Did you know that there are many benefits you can enjoy from cycling during your retirement years? Combining cycling and your vacation will really boost the benefits of “getting away”.
It is time to get back on 2 wheels, even if you have not ridden a bike in decades. In this article we are going to give you some solid reasons to get pedaling!
There are many health benefits to cycling in your retirement years. Some of the benefits that come from being more active can include a better mental health, physical health, better immunity and may even slow the ageing cycle.
#1 Cycling for Your Mental Health
As we age into our senior years we all will experience changes to our cognitive health. One of the keys to retaining our mental health is directly related to our physical activity.
One great positive benefit of cycling is that in most cases it gets you outside where you get a boost of vitamin D and lots of fresh air. Allowing your body the freedom of movement through low impact exercise will additionally change the focus your mind, help you to de-stress and boost your mood.
It takes about 8 weeks of regular exercise to make a significant improvement with depression symptoms so get outdoors regularly and move to stay in a better state of mind.
#2 Cycling for your Physical Health
Due to the way we age it can be very difficult for some maturing adults to run long distances or do high impact exercising. The great news is cycling is a low impact sport! Riding a bicycle is much easier on your joints and knees than walking or running. Pedaling will strengthen your knees enabling you to be steadier and balanced while walking. All of the muscles of your legs strengthen while cycling. Stronger gluten ad core muscles make it much easier to get out of seated positions and prevent accidental falls.
#3 Cycling for Your Immune System
A study by Aging Cell of “followed 125 long-distance cyclists, some now in their 80s, and found they had the immune systems of 20-year-olds”. Cycling works your lungs bringing in fresh air and flushing out stale air and bacteria helping to prevent colds or the flu. Your body warms during exercise as well making it even more difficult for bad bacteria to grow.
#4 Slow Down the Ageing Process
Through exercise you will be able to retain muscle mass which can be difficult as we age and become more sedentary. You are able to ward off bad cholesterol, weight gain, heart disease and even cancer. Regular, vigorous exercise also can protect “telomere length”. Telomere cells are linked to aging and disease and naturally shorten as we become less active. When men exercise regularly they tend to have higher testosterone levels as well.
Safe alternatives to traditional cycling include using an electric bike with a motor that will assist with pedaling. Having the option of cycling on electric bikes will help mature adults of all physical levels cycle and travel together with less concern.
Why Take a Cycling Vacation with Great Bike Tours
Vacationing with a group of like minded individuals is a great social activity. You will find that meeting new friends and visiting new places can be addictive! At Great bike Tours we take all the stress out of planning your get-away. We offer 10 different destinations throughout the year and look forward to your joining in on the fun this coming season!
We are a family owned and operated bike tour company that treats you like royalty. We offer very personal bike vacations, with small groups of people (18 max). Our guides are professional, patient, friendly, and fun, and we all have a genuine desire to make each person’s trip special and memorable. We will go above-and-beyond what you’ve experienced before.
Learn more about our Destinations, Guides and Bikes at https://greatbiketours.com/
