Biking has become a weekly staple in my training plan. Here are three reasons why:

1) Its measurable. When I get off the bike (currently an indoor one) I know how many miles I’ve “traveled” and what that actually means. After doing the elliptical machine I’m never really sure what I’ve done. Ok so I went for 30 minutes and only covered 2 miles?? That doesn’t make sense or mean anything to me! So for 2008 I’ve decided to focus my cross-training on the bike and swimming.

2) It benefits my running. Any cross-training will benefit your body, but biking actually does improve your running. Biking helps improve overall leg turnover which helps you run more efficiently and increases your turnover while running. It also works different leg muscles and produces an overall stronger leg which can help improve form and prevent injury.

3) It is safe and easy. Biking is much easier than swimming and can be done alone, in a group, at the gym, or out on the open plain. I say it is safe because it is probably as safe as running (assuming you wear appropriate safety gear). Your risk of drowning is pretty slim! It is also easy because you can relax and coast a little bit, it doesn’t require constant effort (although the more effort you put in, the better workout you’ll get). It is also a ton easier on your body. Biking doesn’t have the constant impact and jolt to your body and you don’t wear out as quickly while biking.

Do you bike? What are some of your reasons for biking?

[tags] Biking, Cross-Training, [/tags]