HealthyLife Articles

Tag: cycling

  • Pedal For Fitness

    Fitness

    A closeup image of a bike tire while a cyclist rides through a trail.

    Riding a bicycle is good for body and soul. Cycling gets you out in the fresh air, leaves you feeling invigorated, and can do wonders for cardiovascular health. And you don’t have to ride fast and furiously to benefit from cycling.

    Here’s what to do to avoid undue muscle aches when you cycle.

    *  To avoid back and knee problems, take your bike to a bike shop and have the handlebars and seat adjusted to fit you properly. The seat should be adjusted so that when one leg is extended and bent slightly, the ball of your foot contacts the pedal at the lowest point of its revolution. Handlebars should be positioned no lower than your seat.

    *  Stretch your shoulders, back, and legs slowly and gently before and after biking.

    Page image from A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Pedaling Safely With Your Toddler

    Child Safety

    Image of father and daughter on a bike.

    It’s easy to equip a bicycle with a child safety seat so your toddler can ride with you. To ensure the safety of your child:

    *  Be sure the seat is properly installed. If you aren’t sure how to install it correctly, consider having someone at a bicycle repair shop do it.

    *  A plastic cover should shield the back wheel, so the child’s clothing doesn’t get caught in the spokes.

    *  The back of the seat should be high enough to support and protect the child’s back and neck, and it should be marked with reflective tape if you ride after dark.

    *  A passenger restraint (safety belt) should fasten over the child’s shoulder.

    *  The seat should have a footrest, and the child’s legs should not hang free.

    Test the bicycle seat by riding without the youngster to be sure it’s securely fastened. When you take your child riding, be sure he or she is wearing a helmet.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine