Recumbent Bikes Provides Exercise For Seniors

Recumbent bikes are increasing in popularity as they are great for exercise for seniors. Many seniors think they can no longer ride a bike, especially if they have physical limitations or are not quite as spry as they used to be. This is really not the case, though, now that recumbent bikes are increasingly popular. They are available in a variety of styles, many of which are especially well suited for the unique needs of seniors.

Recumbent Bikes Basics

Recumbent bikes are different from regular bikes because instead of sitting up high with your feet and legs pedaling underneath you, the bike allows you to sit more comfortably as if in a chair that leans slightly backward. Your feet and legs extend out in front of you and the pedaling movement is front to back rather than up and down as on a regular bike.

Seniors find recumbent bikes easier to use because of the relatively easy and relaxed seating position. If balance is a problem then a recumbent tricycle is an excellent alternative. Regardless of whether you choose a recumbent bicycle or tricycle, you will be probably be happiest if you invest in one that has at least some sort of suspension on the front and rear wheels. A padded seat is very nice as well; some manufacturers are now offering recumbent bikes and trikes with seats that are practically like recliners with their level of comfort.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Recumbent Bikes

There are a great number of advantages to riding on a recumbent bike, such as:

• Comfort – Between the comfortable seat and the reclining position, riding a recumbent bike is easier on your body and can be done for longer periods of time. Muscle strains and other pains are reduced quite a bit, thanks again to the reclining position.

• Safety – Because recumbent bikes are lower to the ground, if you should take a tumble you are much less likely to get a serious injury. There just isn’t nearly as great of a distance to fall. Also, the recumbent position makes braking and stopping much easier and quicker.

• Visibility while riding – Most seniors find it much easier to see where they are going and maintain good visibility while riding because instead of trying to hold their necks up like on a regular bike, they are already seated and facing forward with a wide range of sight.

• Customization – Recumbent bikes are extremely customizable, more so than a regular bike. You can specify the reclining angle of the seat, the width and padding of the seat, the length of the wheelbase, the shocks and suspension, and even a windshield to help protect from wind and rain.

Along with these advantages, of course, there are disadvantages to recumbent bikes as well. These include:

• Balance and stability – A regular recumbent bicycle take a bit more practice to master the balance and stability. Because you sit much lower to the ground it is more difficult to establish a balance and at slow speeds it is harder to keep the bike stable. This is why many seniors prefer riding a recumbent tricycle instead.

• Visibility while riding – While the rider has greater visibility on a recumbent bike, people in cars and other vehicles find it much harder to see a recumbent bike going down the street. Again, this is due to the low position relative to the ground. A good way to increase visibility is to attach a tall, flexible, and bright flag to the frame of the bike.

• Maneuverability – The longer wheelbase of a recumbent bike means the turning radius is larger than a traditional bike and the maneuverability is reduced. You have to take this into account when judging distances and safe areas to ride.

• Cost – A recumbent bike can cost as much as 20% to 50% more than a standard upright bike. For many seniors, though, the higher price is well worth it for the increased comfort and ridability.

Great Option and Exercise For Seniors

The bottom line when it comes to recumbent bikes is that they can be a really great option for seniors who want to be active but can’t ride a regular upright bike. They allow the rider to be more comfortable and ride for longer periods of time, which in turn contributes to better health and fitness levels.

Top 10 Mountain Biking Destinations

It is unsurprising that outdoor adventure activities are growing in popularity. They provide your life with some fun and adventure, are a great way to meet new people and are good for your fitness and overall health. Mountain biking is a fantastic outdoor adventure activity that is accessible to a range of ages and fitness levels. Although you can go mountain biking almost anywhere, some destinations offer fantastic opportunities due to their stunning landscape and varied terrain. Here are the top ten mountain biking destinations and locations in the world.

1. Showshoe mountain in West Virginia is an ideal mountain biking destination. There are miles of mountain biking trails, terrain is rocky and so is ideal for the more experienced rider.

2. Grizedale in Cumbria is one of the UK`s top mountain biking locations. It offers spectacular views and technical challenges.

3. Fort William in Scotland are the setting of the annual Mountain Bike World Cup. Trails are fast, rocky and tough making Fort William ideal for those bikers in search of adventure.

4. Rossland is often called the mountain biking capital of Canada. Trails are fast paced and exciting.

5. Alpe D`Huez in France is a spectacular mountain biking location due to its breathtaking scenery.

6. Langkawi in Malaysia is an extremely popular destination for mountain bikers. It offers gorgeous hills and interesting terrain.

7. Tsali Recreation in North Carolina is a world famous location for mountain biking. It sits on a hilly peninsula and contains over 40 miles of trails.

8. Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is a great place for mountain biking enthusiasts who want a change. Here you can go on Safari on your bike, Navigating the dirt roads whilst viewing hippos, elephants and more.

9.  Slickrock Trail in Utah is one of the best places to go mountain biking in the world. Slickrock Trail offers great steep biking terrain and requires skill and confidence.

10. Les Gets, in France offers arguably the best mountain biking experience there is. It offers adrenalin inducing downhill trails mixed with spectacular views. Lets Gets offers an all round fantastic mountain biking experience.

When going to one of these top mountain biking destinations it is extremely important to have the right gear. Many are challenging and so bikers should be prepared and ensure they are safe and comfortable on their trip. Firstly, make sure you have a decent pair of shoes. Buy your footwear from well recognised brands. These brands will have invested money into the technology to make sure your footwear is comfortable and fit for purpose. Brands such as Vans and Roxy clothing have a range of stylish shoes suitable for mountain biking as well as various accessories such as helmets, belts, gloves and more. You can buy Roxy clothing online and in certain stores.

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