Cycling Motivation: Top 5 Ways to Get Inspired
We’re not sure how the weather’s shaping up in your city. But in Toronto where we’re based, spring has been slow to arrive. We’ve been hit with some April snowstorms, and it’s only now that the temperatures are creeping above freezing. But with these wacky weather patterns, who knows when winter weather will strike again?
That’s why this week’s blog post is dedicated to keeping our customers motivated. Despite our fabulous tips on winter cycling, no doubt the spring months are more ideal. So read on for our suggestions on how to stay inspired in the face of this crappy weather. By the end of it, we hope you’ll be itching to get on that bike!
Cycle with Friends
Nothing can get you more motivated than doing something with a group of friends. When we get buddies and colleagues involved in our goals, we often feel a need to ‘deliver’. This feeling can be triggered by a desire for bragging rights, or wanting to avoid shame and embarrassment. Whatever the reason, group cycling is a sure way to get us off the couch. Consider calling up a few fixie bike enthusiasts or joining organized ‘meetups’ in your city.
Earlier this month, we posted a great article on cycling events in Ontario. Gather some of your closest friends and make a weekend of it! Check out some of the provincial parks by bike, and then stay in a cabin overnight. There’s also lots of charity events happening in Toronto and Niagara. Sign up with friends who are interested in pedalling for a good cause.
Make Use of Your Limited Time
When the weather is terrible, we tend to fill our days at home with chores and other errands. This means we end up making more excuses as to why we can’t be outdoors. Take a look at your daily schedule and look for smaller windows of time. Cycling journeys don’t need to be hours long. A simple 30-minute bike ride a few times a week is enough to keep you healthy and happy. Don’t judge the productivity of your journeys based on time spent in the saddle. But rather, ride with purpose. Consider the routes around your immediate neighbourhood. Make the best use of scenic paths to promote happiness, steep inclines to break a sweat, and whether trips to the bank or grocery store can be done by bike. Incorporating small bursts of cycling activity into your daily routine is far easier than trying to get motivated for a long 30k session.
Force Yourself Into a Habit
Doing something over and over again won’t necessarily make you better at it. But it will force you into a routine. Because humans are creatures of habit, we often feel a bit ‘off’ when we stray from the usual patterns. Instead of looking for grand signs of inspiration, book yourself in for a daily 30-minute bike ride around the block before heading into work. Not only will the morning breeze wake you up, it’s also a great way to incorporate some cardio into your exercise regimen. By forcing yourself to perform a small cycling task each day, you’re training your body (and your brain!) to look forward to the good vibes it brings. Meanwhile, you’re establishing a habit that will eventually become ‘hard to break’. Nothing is more inspirational and refreshing than knowing you can’t get on with your day until you’ve biked for a bit first!
Create a Goal
Cycling is often more meaningful when there’s a specific goal in mind. It’s difficult to get yourself out of hibernation when there’s no reward to look forward to. So whether you’re trying to lose 5 lbs by August or looking to get in better shape before that local bike marathon, set out on each journey with a clear endgame in mind.
Tell Anyone and Everyone
This is an extension of the previous point. It’s always harder to back out of a goal when you’ve told all your friends and family about it. By constantly referring to this goal out loud, you’re telling your brain to make it a reality. There’s also a greater need to accomplish things when you feel like everybody’s watching. Sometimes, our fear of shame and embarrassment is enough inspiration to get on that bike. And if that’s what it takes, well there’s no harm in that!
