miles, to warm up and prepare our bodies for a spring, summer and autumn of regular long cycles. And on Friday I managed 15 miles. I'm hoping to manage at least 20 on my next cycle.
I always find the first 10 minutes on a bike the toughest, but then my body settles in to the routine of pushing the pedals and it starts to feel good. Really good. The fresh air and the changing scenery really keeps my motivation levels up, and I find myself going further and further than I could have done in any gym.
I didn't really take any photos, but here are some from our last cycle of last year, mountain biking round Loch an Eilein in Aviemore, that I haven't shared yet:
It was wet, hence the trendy red cagoule.
xx
Wow, those photos are awesome! What beautiful scenery. That's cool that you can bike so far; I gave up on biking after falling off and getting a giant bump on my head, but I do like to jog when it's warm out!
ReplyDeleteeek more lush pics of scotland! I love! :) however I never got off my stabilisers when cycling....!
ReplyDeleteI totally know what you mean about the gym. Here in California we get a lot of those girls who go to the gym for a fashion show. Being outdoors is way better =)
ReplyDelete- Sarah
http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com/
Gorgeous photos!!
ReplyDeleteI love my bike, too. Cycling is the best! The thing that deters me here in Los Angeles is not the weather, but rather the street traffic. Especially here in Hollywood, drivers don't pay attention to the roads, other cars, pedestrians, or cyclists! It's frightening!!
Can't wait to see more pics from your upcoming cycling excursions! :)
Who needs a gym when you have the great outdoors for free? Haha, the gym, I miss at times, but nothing beats being out in the fresh air (except when it is freezing cold and raining!)
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about gyms! I much prefer to be outside, or dancing :) Your bike rides look like so much fun! Lovely photos :)
ReplyDeleteLovely location for cycling, but tell me you took off your helmet just for the photos? You need a helmet, Wendy! (sorry, sound like my mother...)
ReplyDeleteFunny how your bike cost as much as three months gym membership... really does make you think doesn't it? I can't wait to get my bike out again... yay for bikes :)
ReplyDeletethis is awesome! i love doing something fun outdoors as my form of exercise. i had to sell my mountain bike when i moved to california though. so sad! and i know just what you mean about those perfect looking girls at the gym. i'm a hot mess when i work out! :) these photos are great - what a beautiful place for a bike ride!
ReplyDeletewe're seriously considering getting bikes for biking to work at the moment, the buses are so expensive! I love that your bikes are orange, my mountain bike at my parents is too, I had to kick up a right stink to get one that colour as they didn't have girls bikes that colour when I got it lol.
ReplyDeleteI am DYING to get a bike!
ReplyDeleteLove these photos lady. Makes me want to venture into the great outdoors!
cycling when you are going somewhere is so much nicer than doing it in a gym full of sweaty people! x
ReplyDeleteI'm the same with cycling, i only feel inclined to ride when its sunny outside! And so far the April showers have been putting me off a bit!
ReplyDelete