how beneficial and healthy is bicycling?

Answer 1

I'm 34 and still ride - I weigh 5 more lbs than I did in high school... 160 lbs. I'm in perfect health compared to MOST people I went to high school with.

I love it when I get someone on a bike and they come back in 6 months, 9 months, or so and tell me about the weight they have lost! It's like people forget how much fun it is to simply ride a bike and enjoy it!

***** JAN - You are talking about ONE CASE, and a case of a child with a growth problem - YES, this would be an issue! I work CLOSELY with Neurologists and Chiropractors alike on many issues. IF someone tells me they in fact do have an issue. I'm privelaged that a lot of Doctors are our club members/racers and frequent the store in between rounds and during leasure time and I do, in fact, get to talk to them. They are my friends as well... Mainly those that work for nearby Vanderbilt Medical Center and College... But what do they know, huh! And I've been in this for 22 - Twenty - Two YEARS and I know for you it's hard to believe that someone would know MORE THAN YOU! I'm willing to except that!

Furthermore, I outfit a LOT of former runners who can not run anymore Doctor's orders! In refference to someone else's post - Cycling is almost ZERO IMPACT and IS SAFE FOR YOUR KNEES!!! So get your facts straight about knees!

Now, read this article, JAN and then HUSH!

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Cycling_and_disease_prevention?Open

JAN - How am I to make a buck off of someone I don't know, and DON'T even have a clue as to where they live..?

My ability to make a buck managing a PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR RETAILER goes WAY beyond your learned knowlege, no doubt!

By the way, say hello to my wife... She's a NURSE!!!

Oh, and you should meet my Dad - 66 and rides a bike still, a LOT!!!

22 years - I must have somebody fooled! I'm a looser!!! - yeah right!

Lady - JAN - I'm just here to help people, if they have stress fractures, I'm sure they would've said it. One SUBJECTIVE experience should not lend itself to casting doubt to the millions of people who desire more comfortable forms of excercise!

So, JAN - Enjoy the rest of your life, and DON'T REPLY to something you've NO CLUE ABOUT!!!


I'm just here to sell bikes - GET REAL!

I ride bikes, I LOVE bikes, bikes have kept me in shape, I'm as fit as a thoroughbred horse - my resting heart rate is 50~55 BPM... By the way, JAN, how much more do you weigh now since high school - can I sense some jealousy... ;-(

Answer 2

Cycling is a great sport for maintaining physical and mental health.
Different aspects of cycling that may impact you
Not a weight bearing sport
depending on how often you are ‘in the saddle’ this may be an issue for you. Weight bearing sports are better for promoting bone growth. This risk can be weighed against the impact that your body takes in weight bearing sports.

Speaking of the Saddle
This can cause problems for some men, not all, not a lot, lets say few to some. Guys can experience difficulties in performance issues, or difficulties in getting their sig others pregnant.

Great cardio workout!

Specific Muscles
Legs
Butt
Your 6 pack
Triceps
Forearms

Somewhat Dangerous
You could get into an accident.
You have to wear very tight shorts

I think cycling is one of the best sports, I try to ride everyday because I love it. The views that I see from my bike are amazing, the rush you can get from pushing yourself hard or surpassing a goal that you set is amazing. It is a sport that can be social but you don’t need to rely on anyone to workout with.

Answer 3

Any exercise is healthy.Cycling exercises just about all of the muscles in your body. Cycling is also fun, doesn't pollute, can be used to replace or reduce the use of your car, it is a good way to meet people and make friends and it can save you heaps of money.

It is actually better for you than running especially if you have bad knees.(low impact). Since it exercises the core back muscles it can be good if you have a bad back.

You can get a three wheeler if you have balance problems and a hand cycle if your legs don't work Cycling is for just about everybody no matter how fit or unfit you are.You will only get fitter the more you ride.

Answer 4

It is very good for you if you are physically fit to be doing it. It could be detrimental to your health if you have bad knees or back problems. I believe there is a bicycle that can work for some with back problems called a recumbent bicycle.
For those fit enough to bike, it is a great way to burn calories, right up there with running.
Bicycling (is not) always safe for your knees as your next answer says. This person is very much mistaken. I was told by a specialist (doctor) not to let my child ride her bike because she has multiple fractures of her growth plate from repetitive impact. The doctor said the repetitive action of bicycling could do more damage to her knees and leave her needing surgery.
It is wrong to mis-lead people just to make a buck!--Please note your next answer is from a person selling bikes.

Answer 5

cycling is one or the best exercises you can give your body. cycling over a long time period (several months or more) will increase muscle mass (on guys) and tone muscles at the same time (guys and girls). it very healthy for your cardiovascular (heart and blood flow) and respiratory (lungs) systems. it just feels good to get out and get some fresh air.

it also hightens your alertness, sharpens reflexes, and improves your sight and memory. it will keep you in shape while the rest of your friends just pack on the pounds and guzzle booze.

cycling basically makes your entire body work more efficiently.

Answer 6

It's very very beneficial. You use almost all of your body and it makes good exercise compared to lifting weights or walking.

Answer 7

It can't be bad for you, just watch out for that truck!

Answer 8

mucho