Biking for Good Health
Wanting to regain some fitness? Looking to lose a few pounds? Are you keen on helping yourself and the environment all at the same time? Well, perhaps biking could just what you are looking for. Read on for information on pedaling your way to good health.
Benefits of Biking
There are far more advantages of biking than there are disadvantages:
- Improves mood and sense of well being. Pushing those pedals creates plenty of those happy hormones “endorphins” leaving you with a great sense of well being for a few hours after you have finished riding.
- Suitable for all ages.
- Suitable for all fitness levels. Biking is one of those activities that you can start at your own pace. Build up slowly until you are riding at the speed and intensity that you aspire to.
- Can be enjoyed by those with joint problems. Since cycling is considered a low impact sport it can be ideal for those suffering from arthritis and other joint conditions.
- Great for burning calories.
- Improves muscle tone, especially in the legs.
- Reduces risk for weight related health issues such as diabetes type 2.
- Can be used as a form of environmentally friendly transport.
- Low overheads. Riding a bike is a lot less costly than being a member of a gym.
- Can be enjoyed by all members of the family. Put the whole family on bikes and head for the nearest bike park or track for some seriously healthy outdoors exercise.
- Great form of aerobic exercise. Cycling is an extremely effective workout for the heart, lungs, and major muscle groups of the body.
- Can be as social as you wish. There are cycling clubs all around the world if you don’t like the thought of riding on your own. Cycling clubs can range from competitive to social to cycling vacations.
- Saves on transport and fuel costs. Once you have paid for your bike, there will be no paying for gas or transport fares.
- Fast. Traveling around on a pushbike is a lot faster than walking or jogging. Use the pushbike for visiting the local shop, instead of driving the car, when you don’t have enough time to walk.
Preventing Biking Injuries
You can help reduce the risk of injuring yourself by following these simple instructions:
- Ensure that the bike is the correct size for you. A bike that is too small or too big for your height will be extremely uncomfortable and result in poor riding posture and lower back pain.
- Wear a bike helmet. Most cycling injuries are caused by cyclists falling off their bikes or running into objects (like trees and parked cars). Give your head as much protection as it deserves. Your helmet should be stamped to show that it meets health standards.
- Warm ups, cool downs and stretches are all important for keeping muscle strains and injuries to a minimum.
- Wear proper shoes. Bare feet, sandals, and flip flops are not going to protect your feet and toes in the case of an accident.
- Don’t wear baggy clothes that can get caught in the moving parts.
- If you are riding at dusk or dawn you will need to have lights on your bike and wear reflective clothing.
Careful!
- Those who have health problems or haven’t exercised for a while, or are over 40, should seek advise from their doctor before hopping on their pushbike and starting a marathon.
- Sun smart. If you are going to be riding around in the heat of the day you will need to be wearing sunscreen.
- Early morning bike rides can be a better idea as the sun’s rays are not so intense, and there is less chance of suffering heat exhaustion.
- Fluids. Riding a pushbike is hot and sweaty work. Make sure you take water or sports drinks with you, and that you have had plenty of fluids to drink before you start out.
- Fuel up. Lean proteins ans complex carbohydrates will help keep your muscles in shape, and provide energy for your body to burn.
- Maintain that bike. At the very least, you will need to keep air in those tires, and regularly check the chain and brakes.
- Road safety. If you are taking your pushbike out on the roads with the cars it is vital that you follow the rules of the road.
- If you are riding alone it is always a smart idea to carry your cell phone with you. You don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with no contact with the rest of the world.
Conclusion
Biking or cycling is a great form of exercise that is not only healthy for the rider, but for the environment as well.
Resources
Explains the medical health benefits of biking.
http://www.mydr.com.au/sports-fitness/cycling-to-health
Great tips on biking and links to further information.
http://www.randallshansen.com/biking-primer.html
A recent study into the impressive health benefits of biking.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090902/Walking-and-biking-raise-health-and-fitness-levels.aspx
A great and inspiring article on continuing biking in a very cold winter.
http://bikewinter.org/tipsAndResources/ginstips.php
A must read for anyone planning on riding their bike anywhere near cars.
http://bicyclesafe.com.
