SPINNING THEIR WHEELS: CYCLING ENTHUSIASTS PEDDLE TO BETTER HEALTH

Andy Stallings, left, an instructor at the Universal Health & Fitness bicycle Spinning class, encouraged his class to pedal harder during a workout.

Eric Gooden, owner of Cape Bicycle & Fitness, says a lot of people turn to bicycles for fitness because they remember cycling being fun as children.

Each summer, Americans begin a relentless pursuit of the perfect physique.

They attack weights in the gym with a ferocity and resolve that lasts about one visit.

Or sometimes they join an aerobics class, only to quit when they discover surprising homicidal tendencies that seem to be triggered by seeing someone who actually looks good in spandex.

Now with the latest studies indicating that U.S. residents are even flabbier than originally thought, people are looking for an exercise program they can stick with.

For many, that journey ends on a bicycle path.

"Some people get kind of bored with a lot of repetitive fitness programs," said Eric Gooden, owner of Cape Bicycle and Fitness shop.

Describing the customers who come through his door, Gooden said, "They remember bicycles from their childhood, and generally, they associated bikes with fun."

Many people who turn to cycling lead sedentary lives at work, tied to desks. When they're not working, particularly in warm weather, they seek an outdoor sport.

And cycling is something families can do together, he said.

Nowadays, cyclists can choose their terrain and the bike that's best suited to it, from road bikes to mountain bikes, or something in between.

"They're not so much training for a triathalon, though we have those people too, rather most are trying to improve their quality of life and to feel better," Gooden said.

If you don't want to ride alone, Cape Girardeau has a bicycle club: Velo Girardeau meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month in Hirsch Community Room at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

At 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday, club members take 60-to-90-minute rides starting at the Rose Garden in Capaha Park. Pace is slow to moderate.

For more advanced riders, Velo has Sunday afternoon road trips covering 25 to 40 miles each with various inclines.

But cycling isn't just for the outdoors.

When the limitations of time, space and weather prevent you from hopping on a bike and taking off down the road, indoor cycling can help trim your thighs and improve your cardiovascular system.

Local gyms offer several "Spinning" classes in which participants ride stationary bikes.

The term "Spinning" is a trademark of California-based Madd Dog Athletics.

One advantage to spinning classes -- besides avoiding the hazards of cars and rough roads -- is beginners aren't left out.

Resistance knobs on the bikes allow for lighter or more rigorous workouts so people of different abilities can exercise side by side and all are challenged.

According to information from the Spinning Web site, a 40-minute session burns an average of 500 calories.

Tips for safe and comfortable cycling:

-- Wear a helmet during outdoor riding: Even the safest rider may have an accident.

-- Ride defensively: Drivers aren't generally looking for cyclists and may not see you.

-- Watch the road: Potholes, grates, rocks and gravel are all potential dangers.

-- Avoid knee strain: Your knee should only be bent slightly at the bottom of your stroke. Adjust bike seat accordingly.

-- Eat: Exercising with low energy levels or on an empty stomach may lead to fatigue.

-- Drink: As with any workout, consume plenty of liquids before, during and after a ride. Water bottles are available for road bikes.

-- Padding cycling shorts are optional, but will make riding more comfortable.