Would You Enjoy Cycling For Baby Boomers?

cycling for boomers has to be one of the best forms of exercise that most people who are relatively active can take. Biking is a form of aerobic activity - which just means that it uses oxygen in working the lungs and circulation system (unlike to something like weight training).

As you can imagine, aerobic exercise is likely to be very beneficial for the blood circulation and the heart. Biking can also aid to lessen symptoms of many health issues including asthma, arthritis, hypertension and even depression. An extra plus for those of us who are over a certain age is that it is said to reverse some of the physical signs of aging.

Of course, there is some risk in undertaking any serious exercise as we get older and we recommend you have a health check from your doctor before starting - especially if you currently suffer from any health problem, particularly heart-related conditions or high blood pressure, or if you are at risk of these because of excess weight or smoking.

Before starting bicycling, we have a decision to make: inside or outside?

Indoor Cycling

Biking in one's own home of course requires an indoor cycle. The major advantage of being inside is that you can exercise at any time, in all weather conditions and even in the busiest city. Privacy while we exercise is also a factor for many of us.

You may find stationary cycling boring compared with outdoor bicycling, or you may not. But be sure to include some fun in whatever form of exercise you take up, to stay motivated.

Most people with an indoor cycle listen to music while they use it. Some even watch TV or a movie, but this is not ideal. Stay aware of your body during your workout for maximum effectiveness, and also to reduce the risk of muscle strain or injury.

Outdoor Cycling

The wonderful thing about biking out of doors is that it gets you out in the fresh air and in the world. There is a big benefit to the lungs and circulatory system from receiving fresh oxygen.

You will want to stay out of heavy traffic, both for reasons of safety and to avoid pollution. Plan out your route on quiet streets or use off-road cycle tracks. Take a cellphone, especially if you are bicycling alone.

One of the best ways to make the most of bicycling outdoors, however, is to cycle with others. If you do not have cycling friends already, you may be able to find a seniors or beginners bicycling group in your area. This will help to motivate you, and you will meet new people.

This has huge benefits in itself. When we are young it happens naturally in all the changes and activities of our life, but as we get older, these become fewer. At the same time, we lose old friends in one way or another. The result is that we have less social contact and we become vulnerable to boredom and depression.

If we meet new people on a regular basis we will broaden our outlook and keep our minds active and alert. So cycling for seniors with a group will exercise the mind as well as the body - another in the list of the benefits of cycling for boomers.

Related posts

• You Are Never Too Busy To Exercise: Essential Health & Fitness Info (0)
• Workout In Your Own Home With Bowflex Home Gym (0)
• Why It Is Important To Never Ever Underestimate The Usefulness Of The Pilates Exercise Program (0)
• Why High Protein Diets? (0)
• Why Bother With Fitness Gyms When You Can Have Fun? (0)

Tagged with: Exercise • health • Weight