Cycling is an exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, children to adult. It is low-impact, good for your health, a great family activity, and can be done with little expense. It is important to understand that safety is a key component to the enjoyment of cycling. A bicycle is not a toy, it is a vehicle!

The activity of cycling can be enjoyed by the whole family, and it can be done with little expense. Children’s bikes can be purchased new for as little as $50-$100, and adult bikes at a beginning cost of $80.

There are also opportunities to attain used bikes through local garage sales, check the classified ads in the newspaper, inquire at the local police department, and be sure to ask family and friends if they have old bicycles laying around that are not being used.

There may be other opportunities available in your community also. A good example of this, in Niles, is the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. The YMCA has bikes, which have been donated, available to be signed out by members to ride the Riverfront Trail at no cost.

Helmets are available for adults at the YMCA and children should bring their own helmets to assure a good fit for safety. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to be physically active together and enjoy the resources available in the community.

Exercise is a critical element to maintaining good health. It is recommended for adults to get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity every week and children should get 60 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity every day.

Being physically active reduces the risk of chronic disease, helps to maintain or achieve a healthy body weight, and leads to better overall wellness. It may be a challenge to begin a regular routine as a family to become more physically active, but it is easier than you think. Find things you enjoy doing and identify activities where the whole family can participate.

Benefits of being physically active include increased cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength, improved mobility, increased bone strength, decreased body fat, and improved coordination and posture. But the benefits expand far beyond physical health. Physical activity improves mental/emotional health and wellness such as; decreased stress levels, reduced anxiety and depression, improved alertness, and improved self-efficacy and self-esteem.

Getting outdoors in the fresh air and enjoying the seasons is one of the best things about living in Michigan. We are able to enjoy the seasonal changes in weather, including sunshine and warmth of summer; fresh, brisk air of fall; glisten and excitement of winter, and the new beginnings of spring.

The cycle is continuous and keeps us refreshed with each season. It is important to stay physically active through all seasons.

Cycling is often recognized as an outdoor sport that can be enjoyed during most seasons, with the exception of winter. But it can also be enjoyed through the winter season at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.

There are daily opportunities at the YMCA to participate in with cycling activities; cycling classes, recumbent stationary bikes, upright stationary bikes, and the Interactive stationary bikes where you can choose your course.

So, get your cycle on! Enjoy the benefits of cycling, being physically active, and your local resources.

 

Denise Peters is the vice president of programs at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. She can be reached by phone at (269) 683-1552, or by email at dpeters@nb-ymca.com.