Get Pedaling!
For leisure or fitness, there is no better time than the month of May
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Photo by Buzz Bowers
The Villages Bicycle Club, shown here during a recent ride, accepts members of all skill levels from novice to expert.
With its balmy weather and scenic natural areas, North Central Florida is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors almost any time of the year. But the spring is especially picturesque and temperate, which makes it fitting that the League of American Bicyclists celebrates National Bike Month every May.
Bicycling is an easy way to get or stay in shape for people of any age. Riding involves not just the legs but the whole body, building strength and muscle tone and increasing cardiovascular fitness and stamina. But there are also particular benefits for senior citizens."Cycling, like any physical activity, plays a significant role in physical well being in the geriatric patient," said Dr. Sherif El-Salawy, a board-certified physician in geriatric and internal medicine at the Senior Healthcare Center at Crown Pointe in Gainesville. "And any type of activity helps to maintain your current level of memory and prevent the onset of Alzheimer's dementia."
Recent developments have also shown that cycling might provide a surprising benefit to those with Parkinson's disease. Last month in the Netherlands a doctor reported that a patient with end-stage Parkinson's experienced a reduction in his symptoms with regular cycling. The patient was unable to walk more than a few steps, but told the doctor he rode his bicycle for miles every day -- and demonstrated his abilities to prove it.
While there are no studies yet to corroborate such events, El-Salawy said that this is a very interesting observation.
"Seniors with Parkinson's who cycle feel that their motor functions improve tremendously," he said. "Medications can't achieve [these results] at this time. This is something with incredible potential."
Cycling is an inexpensive and fun form of exercise that takes advantage of the area's climate and scenery. Gabriel Altman is a shop mechanic at Mr. Goodbike in Gainesville who explained that a casual rider has many options to get started. While a good basic bicycle can be found for around $100, Altman said a little more money can buy a model that is more conducive to use by Seniors.
"The Townie by Electra, for example, has a lower step-through frame (instead of a high crossbar) that is easier to get on from one side," he said. "The seat is wider and the handlebars are set higher so there's less strain on the back and shoulders. Most also have aluminum frames, which are lighter in weight and more weather resistant."
Altman strongly recommends the purchase of a helmet (usually $20-$30) and suggests other accessories that are useful for riding around town. A front basket can hold a purse, while baskets that straddle the back tire are better for heavier loads like grocery bags. A safety vest makes riders more easily visible to motorists even during the daytime, and a bike light is required by law for nighttime riding. Finally, invest in a good combination or key lock to secure the bicycle in public places.
After the initial expenses, all that is required is some time to hit the road and a sense of adventure. Riding is not limited to the outdoors, however. Those who prefer some privacy or an air-conditioned space can take up indoor cycling.
"There's really no difference except for the scenery," El-Salawy said. "It's just as beneficial [as outdoor cycling]."
Most health clubs and recreation centers include upright or recumbent (reclined) stationary bicycles, or one can be purchased for the home at a reasonable cost.
Spinning classes are another popular way to take up indoor cycling. In a spinning class, the instructor leads students on stationary bicycles through a routine designed to simulate different terrains and environments as if the ride were outside.
Cycling is becoming so popular with Seniors that clubs are quickly springing up throughout the area. At The Villages, the popular retirement community in southern Marion County, residents have founded The Village Bicycle Club to share this common interest and promote the sport. Villages resident Drew Callini and his wife, Pat, joined the club two years ago when they moved to the area.
"My wife and I were runners, but we got down to Florida and decided it was too hot to run in the summers," he said. "So we got into biking."
Callini is now the group's vice president and advises Seniors who are interested in the sport to find a club in their area that welcomes many levels of ability. The Village Bicycle Club has group rides that vary in speed to accommodate novices, experts and everyone in between.
What precautions should Seniors take before beginning a cycling program? As with any form of exercise, it is best to talk with your doctor first. Patients with certain medical conditions should be advised to try another option. For example, El-Salawy advises those who have osteoarthritis of the hip or knees to avoid cycling (swimming, he said, is the preferred form of exercise for this condition). He also said that patients with known coronary heart disease should consult their physicians to be sure that all necessary precautions have been taken.
Cyclists should also know the rules of the road. A bicycle is considered a vehicle by law in Florida, which means that cyclists have the same rights and the responsibilities as the operators of cars, motorcycles and other vehicles. Remember to ride with the flow of traffic and use bike lanes whenever they are available. If you do ride on the sidewalk, you must yield to pedestrians. Also be sure to brush up on basic hand signals (left turn, right turn and stop). With little to no investment and a handful of spare time, anyone can take up bicycling and start on the road to health and happiness. §
For more information on Florida's bicycle laws: www.floridabicycle.org/rules/bikelaw.html
