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eNEWSLETTERS

Bike It Up this Spring!

Bike it up this Spring
Looking for a new outdoor activity this spring? Hop on a bike and tread some miles. Research shows low impact exercising, such as biking, is great for those who are out of shape and live sedentary or nearly sedentary lifestyles. Biking is a great way to get on track to a healthy lifestyle!

Physical Benefits of Biking

Biking is a great workout for the entire body, especially the lower body.
Biking can tone your;

Legs
Hips
Back

Biking can trim your waistline.
Biking can be a great low-impact exercise for those who may have a limited range of motion.
Biking doesn’t have to cause stress on your joints.
Biking burns calories! Curious as to how many…find out with this biking calorie-calculator:

http://www.fitwatch.com/phpscripts/viewexercise.php?descr=bicycling,%20general&mets=8.0

Physical Health Benefits of Biking

Biking can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease, which is one of the number one killers of Americans.
Biking can reduce your cholesterol levels.
Biking can help lower ones blood pressure.
Biking can reduce your stress levels.

Stress Management can be key in living a healthy lifestyle.

You will notice a different in your body and attitude in a short period of time.

Different Bike Riding Options
The nice thing about becoming involved in bike riding is that no matter what the weather, you can still hop on a bike; at home, at the gym, or outside.

At Home- stationary bikes
At the gym- stationary bikes, cycling classes
Outside- grab a bicycle; single or double seat

Biking and the Environment

Biking is a completely clean form of transportation- no pollution!
Biking is also quiet- saves on noise pollution.

Safety First!
With biking you should never forget to protect yourself from the risk of falls or accidents.
Remember;

Wear a helmet at all times. Helmets are required on all children under the age of 13.
Wear elbow and knee pads.
Ride on the street- ride with traffic, NOT against it.
Follow all traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings.
Use marked bike paths and lanes when available.
If listening to music, only wear one headphone. Allow one free ear to hear people and cars.

Bike Trails in Your Area
Missouri bike trails- http://mobikefed.org/motrails.php
Arkansas bike trails- http://nwarpc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74&Itemid=101

If you still aren’t convinced as to why biking can be so beneficial to your health, check out The Great 60! 60+ Benefits of Bicycling

Sources:
http://www.adultbicycling.com/component/content/article/9-bicycling-basics/16-fitness-benefits-of-biking.html
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/benefits-of-biking.html
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/biketips.shtml

Missouri