New Year, New You: 6 Anti-New Year’s Resolution Tips To Make Cycling a

New Year’s resolutions for a healthier lifestyle are the most common ones broken within the first month of every year.

You promise to:

Lose weight and eat less junk.
Quit smoking and drink less alcohol.
Spend more time with family and friends.

But by the time February rolls around, you’ve thrown in the towel - called it quits! The crazy part is that these goals can be achieved! We’ve been in your shoes more than we’d like to admit. We’re here for it, and we’ll share how we’ve been able to break the cycle of doom.

Let’s get into it.

6 anti-new year’s resolution tips to make cycling a part of your daily routine in 2023:

Tip #1: Set realistic goals that work even when you’re lazy

Setting realistic but challenging goals is the most obvious tip to get started on the right foot.

Who doesn’t want to set a new monthly mileage record on Strava? Setting a goal helps kickstart motivation post-New Year’s Eve and gives your cycling sessions a purpose. It doesn’t need to be mileage on the legs. It could be focused on health, weight loss, mental health, achieving a personal best on a route, and establishing a routine.

Goals are essential for keeping things going. You’ll be more motivated to get out on the bike when you've got a goal.

Tip #2: Go cycling with friends to ramp up the fun factor

Group rides are where the fun is because cycling is a social sport!
You’ve probably seen large groups of club rides having a laugh on the bike and stopping at a café for strong coffee - and more laughs. Riding with a group helps with motivation because others will hold you accountable for going on the ride - no more bailing on exercise! You’ll ride in the pack or peloton in cycling terms. One of the best parts? Faster average speeds drafting the guy or gal in front of you by sitting on their back wheel (c’mon, you gotta know the lingo!) and having people to talk to while pedalling.

Psychologically speaking, riding with a group will massively help you get through the winter months.

Tip #3: Step out of the box to spice up your exercise routine

There’s nothing better than kickstarting the year by setting yourself up for a new challenge.

Sign up for a cycling sportive or tackle a climb you’ve always wanted to try. Committing to something new in January instantly kickstarts your year, gets you cycling, and sets the tone for your cycling goals. You’ll have to train for it, start as soon as possible, and be in good fitness.

But it doesn’t have to be a challenge.

It could be something different, like integrating cross-training into your cycling routine. Whatever it is, the key is to spice up your January and kick yourself into gear. We mean the pun.

Tip #4: Book a cycling adventure to see the world at a different pace

While the winter weather might be the thing that’s holding you back, it doesn’t need to be a deal-breaker.

If you’ve never tried a cycling tour abroad, starting the year with a European tour could be the perfect two-wheeled getaway. The weather could still be cold, but cycling is a great way to explore, and a tour is an adventure! Cycling capitals like the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark are places to experience cycling culture.

Or go for something more adventurous like the mountains, such as the Alps or the cobbles of Northern France.

Mallorca is an excellent option with loads of great routes for a bit of winter sun. Sa Calobra is a popular cycling option and one of the most famous mountain climbs. You never know - you might bump into a World Tour cyclist in winter training for the new season.

Cycl[ists] see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to. - Dr K.K. Doty, 19th Century New Yorker

Tip #5: Commute by bike to get fit, help the environment, and skip the gym

One of the best ways to kickstart your cycling year is to switch up the car or train and opt for commuting by bike.

Cycling to work is cheap, often just as fast as any other method of transport (if not faster), and a great way to include fitness into your commute. The fresh air will help improve your mood throughout the day, keep productivity high, and do your bit for the environment. Cycling to work is backed by most governments as the most eco-friendly and healthy way to commute. It’s often tough to get started, especially post-Christmas and New Year. Once commuting becomes a habit, you’ll fly about on your bike and feel invigorated by your efforts.

No more getting home from work and going to the gym for your fitness session…it’ll already be done!

Cycling for 20 minutes on most days reduces mortality risk by at least 10%;
active commuting is associated with about a 10% decrease in risk for cardiovascular disease and a 30% decrease in type 2 diabetes risk; cancer-related mortality is 30% lower among bike commuters. - World Health Organization

Tip #6: Jump on the indoor cycling bandwagon - it’s no longer just for the pros

If you’re a fairweather cyclist and only want to bike in the summer, it might be time to try indoor cycling.

The good news is the options today are plentiful. There are loads of indoor cycling set-ups and technology to deliver a great cycling experience (although nothing will beat the road) from the comfort of your own home. Spin bikes such as Peloton have pushed the boundaries for home workouts. At the same time, virtual cycling platforms like Zwift are regularly used by the pros to keep fit when the weather is bad or if they’re in between training camps.

If you’re on a budget, a simple turbo trainer which mounts to your back wheel is a quick and easy option to get pedalling.

Let’s wrap it up, friends.