For Seniors Cycling – Indoor or outdoor?

December 30th, 2009 by healthy Leave a reply »

Cycling for seniors can be a great form of exercise, as well as for any other age group. Cycling is an aerobic form of exercise, that only means that it uses oxygen and the lungs. Aerobic activity is generally very good for the cardiovascular system and it is often said to reverse some of the physical effects of aging.

Cycling can also help to control symptoms of many health problems, including reducing hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, asthma and even depression. However, ifAll suffer from health problems, especially heart disease, hypertension, or if you are at risk of health problems due to age, overweight or a smoker, you should definitely check with a doctor before starting the strenuous exercises. In fact, a health check is for all seniors, is recommended before a workout.

There are two main forms of cycling, that you: can enjoy indoor and outdoor use.

Indoor Cycling

Cycling requires an interior –stationary bike or exercise cycle, keep in the house. The big advantage is that your exercise bike at any time of day or night can be used in all weather, even in the busiest of cities. It also gives you privacy while exercising.

Some people find the stationary bike a little boring compared to cycling in the open. This really depends on your temperament. What type of exercise you choose to do in order to be enjoyable and fun for you to keep your motivationhigh.

Most people listen to their music to motivate them further while cycling indoors and some even watching TV. It is however important, are not used to on television or anything else. We must remain aware of the movement of our body during any form of movement to it more effective and also to reduce the risk of muscle strain or injury.

Outdoor Cycling

A great advantage of cycling in the open, it gets you in the fresh air. Your lungs andCirculatory system are likely to benefit more from receiving fresh oxygen during exercise than if you cycle in the stale air from your home, especially when the windows are closed.

Of course it is better to avoid heavy traffic, both for reasons of safety and to avoid pollution. Plan a route on quiet roads or special bike paths. For security reasons it is best to carry a cell phone at all times, especially if you are cycling alone.

Cycling with a group can be a wonderful experience,especially if you are a senior group can be found in your area. Increasing social interaction is very important as we get older. We tend to set the number of our habits and social contacts take to develop, so that we vulnerable to apathy and depression. Meet new people broadens the mind and helps keep us mentally alert – another advantage of cycling for the elderly.

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