Get on Those Bikes and RIde
By Stephen R. Farris
Bicycling is one of the most popular recreational exercises throughout the entire world. Usually at an early age, we experience the joy of owning our first bike (kind of like that new car feel, but a lot less expensive). They weren't easy to ride at first and most of us started out with training wheels. But it didn't take long to toss those to the side as we became more accustomed to -- and able to maintain our balance -- riding on two wheels.
It wasn't long before our parents let us venture further out on our bikes than the end of the driveway, and soon, we were riding them to the store, to school and literally everywhere our feet allowed us to pedal.
As we grew older and began work careers, those bikes we once cherished soon became dust collectors in the garage. That is until the fitness craze entered our lives and we dusted them off and rode like the wind, off into the sunset! Well, maybe not that dramatic.
Never Out of Style
Whatever the reason, bikes continue to stay in style. A lot of countries use them as basic transportation, while the rest of us use them to try to stay in shape, exercise tools. Especially when the joints in our knees and legs begin to give us trouble. Bicycling can help provide less stress to those areas, while keeping us on track with our fitness goals.
But what happens when it's too painful to ride your bike? It could be a sign that lower back pain may be sneaking in.
This can happen to the fittest of us, even those professionals that participate in the Tour de France each year. But for us, try to find your nearest bicycle shop -- bigger cities are your best bet -- and let them make adjustments to your seat, and/or let them give your bike an overall look over for any other problems.
There's a chance you may be new to cycling. If so, take it slow. Maybe start out riding 10 minutes per day and work your way to 30 minutes to an hour each day. Keep your midsection (your core) fit too. Your core is one of the major -- if not the -- keys to overall good health and fitness.
If you do begin experiencing pain in your lower-back area, or in your legs, then pay a visit to The Joint Chiropractic in your area. With nearly 500 locations nationwide, their professionally trained and board certified team of chiropractors can help you with treatments, provide nutritional advice and offer guidance leading you to a more productive, fit and healthy lifestyle.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Amarillo, Tex.