Want to Stay Healthy as you get Older? Start Cycling
Enjoy a Cycling Holiday on the Cycling Paradise of Mallorca
There has been a lot written about the health benefits of cycling. Studies have found that it is good for your heart, lungs, muscles, and mind. It is a low impact sport and providing you can ride a bike, it is open to almost anyone.
On our cycling holidays we regularly have riders in their 70s and 80s, riding with us conquering cols. In this post, we look at how age is no barrier to cycling and why it is a very good idea to take up the sport.
In 2014, Kings College in London studied the effects of cycling on people between the ages of 55-79. The group comprised of 81 males and 41 females. They underwent extensive tests which measured the condition of their hearts, reflexes, lungs, muscles, bone strength, and mental ability. The group were good cyclists in their own right, and the study found that the people in the latter age range were in comparable physical conditions to those of the younger members of the group.
Some of the tests also revealed that the group’s physical condition was comparable to healthy young adults.
Keeping Active
Most health problems come from a lack of activity. If you do not exercise regularly, and have a sedentary job, the chances are you spend most your time sitting down. This can and does lead to problems.
Professor Norman Lazarus, one of the authors of the study published in the Journal of Physiology, said:
"Cycling not only keeps you mentally alert, but requires the vigorous use of many of the body's key systems, such as your muscles, heart and lungs, which you need for maintaining health."
It is fair to say that activity is key to staying healthy, and given that we all want to feel younger, is there an easier way of doing this than riding your bike?
Camaraderie and Friendship
Another aspect to cycling that is not often talked about, is camaraderie and friendship. On our tours, especially our Mallorca cycling tours, we notice the group bonds over the course of a week. This is regardless of age and whether the group is for our cycling training camp or our more leisurely relaxing cycling breaks. This is one of the reasons people ride with us again and again.
Never too late to Start Riding
Another aspect which is unique to endurance sports such as cycling is that providing you can ride a bike it is never too late to start riding. All you need is a bike, a helmet, and off you go. If you want to focus on road cycling, with a bit of practice you will soon be riding distances you never thought possible.
Riding in Mallorca the Cycling Paradise
Why not ride with us in Mallorca. Providing you can ride a bike you will love the endless, smooth, mostly traffic free roads the Balearic Island offers. There are plenty of great places to visit, including golden beaches, great shopping, and quaint towns and villages to explore.
Once you have ridden your bike for a few weeks you will soon find you have the cycling bug and want to cycle further and faster.
Source: Daily Mail
Submitted: 29/07/2016
Updated:19/11/2018
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