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Oct. 20, 2006
Cycling your way to health
Outdoor sport is an ideal way to improve psyche and physique.
RICK MILLIKAN
Doctors counsel exercise as important to improved health, but may
seldom refer to the bicycle's potential. In fact, the benefits of
cycling are generally unpublicized, unrecognized and thus not acted
upon.
More than 30 years ago, Dr. Jean-Pierre de Mondenard declared, "The
bicycle is one of the least known, yet best and safest medicines
that exist. There is no more agreeable means of building one's health
than bicycling." His medical stance received little fanfare:
however, cycling remains a potent health remedy and life-saving
prescription.
Few motorists fully analyze their transportation. Fewer still consider
that extraordinary alternative for getting around, the bicycle.
That car, once driven to save precious time and energy, may be infrequently
needed or even unnecessary for retirement's daily routines. Can
the art of living be refined? Why not wisely rethink, reshuffle
and readjust priorities? Retirement provides a golden opportunity
to use that healthy, green transportation machine.
Bicycles lighten our souls and become meditation machines, helping
resolve and transcend problems. In fact, this lifestyle sport improves
the psyche by changing body chemistry. Cycling induces the release
of corticosteroids and norephrine, chemicals manufactured by the
body that manage low-down feelings. At the same time, endorphins
are released to create a heightened state of well-being known as
an "exercise high." Furthermore, in this exercise process,
the brain is actually "smartened up," as increased brain
capillaries develop and carry more oxygen and nutrients.
Cycling effectively resolves obesity, North America's second biggest
medical problem, significantly diminishing weight in several ways.
Pedalling daily for 75 minutes burns enough calories to directly
lose more than a pound per week. Each 30-60 minute ride stimulates
both the adrenal and thyroid glands, producing adrenaline and thyroxin
and increasing metabolisms by up to 25 per cent for 15 hours after
the initial exercise. This increased basal metabolic rate continues
the weight loss process even at rest. As cycling strengthens and
develops muscle mass, weight loss is further induced by thermogenesis.
New muscle stamina helps withstand stress and better maintains high
energy levels. As a result, the need to eat for quick energy is
also reduced.
This joyful activity motivates a continual strengthening of musculature
and nurturing of bone structures. Easy pedalling tones and maintains
muscles. For developing firm strong thighs, calves and buttocks,
cycling excels as a safe exercise. Mountain biking gives extra tone
to the upper body. As a gentle impact exercise, cycling builds and
sustains bone mass. Stationary cycling is prescribed often as exercise
for chronic back pain and various joint maladies. Arthritis sufferers
benefit greatly from cycling. Without jarring knee, hip or ankle,
cycling enhances blood circulation, nourishing and repairing joints.
At the same time, a manageable workout is provided for people with
such joint problems.
With faster pedalling, cycling becomes an aerobic exercise that
benefits the heart, reducing heart disease. Heart muscles thicken
and strengthen, which dramatically increases circulation. This lowers
the resting heart rate and significantly lowers blood pressure.
Aerobic cycling flushes plaque from blood vessels while building
up HDL, good cholesterol. This cardiovascular workout decreases
the chance of blood clot formation. Meanwhile, T-cell production
increases, enabling the body to fight off illness.
Pumping the bike activates the heart to circulate additional blood,
carrying off toxins and bringing in nutrients to increase healing
rates for injuries. Cell circulation also improves immune system
capability. As a result, stamina improves.
If there's neither time nor energy to plan and prepare nutritious
meals, the result is often immediate calorie rich and nutrient poor
meals. Stressed out, tired bodies react and communicate with an
unhealthy "eat-for-energy" message. Invigorating cycling
motivates a desire for better nutrition. Cycling, as with most energetic
activities, creates a yearning for nutritious foods.
Increasing the effective rate at which food passes through the digestive
system, cycling diminishes stomach disorders. Because the body flushes
carcinogens faster, the risk of colon cancer is reduced to almost
half.
Cycling is an inclusive, welcoming activity. Adapting this non-polluting
transportation, you immediately gain respect as both a health-minded
and environmentally friendly individual. Other cyclists readily
support such endeavors. Seniors clubs across North America will
link you to soulmates, avidly involving you in this new robust and
happy lifestyle. Special camaraderie and friendship often develop
around this unique life sport.
Short driving distances are extremely inefficient, costly and hard
on motor vehicles. However, these same jaunts are cycling opportunities.
Wave goodbye to those road stresses suffered by motorists and wave
hello to improved vitality! When visiting friends, going to a park
or beach, trekking to the city museum or journeying to camp out,
that pedal adds exhilarating exercise to your trip. If you work
out or play sports, that bicycle ride becomes a warm-up activity.
You can also plan globetrotting holidays without costly car rentals.
Cycling cuts out a big expense and produces a healthier vacation.
Most often, those distances between resorts and interesting destinations
are short and easily do-able. While many North American tourists
ensnarl themselves in foreign traffic, gridlocks and parking lots,
cycling vacationers travel in a relaxed and, even timely fashion.
Buses, trains and planes transport bicycles free as baggage or at
a reasonable rate to the more distant destinations.
Bicycles offer travellers other practical advantages. This sightseeing-paced
transportation method offers a more expansive holiday experience.
Non-threatening, less obtrusive cycling sets up friendly encounters
and new friendships. Travelling can even be facilitated. Ferries
offer continuous space, good rates and early loading/unloading.
Touring cyclists seldom require reservations for campsites.
Bicycles readily improve our lives. Don't shy away from a robust
endeavor with ageless possibilities. As a student of "cycle
logical" medicine, let me emphatically prescribe the humble
bicycle as an easy-to-take medicine. Start integrating potent doses
of cycling into your lifestyle. Let regular cycling help you maintain
a youthful appearance, vigor and outlook. It's a tasteful, terrific
remedy.
Rick Millikan is a freelance writer living in Delta.
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