As a Christian, I believe in caring for the body that God has given me. That's also why I choose to eat right and exercise. I heartily recommend a balanced total vegetarian or vegan diet. But a good diet isn't enough. I know lots of people who "eat right", but who are sick, tired, lifeless—they're not healthy! It's my belief that regular exercise is even more important than diet (within reason), and the two combined, along with a few other principles, help to ensure a long, vital, rewarding life.
   The bicycle, when properly utilized, makes and excellent tool for exercise and fitness. Seven-time Tour de´ France winner, Lance Armstrong, entitled his first book a number of years ago, "It's Not About the Bike". Lance was right—the bike is merely a tool. It's strange, however, that in America bicycles are considered "toys", while in the rest of the world they are looked upon as "tools". I seem to have the other world view, as I definitely don't consider an adult bicycle as a child's toy. It is a tool that is used for many purposes—basic transportation, commuting, grocery hauling, exercise and fitness, family fun, and even long-distance touring. I use the bike for commuting to the office, for fast-paced and hilly training/fitness rides, exploring many miles of quiet dirt roads in the nearby wildlife refuge, and for self-contained bike-camping tours.
   But a tool must be right for the job and one should know how to use it. As excellent a tool for health and fitness as the bicycle is, some education as to its proper use is important, lest injuries be the result.

   Here are some important factors to consider:

1. Get a "quality" bike:  If the bike is going to be used regularly for exercise, then the components should be of such a quality to withstand almost daily use. Department Store bikes are of such low quality that they generally will not withstand frequent use, and the components will not stay in adjustment, and frequently fail altogether. These bike are really just "toys". If you are riding any distance at all, you don't want to be left stranded or have to limp home on a broken bike.
   • Become acquainted with your local bike shop (LBS). These folks usually know bikes and can match you with the right bike for your given style and needs. They usually stock a nice variety of quality bicycles to meet your needs. If not, they can order one for you.
   • Get the right tool for the job:  When purchasing a quality bike, make sure that you get the right "type" of bike for your needs. There are many styles and designs to choose from, each fulfilling different roles. For instance there are Mountain bikes (MTB) with full-suspension, front-suspension only, and no suspension. There are Road bikes of various frame and fork materials and component levels. (These bikes are often used for racing, but also make excellent "fitness" tools.) Then there are Touring bikes, designed to incorporate racks for hauling gear efficiently and comfortably over long distances. (There are other categories of bikes as well, such as Hybrid, Cruiser, Cyclocross, BMX, but I won't be covering them here.)
2. The bike must "fit" you:  Here again, the LBS staff can take the appropriate measurements so that your bike is just the right size for the length of your torso, arms and legs. Be sure to take a good test ride to ensure that it feels just right for you. Remember, the bike should be fit to you, not you to the bike.
3. Learn how to use your bike:  We all learned how to ride a bike when we were just kids, but we probably weren't taught how to really use it properly. When using a bike as an exercise tool, it's important to learn good body mechanics, positioning, riding technique, pedal cadence, traffic awareness and safety, and even basic nutrition needs and routine bicycle maintainence. I always suggest that anyone new to health and fitness cycling join the local bike club. Many clubs conduct clinics for beginners, teaching these basic principles.