HealthyLife Articles

Tag: pedal

  • 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

  • Ride Your Bike To Work

    BE FIT

    Image of young man in a business suit with a bike and helmet on.

    Think of the money you’ll save on gas, train fare, and parking. If you live within 10 miles of your work, find solutions to overcome these popular excuses:

    *Not safe:Use less congested roads if rush-hour traffic clogs the main streets.

    *Have to dress nicely at work:Drive to work one day each week and leave a week’s worth of clean clothes.

    *No place to shower:To clean up, use a deodorant soap and washcloth in the restroom.

    *No secure place to park my bike:Check for a storage closet or furnace room, or stash your bike with a friend who lives nearby or at a bike shop.

    *I’d have to ride in the dark:Wear light-colored, reflective clothing, attach lights and reflectors and use a route that’s lit by streetlights.

    *Hate riding in cold and rainy weather:If it’s pouring or sleeting, leave the bike at home.

    *Too far:Drive part way and cycle the rest. Look for a park-and-ride commuter lot.

    Source: Bicycling magazine’s 1,000 All-Time Best Tips

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine