Cycling for People with Arthritis

-

An older senior cyclist
I cannot deny it. I am an older cyclist. I think I am in pretty good shape considering my age, but I do have mild arthritis. I take a prescription for it and have tried to stop taking the medicine before only to find out that my arthritis is more problematic than I thought. One thing is for sure though, cycling helps alleviate some of the pain. 

Cycling is a great low-impact exercise for people with arthritis. It's easy on your joints and can help to improve your range of motion, flexibility, and strength. Cycling can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.

If you have arthritis, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you get the most out of cycling:

  • Choose the right bike. A comfortable bike with a wide seat and adjustable handlebars is important for people with arthritis. You may also want to consider a recumbent bike, which puts less stress on your joints.
  • Start slowly. If you're new to cycling, start with short, easy rides and gradually increase the distance and intensity of your rides over time.
  • Listen to your body. If you start to feel pain, stop and rest. Don't push yourself too hard.
  • Take breaks. It's important to take breaks often, especially if you're riding a long distance. Get off your bike and stretch for a few minutes every 20-30 minutes.
  • Wear the right gear. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You may also want to wear a helmet and other safety gear.

Here are some additional tips for cycling with arthritis:

  • Adjust your bike. Make sure your bike is properly adjusted to your body. The seat should be at a height where you can comfortably reach the pedals with your legs fully extended. The handlebars should be at a height where you have a slight bend in your elbows.
  • Use a low gear. Start in a low gear and gradually shift up to a higher gear as you warm up. This will help you to avoid putting too much stress on your joints.
  • Maintain a steady cadence. Pedal at a steady pace and avoid sudden bursts of speed.
  • Ride on smooth surfaces. Avoid riding on rough or bumpy surfaces, as this can put too much stress on your joints.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your rides.

Cycling is a great way to improve your overall health and fitness, even if you have arthritis. By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of cycling without putting too much stress on your joints.

If you have any concerns about cycling with arthritis, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Here is my next post:  Chocolate Milk for Cyclists: The Perfect Post-Ride Recovery Drink

Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

Subscribe

Popular posts from this blog

Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight?

-
Image
Cycling is a popular form of exercise that is known for its many benefits. One of the most common reasons people take up cycling is for weight loss. But the question is, is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to lose weight? In this blog post, I will explore the answer to this question and look at the benefits of cycling for weight loss. When I first started cycling as an adult after a few years of being sedentary, I thought 30 minutes a day was a lot. It did not take long for me to ratchet up from 30 minutes a day to more. Cycling just has a way of grabbing you and not letting go, but I quickly found out something else. If I was going to continue eating my same bad diet, even an hour of cycling every day was not going to help me lose weight. I am going to cover the basics here and then try to answer the question, is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to lose weight. Understand the concept of weight loss:  It's important to understand the role of calories in the body. Calories are a
Read more

Heinz Stücke: The Touring Cyclist Who Covered the Most Miles Ever

-
Image
  When it comes to touring cyclists who have covered the most miles ever, there are a few names that come to mind. However, one cyclist stands out above the rest - Heinz Stücke. Heinz Stücke, born in Germany in 1940, started his cycling journey in 1962 at the age of 22. He set out on his first tour from his hometown of Hövelhof, Germany, with the intention of cycling through Europe. He pedaled through France, Spain, and Portugal, and eventually reached Morocco. He continued his journey through Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and soon found himself cycling around the world. Stücke's cycling adventure didn't stop there, as he continued to tour for over 50 years, covering a staggering 648,000 kilometers (or approximately 403,000 miles) in total. This distance is equivalent to cycling around the equator over 16 times, or making more than 15 trips from New York to Los Angeles. Stücke's journey took him through over 200 countries, and he was always eager to learn about differe
Read more

The Mental and Physical Demands of Riding 100 Miles on a Bicycle

-
Image
Are you ready for a challenge? Riding 100 miles on a bicycle is no easy feat, but it's definitely possible with the right mindset and preparation. In this blog post, we'll discuss what it takes to conquer a century ride and share some tips to help you reach that finish line. First and foremost, let's be clear: riding 100 miles on a bicycle is not for the faint of heart. It's a true test of endurance and patience, and you'll likely experience a fair amount of discomfort along the way. But don't let that discourage you! With proper training and mental preparation, you can overcome the challenges and emerge victorious. One key aspect of long-distance riding is mental toughness. Yes, physical fitness is important, but it's not everything. When you're in the midst of a grueling ride, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated. But with the right mindset, you can learn to manage your thoughts and emotions and push through the difficult moments. Here are a
Read more