Archive for the ‘Biking’ Category

We all know (or have been told) that being over-weight has a negative impact on our health, which it does. But what we are not told is that you can still be healthy and fit, even if you are packin’ too many pounds (or stones or kilograms-depending on where you live.)

It is well documented in medical journals that obesity can contribute to and/or further impact many disease and health issues, including, but not limited to coronary artery disease, heart attacks, diabetes, arthritis, depression, chronic back pain…the list goes on. Did you know that even with a minimal weight loss of 5% of your total body weight, these risks can significantly be decreased?

For example, weight loss and exercise can decrease a predisposed individual’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58%. Even a weight loss of 10-15 pounds can:
• Reduce blood pressure
• Lower blood sugar
• Improve cholesterol levels
• Lighten the stress on hips, knees, ankles, and feet

Ok, now you say, “I’m too heavy, how am I going to exercise to lose weight so that I increase my health?” That’s very good question, and believe it not, it isn’t difficult.

• First, you must want to change. If the motivation isn’t there, you will fail. So search your heart to see how ready you are to commit to a lifetime of change. If you aren’t ready yet, don’t start, otherwise you will set yourself up for a cycle of failure and depression.

• If you are ready emotionally, the next question is physical readiness. There’s a great online questionanaire available here. healthy living This review will help you know if you should check in with your Family Doctor first, to ask if there any activities that she/he would recommend that you not participate in. Okay, so your doctor gives you a “Thumps-Up,” now what?

I suggest ride a bike. Yes that’s right, I said, “Ride a bike.” It is a great, healthy, safe exercise (providing you know how to ride a bike.) It is a flexible, low cost activity, and easy on your joints. With only 2-3 hours/week (less if have been inactive for a long time) you can make a significant change in your health; not only because of the increase in activity, but also because of the weight loss that is a wonderful secondary benefit. So now you are concerned that you are too heavy to ride a trike. You think, “I could never find a bike to support my weight.”

NOT TRUE!!
There’s a wonderful website that sells bikes for “Supersized” people. Not only do they have bikes that support up to 550 pounds, but they can build a bike to fit you specifically. Check it out! bicycle

Just remember, as overwhelmed as you may feel now, we did not get this way overnight, and it isn’t going to be corrected overnight. You’re not alone. Take the first step, decide to change. I did.

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In this racy world with fast cars and fast bikes we have all but forgotten about traditional bicycles. Bicycles are an inexpensive and non-polluting mode of transportation. Riding a bicycle is an excellent way to burn those calories and take a breath of fresh air.

A Tandem bicycle is one that is built for two or more people. They were invented in the late 1800’s and were created by welding two bicycles together. They are built more solidly in order to take the weight of more than one person. These bicycles are similar to traditional bicycles. The only difference is that they have more than one seat and pedals.

Since two or more riders are required to ride a tandem bicycle, this could prove to be quite challenging if the riders are of different heights and weights. They will each have to match the other’s pace in order to synchronise their movements and get a degree of uniformity. Perhaps, this challenge is what attracts cyclists to tandem bicycles.

Tandem bicycles give you an opportunity to share an activity with your family, friends and loved ones. It also allows handicapped people to experience the joy of riding a bicycle. Parents can share an exhilarating ride with their children. Some tandem bicycles are customised to accommodate even ten people.

The front rider is often called the “pilot” or the “captain” and the rear rider is referred to as the “navigator” or the “stoker”. The captain should have good skills and judgement. He is responsible for controlling the bike and for balancing, steering, stopping and braking. The stoker on the other hand should not attempt to steer the bike. He has to make sure that he does not shift his weight or try to do anything that disrupts the equilibrium of the bike.

You can purchase a tandem bicycle for anything between 500 dollars to 12,000 dollars depending upon the type you intend to buy. There are different types of tandem bicycles available today. There is one known as a tricycle which has three wheels and is meant for a pair of riders. A recumbent tandem has its seats positioned to allow riders to sit in a reclining position in contrast to an upright position.

In this day and age, where technology is moving at a faster pace than ever, riding a tandem bicycle may prove to be an enjoyable way to exercise and share an activity with family and friends.

