Boot camp Melbourne

It's never too late to start cycling

While many of us have fond childhood
memories of hopping on the bike and 

going for a ride, our older age counterpart
is expert at finding lots of reasons for not
cycling, 
”I'm too old”, “I'm not fit enough”
or 
”cycling is too dangerous”.

With the State Government committed to

spending serious money on bicycle infrastructure,
great initiatives from cycling bodies to 
encourage
people to ride to work and many companies
providing the necessary bicycle 
parking facilities,
it's never been easier to get started.

There were 1.9 million Australians riding bikes in
2008 and 
bicycle sales outperformed car sales for
the ninth year 
in a row. Our commitment to
two-wheel engine free transport is growing rapidly.  
 

Benefits of cycling

Cycling limits the load on the body’s joints while providing a great way to burn calories and get an aerobic workout. Sedentary behavior is on the rise, but it’s not hard to turn the tide and whether you’re eight or 80, you’ll receive immediate benefits from getting on a bike.


Engaging in any type of physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure by helping reduce blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Exercise also helps reduce depression and anxiety.



Once you start exercising you’ll see the benefits, no matter what your age. Whether you increase muscle mass or maintain flexibility and strength in your muscles, and thereby stopping muscle wastage and deterioration - as the old saying goes, use it or lose it.



But, remember, before taking up any type of physical activity, it’s important to get a medical check, especially if you’ve been inactive for a long period of time.

Unlike other forms of exercising such as jogging, bike riding doesn’t stress the joints and there’s a shorter recovery time between sessions. While many people struggle with regimented exercise programs, incorporating bike riding into your daily routine is guaranteed to ensure you stick with the program

Getting started

Websites such as Bicycle Victoria have pages

devoted to BUGS, or bicycle user groups that
operate in most  suburban areas, just choose

your preferred location and fitness level.



A great way to start is to involve the family.
For example, 
make it a regular outing on a
Saturday morning, take a picnic and keep it fun.


There are various forms of equipment for younger
riders so they can be attached to the back of mum or
dad’s 
bike or there are specially designed carriers
that can attach 
to the rear section of the bike, like a
baby car seat for bicycles.


Incorporated into your daily life

Cities like Melbourne have plenty of dedicated bicycle paths that offer 100s of kilometers of car free travel. So aim for 30 minutes of medium intensity cycling at least four times per week, preferably every second day where possible. .
Try riding to work, and if your heading for the Melbourne CBD, there is now a dedicated bicycle parking and shower facility at the Banana Alley Vaults located at the corner of Flinders and Elizabeth St.
 

Your first long ride

Fitstyler has registered a team for Melbourne Summer Cycle 2010 which is a relaxed 40km cycle from Carlton to Williamstown and back with plenty of supported rest stops on the way. If your interested in joining in, or would like more information just let us know.



So try riding a bike today, it's not as scary as you think.



Article contributed by
Andrew Talati
Fitstyler