Dr. Gemma Bornick is an Emergency Medicine physician with BayCare Clinic.
There's nothing quite like the feeling you get coasting down a steep hill going maybe a little too fast, on a summer evening, when you have the energy to keep going for miles and your best friend at your side. It's an easy, low-impact way to get physically fit and healthy.
Riding your bicycle regularly is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of health issues typically associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Biking is an excellent form of non-impact aerobic exercise; it's good for our overall health without pounding the joints. Riding a bike is also generally an enjoyable activity that is great for mental health. Several medical studies show a positive correlation with exercise, physical health and mental health.
Biking is:
* A good muscle workout: Cycling uses all of the major muscle groups as you pedal.
* Easy: Unlike some other sports, cycling does not require high levels of physical skill. Most people know how to ride a bike. Once you learn, you don't forget.
* Good for strength and stamina: Cycling increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness.
* A fun way to get fit: It offers outdoors adventure, fun and excitement without special planning or hassle, compared to other physical activities that keep you indoors or require special times or places.
* Great for obesity and weight control: Cycling can help control or reduce weight. It raises your metabolic rate, builds muscle and burns body fat.
* Cardiovascular disease: Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack.
* Cancer: Cycling can reduce your chances of bowel cancer, according to research. There also is evidence suggesting that regular cycling reduces breast cancer risk.
* Diabetes: Research in Finland found that people who cycled for more than 30 minutes per day had a 40 percent lower risk of developing diabetes.
* Bone injuries and arthritis: Cycling improves strength, balance and coordination. It may also help to prevent falls and fractures. It is a low-impact exercise that places little stress on joints.
* Mental illness: Mental health conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety can be reduced by regular bike riding due to the effects of the exercise and because of the enjoyment biking can bring.
Some general recommendations:
If you're not an avid rider, make sure you ease into riding. Your body will need time to adapt and recover. If you experience pain, ease back from the intensity or duration of your rides. Take time to stretch and use a foam roller, if necessary. For minor aches and pains, an over the counter anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen or aleve) May help. However, if you experience any continuing pain while biking, or if you're injured, contact your healthcare provider.
Youth bike helmet giveaway (part of BayCare Clinic Bikes, a community wellness initiative)
* Time: 9 a.M.-noon (or until supplies last)
* Date: Saturday, June 4th
* Place: Along the Fox River Trail behind the orthopedic urgent care building at 2020 riverside drive in Allouez & at Voyageur Park in De Pere
For more information visit BayCare Clinic at Baycare.net
