Getting back on your bike after a break - whether through injury or procrastination - can be daunting, and it is important to take the right approach if you want to get back to fitness safely.
Whether you are a regular cyclist with a good underlying level of fitness, or whether you are taking up cycling after many years away - as many of our customers are - the principles are the same. Here are our top tips for getting it right:
If you have been out of the game for a long time let your first month of rides be about fun rather than setting fitness or distance targets. There's nothing wrong with a ride that has a cafe at the end of it!
Listen to your body. If old injuries surface, or if you get new niggles, don't ignore them and push through. Take some rest days to make sure you aren't doing any damage and seek medical advice if the issue persists.
Don't compare yourself and your distances and performance to other riders. Cycling in a group can be good for motivation, but it can also prompt you to compete with other riders with different levels of fitness - this isn't always helpful if you are getting back into cycling after a break.
Once you feel like a cyclist again, start setting goals, tracking your performance and increasing distance and intensity. Signing up for an organised event or a charity ride will give you a tangible goal to work towards.
Make sure your bike is in good working order. If it has been gathering dust in the shed it is wise to give it the once over. Clean it well and check your chain, tyres and brakes for any maintenance issues.