Tips for Cycling into Your Senior Years

Updated on May 10, 2020

As you get older, the things you were once able to enjoy will slowly start to become more and more difficult. Staying up late, skipping meals or being active the entire day without taking a nap will start feeling more like a punishment.

Similarly, staying active and getting your body moving can sometimes even feel impossible to do. However, it’s very important for seniors to try and squeeze in as much daily activity as possible. One of the best ways you can do so is cycling. Since this type of activity will get your body moving without putting too much strain on your joints, you can partake in it even if your mobility isn’t what it used to be. That said let’s explore some tips that will allow you to enjoy this activity without putting you at the risk of injury in such delicate years.

Prepare in advance

Before you begin cycling, you need to ensure that you prepare in advance. What this means is that you should schedule a visit with your GP and check your overall health. Talk to your doctor and tell them that you’re planning on taking up cycling. They will know which tests to run to ensure that you stay safe and healthy. Also, they can offer some invaluable advice on what to do and how to behave during this physical activity based on the results of your checkup.

Acquire the right gear

No matter your age, you should always wear the right set of gear when you go cycling. This is even more true if you’re a senior. Since falls and other similar accidents can have serious consequences on your health – especially in your age – make sure you are well prepared in case something similar happens. Aside from the usual essentials, you can even invest in some quality winter cycling gear, to ensure that you can enjoy your favorite activity even when the weather is not ideal. 

Get an appropriate bike

Furthermore, you will need to pay attention to the type of bike you choose. Ideally, you should focus more on comfortable and ergonomic city bikes, to ensure that you stay comfortable throughout your exercise. Additionally, if you notice that your knees are hurting after cycling, you can even move your seat a bit back to enable you to sit at a better angle. 

Choose the right terrain

Next, if you’re just starting out – and even if you’re not – you need to be careful when choosing the terrain. Ideally, it would be best to start with flat terrain and stick to it for a while. Flat terrains are significantly easier to conquer and maintain your balance. Not only that, but they will put far less strain on your back, knees and other joints. However, once you get proficient and confident enough to explore other types of terrain, make sure that the move is gradually introduced. 

Don’t go too slow

Finally, your instincts might tell you to take things easy and go slow to avoid any potential accidents. And while it is true that you should always try to stay as safe as possible, super slow cycling won’t really bring you any benefits. It can actually cause more harm than good. On the other hand, a steady pace you can easily keep up with will be better for our joints. Not only that but it will somewhat elevate your heart rate as well, which will help keep you in shape. Fluent movements are easier on our joints, such as knees and ankles, so you should be aiming at around 60 revolutions per minute for the most comfortable exercise.

Cycling provides an excellent opportunity to stay in shape for everyone, but it is one of the best options for seniors. Not only will this allow you to get moving but it’s also an excellent, healthy and fun pastime activity.

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Senior Outlook Today is your go-to source for information, inspiration, and connection as you navigate the later years of life. Our team of experts and writers is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging content for seniors, covering topics such as health and wellness, finances, technology and travel.