"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

Top 5 Benefits of Cycling

Going for a ride is sweet on your heart and muscles, and it could possibly improve the best way you walk, balance, and climb stairs.

Photo: DTStockPhotos

Check out the key physical advantages.

Safety considerations

Consult your doctor before getting on a motorcycle, especially if you've gotten heart disease, arthritis, or osteoporosis. “If you have osteoporosis, consider riding a tricycle, which is more stable than two wheels, which reduces the risk of falling,” says Dr. Safran-Norton. “If you've had a recent fracture, don't ride a bike at all. Another fall could make it worse.”

When riding, keep in mind that the seat height allows your knee to bend barely. “You don't want to kneel directly under the pedal stroke, because the bike can be too high and you can fall,” says Dr. Safran-Norton.

Other Tips: Wear a helmet to guard your head. Do not use clips to carry your feet on the pedals, which may worsen injuries within the event of a fall. Don't ride alone; Stick to bike paths as an alternative of riding on the road. Stay hydrated before, during and after your ride; And use sunscreen and sunglasses.

Tips for selecting equipment

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You probably know that a helmet is mandatory for safety. The right clothes and bike can even make cycling safer and more comfortable.

Cycling clothes. They contain high-tech fibers that wick away moisture. They are often neon-colored, with reflective material so you'll be able to be seen by drivers. Bike shorts have thick padding or chamois to stop chafing and supply cushioning.

Bikes Find something that puts less stress in your body, like a beach cruiser or a comfort bike. They have high handlebars that enable you to take a seat upright, wide tires for a smooth ride, shock-absorbing seatposts, and low top tubes to permit you to raise your leg higher to get on the bike. No must swing (at the least allow an inch or two of clearance between you and the tube). If mounting a motorcycle is difficult, there are even “step-through” bicycles which have top tubes only six inches above the bottom (see photo).

The saddle Get one with extra padding that's wide enough to support the bones you sit on. Go even further with a saddle that reduces pressure on the perineum, the world between those bones, behind the genitals. It is home to the nerves and arteries that provide the lower body, and an excessive amount of pressure here could cause numbness and tingling within the legs. Pressure relief saddles can have a “noseless” or horseshoe design.

No material on this site, no matter date, needs to be used as an alternative to direct medical advice out of your doctor or other qualified practitioner.