Bike riding is a low impact exercise that can be enjoyed by everyone – young to old.  It is something that people over 50 should consider if they want to be more active. It offers an alternative to running so that you are not pounding the streets and it is generally a better aerobic activity than walking to get your heart pumping.

May is also Bike Month and a great time in Wisconsin to get your bike down from the rafters, spruce it up and go for a ride. Check out a few ways you can celebrate Bike Month including participating in National Bike to Work Week.

Regular bike riding will give the following benefits

• • • • • • • • • • Keeps you physically active
                  • Aids in weight loss by burning calories
                  • Increases aerobic capacity and stamina
                  • Increases cardiovascular health
                  • Improves coordination
                  • Increases joint motion and lubrication
                  • Decreases stress levels

Cycling for 30 min 3-5 x per week will help with your health.  The CDC recommends 150 min of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week and this will help fulfill that recommendation. Cycling is also low impact so it does not put nearly as much strain on the joints as running does but still helps your heart and lungs to stay healthy.

Cycling to work, shopping or to meet friends and family will combine exercise in your regular routine when the weather permits.  And when the weather is bad Innovative Health and Fitness has cycling classes that can keep you energized and continuing with your healthy routine. Cycling can be done at a low intensity to start with, if you are feeling unfit or are injured, but it can progressively be built up to an intense workout.

Cycling vs running

Many people think that cycling does not have as big an impact on your health as running.  It is true that to get the endorphins and feel great rush you want from exercising, you will have to sit on your bike for a bit longer than if you were running.  However, cycling is a good overall muscle workout as it uses all the major muscle groups as you pedal.  So, although it may not feel that way, you are working just as hard, only much more safely in terms of reduced impact in your knees, hips and back.  This can be a big bonus for people aged 50+.

If an injury is stopping you from the cycling you enjoy.  Physical Therapy can be the bridge between being injured and getting back to doing the things that keep you active and healthy.

If you want to get back into fitness and good health now our team would love to listen to your concerns and answer questions.  Please call us at 414-235-3660 for a free consultation.

P.S. Do you know someone that is always complaining about pain and not living life to the fullest?  Would love to have them feel better, live better also.