Get outside. Even if it just for 30 minutes.
Growing Up:
When I was a young teen I would be in either one of three places, my room reading books, Ice skating or out on my bike with my uncle.
I was never one for playing out on the streets for hours on end. I loved being out on my bike and flying around on a man made bike track close to where I lived. It had the perfect hills and flat terrain to have a blast on your bike.
Things started to change when I met some new people at High school and my focus shifted to being out with them. I never went on my bike again during this stage in my life.
Then my boys started to show an interest in bikes, so when they had learned to ride, myself and Craig got bikes, it was the best choice we have made!
We try to get out on them for a few hours every day when the weather allows. We prefer to go to the local forest, park or around the farm we live on. I have already started to see the health benefits it has had on myself.
You see, I have Asthma and I thought I would really struggle but after a week or so, I found myself able to go further before I needed to use an inhaler, I find being in the forest helps me breathe much easier. I have a “bad” Knee from a MCL tear years ago, yes it was painful for the first week or so but I carried on having breaks when I needed to. I have gained much needed muscle strength in my legs.
Healthy Heart.
Benefits
Please speak to your Doctor before you take on any kind of new exercise.
Your Mental wellbeing will thank you for it . Fresh air is good for you, get outside and recharge your brain.
Weight Loss. If you cycle often you are going to help your waistline and build up muscle tone in your legs. Cycling burns between 400 and 1000 an hour, depending on intensity and rider weight.
Reduces the risk or Cancer and Heart disease. Cycling raises your heart rate and gets the blood pumping round your body, and it burns calories, limiting the chance of your being overweight.
Sleep better. This one is pretty self explanatory. You burn lots energy and calories you get tired. I have already seen an improvement in my sleep pattern
Exercise is good for your brain. The more you exercise the less chance you have of developing Dementia.
Good for the environment. You are using your car for a little bit less and saving money by not needing to use petrol.
Family outings, It is something that you can do as a family. We love going on bike rides.
Easy on your joints. It is a low impact exercise so it is easier on your knees, ankles and even your hips. One of the Problems I have is with my knees but cycling has been fine for me.
Improves your posture. I have felt the benefit of riding my bike in my lower bike. I sometimes have pain which was cause by pregnancy but it has felt better since riding my bike.
Reduces the risk of diabetes. Right now, the rate type 2 diabetes is developing is scary. One way to keep it at bay is to exercise and eat healthy. Cycling for just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of diabetes by 50%.
Tips
Please make sure you get the right bike for you. Go and sit on all of them if you must.
Always wear a helmet.
Make sure the seat is the correct height for you otherwise you could cause more damage to your knees, hips and even your back.
I wear padded fingerless bike gloves as I feel this eases my hands more.
And the correct footwear is a must too.
Go get outside and enjoy yourself. Breathe in that fresh air and reep all of those benefits that come with riding your bike.
Kelly X