Your Body On a Bike
Riding a bike is one of the best cardiovascular exercises around. Not only does it provide an aerobic workout, but it strengthens the large muscles of the lower body, including the thighs, hips and buttocks, without putting a lot of stress on the joints. The upper body and arms come into play when climbing hills.
Always warm up before you begin your ride. Pedal in a low gear over flat terrain until you begin to sweat or feel warm.
This usually takes about five to 10 minutes. And don't neglect to cool down when you come to the end of your ride. Gradually lowering your heart rate can help prevent the pooling of lactic acid in the muscles. Again, pedal slowly in a low gear.
This material was gathered from the American Council on Exercise Association. It is not intended to replace the care of your physician or therapist.
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