Cycling is an excellent way to slim your figure, as long as you use it correctly. Indeed, a very specific way of pedaling would allow you to lose weight more quickly and sustainably. Explanations with our expert.
Cycling has established itself today as one of the most effective activities for regaining a lighter figure. It can be practiced alone or with others, outdoors or indoors, at your own pace, without putting a strain on the joints. “It’s a worn sport. This allows you to maintain a more regular and longer activity without pain”underlines Benoît Gouault, founder and Wareega dietary advisor. Result: you can get started at any age, even when you don’t have the physical condition of a champion.
But pedaling is not enough. For the body to truly become refined, you still need to know how to approach it. In the long term, cycling transforms the body. The legs become more defined, the stomach becomes firmer, the silhouette becomes slimmer. It’s in-depth work and contrary to popular belief, you don’t burn as much fat as possible by exhausting yourself. Far from it. “This is not the best method”insists Benoît Gouault. “Beyond the fact that it can quickly make you feel sick, this type of effort is mainly useful for improving your performance, not for losing weight.” You will have understood, it is not because we come out rinsed that we have eliminated more fat. The body, in reality, needs a certain balance to draw on its good reserves. And if you push too hard, too fast, it does exactly the opposite.
So, for real results in the space of a few weeks, there is no need to do a series of daily outings. Two sessions per week are enough to start the process. “It is better to have two well-distributed two-hour activities than several consecutive sessions that are too short or too intense,” explains the expert. And there is no need to aim for performance. “Start with a small session, and gradually increase the duration by 10%. Try to come home with the desire to continue,” he emphasizes. “After 4 to 5 sessions, you will start to feel your body more toned, your muscles firmer and your energy boosted. And after 4 weeks, you will see the first results.” Another advantage: even after the session, the body continues to work. Benoît Gouault specifies: “It continues to consume fat to regenerate itself.” The slimming effect therefore does not stop once the bike is stored.
“The ideal is to pedal at a cadence of between 70 and 90 revolutions per minute. Below that, force pedaling mainly develops muscle volume. Above that, you run out of breath”, says founder Wareega. And it is precisely this shortness of breath that must be avoided if the objective is to lose weight. The right pace is one that allows you to hold on for a long time, without being out of breath, without pulling on your muscles or nerves.
And good news: it is accessible to everyone, even without training. “The bikes are equipped with derailleurs, which allow the effort to be adapted to the terrain. And with an electrically assisted bike, you can ride anywhere, even when you’re just starting out.” he concludes. So, get on the saddle!