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The A-1 performance of a go kart frame largely depends on tire traction as well. Low traction tires (tires that do not “stick” well to the ground) are not grooved enough to withstand the rigors of the surface, rattling the stiff frame to oblivion. It also causes uneven weight transfer throughout the go-kart, and that is a no-no for maintaining optimum control of Used Go Karts. Consider this example: you have two pairs of roller skates. One has wheels half-an-inch in width and the other has 3-inch-wide wheels. Which pair would provide better balance as you roller skate? If you love mathematics, treat traction as a formula with the equation: traction = stability. Go ahead, transform yourself into a karting aficionado with this valuable piece of knowledge!

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Bicycle riding can add a sense of adventure and pleasure to your life. If you enjoy riding, choosing the right bike is of paramount importance. Earlier, you had two choices: a road bike or a mountain bike. However, technology and innovation has conceived and brought into existence several types of bikes like hybrid bikes, comfort bikes and recumbent bikes.

Selecting the right bike depends on where you intend to ride. Do you want to ride on the roads or back-routes? Do you want to race at breakneck speed or do you want to move at a leisurely pace? Though most bikes will let you do all these things, some bikes are made to suit certain pursuits more than others. The hybrid bike is one such bike that allows you to enjoy the best of both the worlds.

A hybrid bike is a kind of multi-purpose bike that has the features of mountain bikes as well as road bikes. The mountain bike was perceived as too slow, unwieldy and heavy for the average rider. So designers created the Hybrid Bike by taking the best elements from mountain bikes and road bikes. The hybrid is fitted with wider tyres than your average road bike but has similar gear systems as the mountain bike. Some models also come fitted with mudguards and rise stems which can be adjusted easily.

Hybrid bikes are light in weight. They can be used to ride on roads, tracks, footpaths and rough terrain. They can withstand longer journeys as well.

These bikes generally use the road bikes 700cc standard. This enables it to go comfortably over pavements and also facilitates easy climbing. You can choose between an upright position and a speed-oriented position. The upright position is preferred by casual riders since it doesn’t strain the back and neck. There is always high air pressure in the tyres which allows you to go at faster speeds and travel longer distances.

However, it is best not to use hybrid bikes to ride over mountain tracks and severe off-road paths. They are better suited to gravel and dirt roads and for commuting to and fro.

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cycling for seniors is a great form of exercise for almost anyone who is still relatively active. Bicycling is generally beneficial for the blood circulation and the heart, and can also help with symptoms of many health issues including hypertension, arthritis, asthma and depression. An extra bonus for seniors is that it is believed to reverse some of the signs of aging.

Of course, there can be a risk in beginning any serious exercise as we grow older and you are advised to have a health check from your doctor before starting – particularly if you currently suffer from any health problem, especially heart-related issues or high blood pressure, or if you are at risk of these because of smoking or excess weight.

Before taking up bicycling, we have a decision to make: indoors or out?

Indoor Cycling

Bicycling in the home or in a gym of course involves an exercise bike. The big advantage of being indoors is that you can exercise at any time, in all weathers. If at home, you also have privacy.

Some people do find an exercise bicycle repetitive compared with outdoor bicycling. It is important not to get very bored while exercising or you will lose motivation.

Most people who use an exercise bike listen to music. Some even watch TV or a movie, but this is not great really. It is important to stay aware of your body during your workout for maximum effectiveness, and also to reduce the risk of injury or muscle strain.

Outdoor Cycling

The number one advantage of bicycling out of doors is that it gets you out in the fresh air and in the world. The lungs and circulatory system benefit much more from receiving fresh oxygen.

It’s not great to cycle in heavy traffic, both for safety and because of the pollution. So plan a route that keeps to on quiet streets and off-road cycle tracks. Have a cellphone with you, especially if you are bicycling alone.

One of the best ways to make the most of bicycling outdoors, however, is to cycle with others. If you do not already know people who cycle, you may be able to find a seniors bicycling group. The other people will help to motivate you and you will probably also benefit from the increased social contact.

Meeting new people broadens our outlook on life, gives us more fun and laughter (very important for health) and keeps our minds active. So cycling for seniors with others is an excellent way to exercise the mind as well as the body – another benefit of cycling for seniors.

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