Cycling - The Ideal Excercise
It is not too much to claim that cycling meets all the conditions of a perfect exercise on a level approached by nothing else. The fact that it is in the open air is important, because the main object of any exercise is to secure and lay up a store of oxygen which can only be fully achieved out of doors, Another benefit is the constant change of scene and thought, avoiding the monotony of indoor exercise. New rides, fresh sights, varied routes, pleasant companions, and a total change in every respect from ordinary occupations, giving very particular rewards.
It is an exercise that doesn’t develop any one set of muscles excessively, but works on several simultaneously, gently, and beneficially. It calls into concurrent action more muscles than any other form of exercise; but it calls them into play so gently and pleasantly that after one has mastered the surprise that this unexpected event gives him initially, he is unconscious of the fact, except that he feels exhilarated after a ride. The chest and abdomen are the first to feel the effects and benefits of riding a cycle. As in other exercises of speed the chest is strengthened and enlarged; the arms and fingers become firmer in action; and every function of the various organs feels a reviving impulse.
It only requires a short ride to start an inert circulation into healthy activity, to calm strained nerves, refresh weary muscles, and clear the fogged brain. It is almost impossible to be so tired, physically or mentally, that half an hour on a bicycle will fail to refresh the system like food and sleep combined, and leave it in a far better and more lasting tone than any stimulant can produce. After an evening ride, and rub down or bath, the sleep that follows is incomparably calm and refreshing. The nerves are calmed, the muscles rested, the circulation stimulated, and the feeling of physical satisfaction which penetrates the system
insures calm and invigorating sleep. All this has been proved over and over again in the experience of every cyclist. Health experts are beginning to recognize it, and are recommending the bicycle to both men and women.
A characteristic feature of cycling, and one that belongs to no other form of exercise to a similar level, is that it is suited to people of widely differing physical condition - in other words, the exercise can be made gentle, moderate, or fierce to suit. Of course, the process of learning is apt to be a little dull, but, that over, the exercise can be coordinated with delight. In this case an uncharacteristic advantage is that gentle cycling produces better and more lasting results than any other gentle exercise. On this level it is simply unique as an exercise.
When restrained exercise is required, it can be accomplished by taking a longer ride or at a faster pace, or the two combined; and rigorous exercise can be achieved by even longer rides and increasing the speed. These simple changes adapt cycling to all demands. In its gentlest form, a rider will travel four to six miles an hour; in a moderate form, he will travel seven or eight miles an hour; in a lively form, he will ride nine or ten miles an hour; and, in a violent form, from twelve to fifteen miles an hour. Whichever exercise is required enjoy the experience; and you will enjoy better health; the worries of life will be easier borne and your life will be lengthened.
