We all have in common that we can’t stop time. We all age whether we like it or not. Some are slower or faster than others, depending on genetics, overall health, lifestyle, and environmental factors to start.
Experts agree that exercise is good at any age regardless of your health. Sure, you may have some limitations and should run all new exercise regimes past your healthcare provider. But the bottom line is exercise is excellent for you mentally, physically, and emotionally whether you’re 15 or 85.
This leads me nicely to my next point.
Cycling is fabulous for anybody, particularly those over the age of 50, looking to develop a spring in their step, better energy, fewer aches and pain, and an optimism that will turn any frown upside down.
Cycling can help you improve your life tremendously: mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Visit your Doctor – It’s Important
As we age, our body begins breaking down. Experts say that between the ages of 25 and 50, we lose up to 15 percent of our muscle naturally. After the age of 50, your muscle loss increases tremendously. So the older we get, the more critical it is to pay attention to our muscle mass.
So if you are looking to train hard cycling, be smart and run this past your doctor. Get a complete checkup and make sure everything is in working order BEFORE you begin. After that, get started and enjoy your training!
Now it’s important to note that you aren’t a teenager anymore and will need to ease gently into cycling. The last thing you want to do is overdo it and end up injuring yourself, deterring further training. So by taking a sensible approach and setting yourself up for success with realistic expectations, you’ll be surprised how much you really can do.
Any cycling is good exercise, and if you enjoy it, why not think about taking it to the next level. Older riders can achieve this simply by learning better cycling habits and competing against themselves to improve. The best vehicle for improving your cycling and fitness level is structured training sessions. With some expert guidance, tips, and a plan to reach your goals, it’s just a matter of time before you get the results you’re looking for.
Set your Fears Aside
It makes sense that older people may “think” they’re too old to exercise or are too worried they might hurt themselves. As a result, older people may be afraid to push their bodies to the limit for fear of injury or health troubles – or just not living up to their expectations.
The fact is, age shouldn’t stop you. Age in itself is NOT a reason to avoid cycling. If you believe you can do it and get approval from your local physician, then go ahead and enjoy your training.
What you should do:
- As you age, your body becomes more prone to injury and takes longer to recover. To prevent injury, it’s important to prioritize proper form and technique during exercise. Additionally, incorporating strength training into your fitness routine can help improve joint stability and reduce the risk of injury.
- Aging can lead to a decline in VO2 max, which is a measure of cardiovascular fitness. However, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be an effective way to maintain or even improve VO2 max as you age. Start with shorter intervals at low intensity and gradually increase the duration and intensity over time.
- Many athletes experience declines in performance as they age due to decreases in muscle mass and hormonal changes. However, proper nutrition can help mitigate these effects. Focus on consuming adequate protein to support muscle maintenance and growth, as well as healthy fats like omega-3s to reduce inflammation and support overall health.