5 Things to Know Before You Start Biking 5 Miles Per Day

Authored by Athena Nagel

Besides being a rejuvenating activity, biking offers several health benefits. It can help protect you from heart disease, depression, obesity, and even bone-related issues like arthritis. Cycling at the proper intensity level can help avoid issues.

Additionally, you may also consider giving yourself recovery days for your muscles and bones to recover. If you are looking to add a level up to your fitness journey while also enjoying the benefits of fresh air and the outdoor environment, then biking may be the right way to go.

Even people with low or moderate fitness levels can bike for five miles a day. The answer to “it takes how long to bike 5 miles a day” varies based on several factors.

Consider Your Fitness Level

As mentioned above, biking 5 miles is not an unachievable target for anyone. However, factors like your health condition and fitness level matter when you decide to bike for 5 miles a day. Experienced bikers who are already at their peak fitness levels can complete the task in as little as 25 minutes.

A beginner may take longer and may need breaks in between. If you are obese or have conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, joint inflammation, or cardiac issues, you should ease into the process. Start at lower biking speeds and shorter biking durations and slowly work your way up.

Choose the Right Bike

A great set of wheels can make all the difference—however, it’s vital to consider your expertise level and fitness requirements while choosing a bike. For instance, if you plan to cycle in a park or a cycling lane in your city, you don’t need a loaded, geared, heavy-duty mountain bike.

Today, bikes come with a range of attractive features like aerodynamic bodywork, performance tires, ventilated pads, dual-channel ABS braking systems, and whatnot. Understand what your fitness requirements are and choose the best bike for your needs.

Don’t Forget the Terrain

Do you plan to cycle five miles uphill, or are you just taking your bike for a casual ride on the road? People planning to ride on city roads should also consider the traffic situation and choose a convenient time for biking.

Also, ensure that your brakes and tires are in good condition. You need more robust bikes with better features and thicker tires to ride on hills and other rugged terrains.

Use High-Grade Safety Gear

Helmets, high-visibility biking clothes, and shoes are your primary safety gear requirements.

If you plan to cycle in uneven terrain or are an inexperienced biker, you may want to use knee and elbow pads as well. Five miles may seem like a short distance. However, it’s best to be safe when biking.

Sustainable Fitness Goals

You are not likely to lose more than one or two pounds a week by biking five miles a day. So, if you have extensive weight loss goals, add additional exercises to your routine.

Biking for 5 miles a day will essentially lay the foundation for your weight loss journey and help you get used to biking and cardio.

Wrapping Up

Even for inexperienced bikers, if you are thinking, “it takes how long to bike 5 miles a day?” It can take around 45 minutes. However, remember there is no rush—bike at your own pace, based on your health and fitness condition for the best results.