get your exercise on ... the easy way

School has nearly just begun and I am sure you are feeling the nervous excitement about starting a new year.  The biggest complaint I often hear during the junior and senior year is, "I don't have time to exercise!"  I completely understand.  Life will be very busy for you as the year progresses and you need to focus on studying, volunteering, eating right and having a little fun.  Where in the world does exercise fit into all of this?  

For some of us, we have it down.  We are able to schedule in our exercise like we do our classes or a coffee date with a friend.  But for the rest of, it is hard to keep active. I have an excellent suggestion to efficiently get your heart rate up all year long. 

Ride your bike!  "Ride a bike in San Francisco you say? With all these hills and cars!?" Yes, ride your bike.  San Francisco is becoming one of the most bike friendly cities in the country.  There are bike lanes popping up everywhere, safe places to park you bike and classes on how to ride safely in the city (see The Bike Coalition link below).  The best part about bike commuting is you see parts of the city you normally wouldn't notice on Muni or in your car.  Your to and from work is now your work out.  You also have now have freed up 30 to 60 minutes of your day! Take a chance, jump on your bike and ride to school.

What you will need:
1. A bike, helmet and bike lock.  
I know, bikes can be pricey.  The best suggestion I have for an affordable bike is to check out Craigslist. Otherwise, if you have a bit of cash to spare, here are some of my favorite bike shops:

• American Cyclery in Cole Valley
• Valencia Cyclery in the Mission
  
• Freewheel Bike Shop in NOPA
• Box Dog Bikes in the Mission (a bit 'hipstered' out, but a good selection of bikes)
• Everybody BIkes in the Inner Sunset 

2. A safe and smooth route of how you will get to school from your house.  
Take a look at https://www.sfbike.org/resources/maps-routes/ - Google bike map. It usually selects the flattest and safest route.  
3. A practice day.  
Time yourself each way so you know how much time you need to get to campus without rushing.  Include the time it takes to lock your bike and walk to class.  Also, make sure you feel comfortable with the height and function of your bike.  You can always drop into one of the above bike shops for an adjustment for the perfect fit.
4. A smile!  
Seriously, you will enjoy it - I promise! 

Here are some helpful SF bike links and locations
-SFSU bicycle parking and bicycle routes  http://parking.sfsu.edu/biking
-SF Bike Coalition www.sfbike.org 
(An excellent SF bike organization for social events and bike education. As a member you can receive discounts through the city.)
-East Bay Bike Coalition https://bikeeastbay.org 
(An excellent SF bike organization for social events and bike education. As a member you can receive discounts through the city.)
-Bart bicycle rules http://www.bart.gov/guide/bikes/bikeRules
-Mojo Bicycle Cafe  http://www.mojobicyclecafe.com 
(A fun cafe with fellow bike riders drinking coffee and hanging out.)

---