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- $Unique_ID{BRK02374}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Which Is Better Exercise: Indoor or Outdoor Bicycling?}
- $Subject{exercise indoor stationary bicycle bicycling ride cycle safety
- circulatory system heart lifestyle lifestyles exercises riding safe safer
- cycling}
- $Volume{G-23}
- $Log{
- Exercise Strengthens the Heart*0003202.scf
- Exercise Helps Strength and Flexibility*0003204.scf
- Exercise Increases Lung Capacity*0003206.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Which Is Better Exercise: Indoor or Outdoor Bicycling?
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-
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-
- QUESTION: Would you please solve a problem for me? I usually get my exercise
- in by bicycling each day. That is fine for the summer months when the weather
- is usually pleasant. However, on bad days and during the winter months I use
- an indoor stationary bicycle instead. Could you please tell me which method
- is better for my health? It is my belief that the outdoor activity is
- probably better but I would like to be sure.
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: It is certainly understandable that an invigorating bicycle ride
- through pleasant surroundings on a beautiful summer day would seem to be the
- more healthful activity, but take a moment and analyze the two situations with
- me.
- All exercise provides three important benefits. The first is improving
- cardiovascular reserves (the ability of the heart to meet with the needs of
- the body). This is accomplished by raising the rate of the heart beat to
- levels indicated for your age during 20 minutes (minimum) exercise periods
- three times or more a week. Secondly, bicycling is a fine activity to burn
- extra calories and is most helpful in weight control programs. Cycling at a
- speed of 8 miles/hour for 1 hour burns from 300-360 calories. Pushing along
- at 11 miles/hour increases the calorie burn to 420-480 per hour. Last, the
- activity increases both the muscle tone and strength of your leg muscles as
- well. All of these results from exercise can be considered as beneficial to
- your health. And the fact is that the same results are obtained whether you
- ride along pleasant outside routes, or in the confines of your home.
- However, when you add in the safety factors, your indoor stationary bike
- takes the honors. You usually don't fall from the exercise cycle, there are
- no traffic problems to worry about, no pot holes or ruts to turn you over.
- Add in the ability to exercise in a temperature controlled environment,
- relatively free from pollen and dust and the indoor exercise program becomes
- even more "healthful". Of course the real secret is to maintain your regular
- schedule, mixing the two, and preserving your zest for your enviable exercise
- activity.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-