Think Outside the Treadmill

I moved to Seattle a little over a year ago, beach cruiser in tow, after being born and raised in Irvine, California for the entirety of my life. I finally made my way up to the Emerald City at 26 years old with nothing to fear, changing careers from teaching to nursing.  I traded in my FJ Cruiser for a Prius and my platforms for some Merrells.

Jeffrey Campbell wedges, my thriving orchid, Raleigh mountain bike, Malcolm the kitteh

Immediately after moving, I enrolled in an Anatomy and Physiology class.  Over the course of the 2 quarter class, I befriended a boy that has now been my boyfriend for a year this March.  His passion?  Biking!  The bike culture in Seattle quickly became apparent to me and I loved it!  It was not something I was used to as "nobody walks in LA, walking in LA, nobody walks in LA!"  It's caused me to be aware of how unsafe and rude people behind the wheel can be, myself included.  Every time I'm in the car, I have a newfound respect for cyclists I see around me.

My bf wanted me to bike everywhere with him and I quickly realized my beach cruiser was not going to cut it in the long run.  Let me tell you, it is THE workout.  And it's FUN!  There is nothing more enjoyable than taking your bike down to the beach after breaking a good sweat.  It brings back memories of your childhood.  It reduces your carbon footprint.  Ya, ya, ya.  Helmets aren't cool, but neither are spilled brains!  My boyfriend chooses to bike to work every morning at which I admire him greatly for.  There is no excuse to not workout when your mode of transportation provides that built in!

Recently in Brazil, a group of over 100 cyclists that were biking to raise awareness for traffic/bike safety when a man plowed through them, injuring dozens.  He was in his car with his young son and claimed he was using self-defense.  It really brings to light that as a driver, you're behind a deadly weapon and need to respect that cyclists have the same right on the road as you  do.  They are just choosing to use it a different way.

Look into getting a good bike with multiple gears so you can take hills and disc brakes so you know it will stop on a dime.  This will really add dimension to your workout.  Go to a bike store that will offer you a proper fit.  A good seat is the key to comfort.


Don't forget your helmet and maybe some bright colors.  Neon is in right now so you've got it covered.


If you're going to be biking at night, get a small blinking attachable light so you're visible from afar.  Again, spilled brains aren't cool!


Now sit up, take some hills and enjoy the awesome butt you're going to acquire!