Cycling Instead of Walking? Getting Maximum Benefits

For a different slant on our heart health, let's focus a little on a type of exercise that Dr.Gabe Mirking says anyone at any age can enjoy while at the same
time getting maximum benefits, and that is cycling instead of walking or running.

If your regular exercise bike hurts you, Dr. Mirkin says to alternate between sitting and standing on your pedals, because when you ride a conventional stationary bicycle, the narrow bicycle seat can cause the pudental nerve in your pelvis to be pinched and cause numbness and pain in your crotch and genitals.

Switching to a recumbent stationary bike

When you sit on a recumbent bicycle that has the pedals at the same height as your pelvis, your legs are not separated by the seat so you don't need a narrow bicycle seat. You sit on a seat shaped like a regular chair which is contoured to fit your back and is very comfortable. Anyone who can sit in a chair can use a recumbent stationary bike, so even elderly people with poor coordination and weak muscles can get the benefits of exercise.

Diana on her Greenspeed trike with Thunder

Diana Mirkin says if you're 60, 70, 80 or any age and want a really fun way to exercise, try a Recumbent Trike! You have no problem with balance, no risk of falling, and you can move as fast (or slow) as you like. Climbing hills is no problem because the gears go down really low, and you can stop right in the middle of the hill if you get tired.

She says: "I got mine so I would have a good way to exercise my dogs, who can run much faster than I can. It's so much fun that when I'm through riding with Thunder for 2-5 miles, I go another 30-50 miles by myself. One guy who passed me on the trail said "that's like taking a lawn chair out for a ride" – and he's right, it's that easy and comfortable."

My trike is a Greenspeed, made in Australia, but there are lots of other brands and styles to fit your taste and budget. Ask your local bike store, or go to www.bike123.com . Greenspeed's web site is www.greenspeed.com.au

http://www.drmirkin.com