Biking for Health Sake

I love my purple bicycle. As I get older, I have tried to keep my weight consistent without yoyo dieting. A few months ago I took a jogging class at the university where I work. I got an “A” but ended up with a very swollen knee. As a teenager I injured my knee badly and have been told I need a knee replacement.

I realize that swimming is good, but it is not so convenient for me since I don’t have a pool in the back yard. So, the next best alternative for me is bicycling. This exercise is easier on my knees, and I find it a very enjoyable way to get to work and back home every day and to go on my errands.

I also enjoy bicycling with my grandchildren. I have a car seat on the back and the young ones really enjoy going with Grandma.

I did some research to see what advantages bicycling might have over other exercises.

I found that cycling exercises the heart better than walking without the pounding of jogging. I can certainly attest to that fact.

Bicycling is not expensive. I have a very low budget bike, but it gets me where I need to go. The problem with bikes here in Hawaii is you have to lock them up, or they may disappear. Also, they rust because they are out in the rain a lot. With a bit ofWD-40, mine stays in pretty good working order.

Instead of driving in the car, I can get out in the fresh air, meet more neighbors, and perform errands while not wasting money on gas.

Bicycling reduces pollution, which is a biggie these days. I like to show my love for this earth by thinking “green”, and want to do what I can to help out.

I enjoy the burn in my thighs when I cycle, and I know that it is helping to control my weight. I do not plan to be a superwoman, but know that I feel a sense of accomplishment when I park my little bike at the bike stands as everyone else gets out of their gas guzzlers.

I believe another benefit of riding a bicycle is keeping my balance. To keep from running over people and hitting potholes or rocks, it takes a bit of maneuvering and a continual balancing act.

I feel that riding my bicycle will be beneficial in the long run. If I ever decide to get my knee replaced, I know that bicycling will be a good way to rehabilitate the joint.

Once in a while I get some funny looks from children and students since I am a grandma and still riding my bike around, but it doesn’t bother me. My own father is in his 80s and he still rides his bike whenever the weather permits.