Biking to work is a great way to increase physical activity, improve your overall health, and be kind to the environment. Just because it carries many benefits, however, doesn't mean it’s right for everyone. You should always consult your healthcare professional before undertaking any new exercise regime, but even if you've already gotten the green light, it's not time to jump on your bike just yet.

Yes, you will almost certainly see long term benefits from making the switch, but getting started with anything new is hard, and biking to work is no exception. That's why we've put together this list of tips to help you get started as easily as possible:

Take Care of Your Muscles

If you haven't spent much time on a bike in a while, you're probably going to experience some discomfort and soreness when getting started on your biking journey. While this is unfortunately unavoidable, you can help manage the pain by visiting a top osteopath in South Melbourne. They'll be able to provide support by working with your muscles rather than against them and providing strategies to help you manage your overall wellness to get past the sore stage faster. This will make your new transport method more enjoyable and help you achieve the health benefits of increased physical activity sooner.

Stay Hydrated 

One of the biggest mistakes people make when increasing their physical activity is that they don't increase their water consumption in the same manner. The general recommendation when it comes to staying properly hydrated is at least eight to nine glasses of water a day, but if your activity levels are above average, you'll need to up your water intake to match the fluids that you'll be losing by working out more.

Wear the Right Clothes

Another thing to consider is the clothing you will wear during your ride. Just as your work environment may call for a suit or protective clothing relevant to your role, cycling to work has its own uniform if you want to be safe and comfortable. Always wear the right workout gear, preferably with fluoro or reflective elements so it's easy for motorists to see you, and please invest in the appropriate shoes for cycling.

After-Care Is Crucial

Finally, an area that is often overlooked, but is absolutely vital to the success of your new health venture, is after-care. As noted at the start of this article, your muscles are going to protest at first, but even once the pain is gone, you still need to ensure that you're caring for your body properly. This is your best bet for getting good results and minimising the risks of your new transportation method.

We strongly recommend eating a healthy dinner each night and having a set routine to unwind at the end of the day. This could be as simple as curling up with a cup of tea and a good book or as elaborate as creating an at-home spa, complete with a 16-step skincare routine, bath salts, essential oils, and a fancy fluffy robe to top it all off. The how doesn't particularly matter. All we're focusing on here is ensuring that your muscles get a chance to relax and release tension before you jump back on your bike in the morning.

These four tips aren't the only things you need to consider when you first start biking to work, but they are certainly some of the most important. So, get set up properly, follow the advice in this article, and enjoy your new daily workout!