Cycling For Seniors - The Options
cycling for boomers is probably one of the best forms of exercise that most people who are still relatively active can take. Bicycling is aerobic activity - that simply means that it works the lungs and circulation system using oxygen (as opposed to something like weight lifting which does not).
As you would expect, aerobic exercise is generally very good for the heart and blood circulation. Bicycling can also assist in reducing symptoms of many health problems including arthritis, asthma, hypertension and even depression. An extra plus for us is that it is often said to reverse some of the physical signs of aging.
However, there is a risk with any exercise program as we get older and you are recommended to have a health check from your doctor before starting. Definitely do not skip this step if you currently suffer from any health problem especially heart-related conditions or high blood pressure, or if you are at risk of these due to excess weight or smoking.
Before we start cycling, we have a choice to make: indoor or outdoor?
Indoor Cycling
Bicycling in the house of course requires a stationary bicycle. The big advantage of being indoors is that you can exercise at any time of day or night, in all kinds of weather and even in the busiest of cities. Privacy while you exercise is also a consideration for many people.
Some of us find stationary cycling rather repetitive compared with outdoor cycling. This depends on the individual person. However, whatever type of exercise you decide to take up needs to be enjoyable and fun for you, so that you stay motivated.
Pretty much everybody listens to music to keep them entertained while cycling indoors and some people even watch TV. But do not let your attention be completely lost in a TV program or anything else. It is vital to stay aware of the movement of the body during any workout. That way it is much more effective. Staying aware of the body can also reduce the risk of muscle strain or injury.
Outdoor Cycling
The great thing about bicycling outdoors is that it gets you outside in the fresh air and in the world. The lungs and circulatory system are likely to get a much greater benefit from receiving fresh oxygen.
Try to avoid heavy traffic, both for reasons of safety and to stay out of the pollution. Think ahead and plan out your route on quiet streets. There may be off-road cycle tracks in your city too. Don’t forget your cellphone in case of emergency, especially if you are cycling alone.
One of the best ways to enjoy cycling, however, is to find a group to cycle with. You may be able to find a seniors cycling group or a beginners group if you are not used to cycling yet. Having this fixed up will be a big help in getting you out there. It also means you will meet new people.
The benefits of meeting new people are massive. Young people do it all the time but as we get older, we get into set habits and are not so interested in the new. This would be fine if all of our lifelong friends were still right there in our neighborhood, but usually they are not. Our opportunities for social contact decrease, leaving us vulnerable to boredom and depression.
Meeting new people, on the other hand, broadens our outlook and helps to keep the mind alert and active. So senior cycling with other people exercises the mind as well as the body - another benefit of cycling for baby boomers.