You Can Kill Two Birds With One Stone On A Bicycle
By Tom Herrin
For people seeking something to improve their health with a good exercise program, there are plenty of choices out there. Everything from video programs to hard-nosed, high-intensity classes that challenge the limits of endurance and sanity. It doesn’t really have to be all that heavy duty. If they haven’t ridden a bicycle in a while, they may not have thought of it in terms of exercise. They may want to think again.
Bike Riding Can Build Endurance
With anything that entails constant exercise at a steady pace, it will naturally build endurance. This happens when the muscles get a supply of oxygen as they use it. That is what an aerobic exercise does. Anytime this happens, the heart is strengthened and the veins and arteries generally increase their elasticity. This helps to lower blood pressure. Bike riding then becomes a total package in terms of overall health. It is one of those activities that improves health without causing the really stressful effects of many other exercise programs.
It Is A Joint-Friendly Activity
A lot of the activities that make great progress in terms of health place stress on the joints. Bike riding is a true low impact exercise. The joints are able to work smoothly without bearing weight constantly. There is some physical stress in the form of pedaling, but it is not in the form of striking on the joint such as the pounding that occurs when jogging. The stress of pedaling, however, is enough to help to increase bone density. This is a another perk. Add to this the fact that lower body muscles get a pretty good workout, and biking moves closer to the top of exercise options.
It Is Cheap Transportation
For me, riding a bicycle is a great way to save money while exercising. I like to find simple things I would normally do anyway and do them while riding a bike. I may make a trip to the store for a couple of items or go to the post office to mail a letter or bill on my bike. It gives me purpose, and I might spend more time riding because I am actually accomplishing something I need to do. Saving gas while getting in better shape has appeal to me. As a result, I really am able to kill two birds with one stone.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salt Lake City, Utah.