Staying fit as we age is important for many reasons; it helps us to maintain a healthy weight and it boosts our immune system. But as we age, some of the sports we enjoyed when we were younger are not appropriate for us when we get into our 40s and beyond. We are more prone to injury and we put our bodies at risk when we take part in contact sports.
Cycling has many benefits for mature riders and this article highlights many of them.
Mental Health
We all know that sports like cycling improve our physical prowess, but they also boost our mental health. Keeping yourself fit by cycling is a great way to slow the effects of mental decline as we age. As we get older, we are more at risk of experiencing cognitive challenges. Older adults suffer from boredom, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The best way to deal with these issues is to dish out some self-medication in the form of exercise.
If you plan on trying cycling, there are many online sites where you can purchase bikes and riding accessories – www.decathlon.co.th/th/. Before you buy a bike online, make sure you understand frame sizes and bike types to ensure you get the right product.
Family Bonding
Who doesn’t love to cycle? There are many great activities to do as a family and cycling is one of them. Kids of all ages can get on a bicycle and if the little one is still too small, mammy or daddy can attach a baby seat and away you go.
There are lots of cycling trips that can be done as a group with either family or friends. Cycling along a new track and exploring new areas is a great way to bond with other family members and build memorable experiences.
Low Impact Exercise
Cycling is excellent for anyone who has a bad injury or who suffers when they participate in high impacts sports. High impact sports or exercises are movements where your feet come off the ground, such as in running, when playing football, or competing on a tennis court. Low impact exercises are far more beneficial for older adults as they protect the muscles, joints, and ligaments from impact injuries.
Improved Balance
Another huge benefit of cycling as you age is better balance and coordination. As we age, falls become a danger that must be avoided. Seniors have an increased risk of falling as some tend to stop exercising in their 40 and 50s and lose their balance and coordination.
People can fall at any age, but muscles weaken, and joints lose their range of motion as we get older which contributes to our risk of falling. Cycling is an ideal exercise to improve our balance as our body has to work to stay upright.
In addition to having several mental and physical benefits, cycling is a great way to socialise with others. There are plenty of group classes that adults can join or cycling tours that accommodate riders of all ages and fitness levels. Staying active as we age is made easier with a bicycle.
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