Ready to put aside the traffic jams and subway air and enjoy a cycling commute? More and more Americans are choosing to bike to work, both as a form of exercise and an ecologically-friendly form of transportation. One potential setback, however, comes in the form of sweat. After a long ride to work, you may get sweaty! Here’s how to tackle this problem and be fresh for work.
Some employers have on-site fitness centers or showers for employees who choose to ride to work. If that’s the case, simply shower once you get to work. Use your office or an employee locker to keep a hair dryer, brush, and deodorant on hand and you are all set. Unfortunately, most of us do not have this luxury. There are still a number of ways to enjoy your ride and still look great at work.
- Ride in the shade. Consider multiple routes for your trek to work. Choose the one that offers the most shade, away from traffic when possible. This will help you remain cooler on your way in to work. It will also help you avoid vehicles on the roads which radiate heat.
- Choose your clothing carefully. Avoid long, flowing clothing like long skirts that can snag on your bike. Consider linen and cotton clothes that are breathable and will allow air to flow through. Shoes should be comfortable and have rubber soles. You can either shop for work shoes that fit the bill, or keep a pair of shoes at work and change out when you arrive.
- Use advanced deodorant. Select an advanced or clinical-strength deodorant. This will help prevent sweating, keep you smelling fresh, and avoid dark rings on your clothing. Also, keep an extra stick at work to apply on hot days.
- Find a place to keep your stuff. If you have an office, you are all set. But if you share a workspace or cubicle, you need to find a place to keep extra clothes, a jacket, brush, and hygiene essentials.
- Keep it short and easy to maintain. Your hair, that is. Opt for a short cut or, if you want to have long hair, put it up while you ride. This will prevent your hair from getting tangled but also mean it’s easier to look fresh when you arrive at work. Some cyclists choose to wrap their hair in a scarf under their helmet to keep their style and also absorb any excess perspiration.
- Use sunscreen. Although it won’t prevent you from sweating, it could potentially save your life. Skin cancer results from extended exposure to the sun. Sunscreen should be applied to any areas of your body that are exposed to the sun. Shop around for a sunscreen with a neutral scent and a matte finish that won’t leave your skin shining. If you use cosmetics, shop for ones with added SPF benefits. There are even a number of new products on the market that combine hairspray with SPF benefits to set your hair and protect your scalp. Although this isn’t an issue if you choose to wear a helmet – and you should!
- Allow enough time to bike at a moderate speed. Racing in to work is sure to get you sweating. Instead, opt for a more casual pace, enjoy the scenery, and keep the perspiration at bay.
- Keep your pack light. If you carry a backpack or briefcase, keep it light. The more weight you pack on your bike, the higher your rate of exertion. Consider keeping some items at work instead and then replenishing them as needed.
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Bike commuting without sweating is possible if you exercise proper care. This will keep you looking great and feeling good! Whenever cycling, follow proper safety precautions to prevent bicycle crashes. If you are injured in a bicycle crash, contact the team at Kass & Moses. Our experienced bicycle crash lawyers will represent you and deal with the insurance company so that you don’t have to. Contact Kass & Moses with any questions you may have regarding your bicycle crash.
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