Cycling - The Sport For All Ages

THE rapidly increasing popularity of cycling and the large number of people of both sexes who have, within the last few years, become owners of bicycles, has led to some to question the suitability of this kind of physical exertion for individuals of various ages.

Those who have practical experience of this pursuit and by those who have not have written a lot, and many conflicting opinions have been said as to whether the bicycle is suitable for everyone.

Firstly, with respect to those who enjoy sound health, there can be no question that, whatever their sex or age, the exercise of cycling is in every way beneficial. Although, the lower muscles of the body are in the main developed by cycling, they are not the only ones that are employed. Those of the arms, back, shoulders and abdomen have secondary but important parts to play, while those which control the respiratory organs have a large amount of work thrown upon them, work which is enormously increased when the pace is fast or the road uphill. The pressure exercised by the large flat muscles of the abdomen also stimulates the many important organs that lie beneath. The heart of course participates in this increased action, and the improved circulation, both through the lungs and system generally, promotes the increase of oxygen of the blood, and that tissue change which is so essential to the maintenance of a sound state of health.

As far as learning to ride is concerned it is never too late; old men of eighty years and upwards have taken up cycling, continued it for several years, and gained benefit from it. Of course a veteran of that age who starts a new athletic exercise is, in the great majority of cases, one who's looked after his body, and consequently his muscular and circulatory systems are better prepared to stand the fresh strain given to them than those who have had an inactive life.

While men and women of this age taking up cycling is not the norm it is to be emphasized that cycling is a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages. Middle-aged riders, therefore, can take heart, and continue their favorite pursuit with the knowledge in the certainty that they are laying up for their old age a store of health and vitality.