Cycling is actually becoming one of the hottest new fitness options around. You might be saying, what—riding a bike for exercise? Who does that? The answer is that a lot of people do it, and it is both fun and provides a really good full body workout. Not to mention that you get to see some great scenery as you whiz by on you bike.

The Right Gear Cycling is not something that you can go out and do without the correct gear. This does not mean that you have to spend a fortune on the necessary equipment; it simply means that you need to have the basics before you start out. Bikes come in many different varieties, and you need to get the right bike for the terrain you are going to be riding on. Visit a cycling shop, do some online research and find out about the bikes that are available. The two main things you need to do when purchasing a bike are to be measured so that you get the proper bike size and to take the bike for a small test ride to make sure that you are comfortable with it. The other important pieces of gear include a helmet and proper shoes. Wearing a helmet is probably the most vital piece of safety gear you can have. Other nice things to have include gloves, sunglasses and a water bottle, tire repair kit and first aid kit that strap to your bicycle. These things don't add a lot of weight, but they do give you the added advantage of having the necessities in case of an emergency. Where to Ride? The possibilities of where you can cycle are virtually endless! Many cities offer miles of bicycle paths that have different terrains to challenge cyclists and provide interesting scenery. Other places offer bike routes and bike lanes along major thoroughfares to keep cyclists safe and give them places to ride. Some cyclists quickly find that trips to other countries offer vast opportunities for cycling, and this is becoming very popular. Many foreign countries use bikes a lot more than people in the U.S. which means they offer more adventures for cyclists. Advantages and Disadvantages Cycling offers fitness enthusiasts both advantages and disadvantages. Cycling works all the largest muscles of the body, but it doesn't really promote bone density. It is great for cardiovascular health, and provides lower impact exercise than running. Cycling is not a high-risk sport for injuries, and provides many health benefits as well as being a practical way to get around. Competitive Cycling, If cycling is really your thing, you can get into competitive cycling, or bicycle racing. There are a lot of groups that sponsor racing, and joining these groups is a great way to really get good at the sport of cycling. Whatever type of cycling interests you, it is an excellent form of exercise that is worth checking out. The health benefits are tremendous, and you really get the chance to enjoy the great outdoors. Along with cycling there are tons of other aerobics options to get you outdoors. Try one of these outdoor aerobic activities, such as running or hiking or why not give aerobics classes a try. Whatever you choose you will feel and look great!