WIFE Sport: Bicycling

Here are some key benefits that come with bike riding:

1. It’s great for the environment.
2. You get the same aerobic workout riding a bike as you would jogging
3. It is much easier on the joints.
4. Save on gas.
5. Gain more energy.
6. Can be done anytime, anywhere.
7. The whole family can do it.
8. Increased heart and lung function.
9. Stronger leg muscles. (Remember to stretch before going on a serious bike ride)
10. Even those with arthritis can bike ride, and their joints will actually feel better afterwards.

I loved riding my Blue Beach Cruiser, named  Blue Bell. I love making the effort to ride my bike and wind down from a stressful day. Bike riding keeps us healthy, busy and happy. As an adult I realize bike riding offers many benefits for the body, as well as for the spirit. – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE

Bicycling is a good cardiovascular exercise that could increase the health of your heart. A bike with several speeds will allow you to increase you fitness level as your cardiovascular function improves. Begin by riding at an easy speed over even ground. If what you want is a challenge change your terrain.

Bicycling is kind to the joints. As we get older we experience Joint pain especially in the knees as they Osteoporosis causes joint problems to worsen because of the lack of proper calcium levels in the bones. Bike riding offers exercise without pain. The aerobic benefit is comparable to jogging or running without the strain. Check that the seat height on your bike is adjusted to allow your legs full range of motion with each revolution. Full range of motion also promotes better circulation to the lower extremities which do the majority of the work in moving the bicycle.

Bicycling whips those leg muscles into shape. For muscular endurance, stick to a flat terrain, but adjust the speed of the bike as your strength improves. To avoid cramping, stretch thoroughly before and after each bike ride. Bicycling increases your balance. Learning to ride a bike is all about staying upright. To do that, you have to find a balance between your body and the bike. Maintaining that balance strengthens the core muscles of the abdominal region. Tightening the core muscles keeps you from falling off of the bike. The lower abdominals pull your legs back towards you body from the bottom of the cycling revolution. The lower back is also kept pain free by a strong balanced core.