How Should You Start Cycling?

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Did you know that being an average daily cyclist allows you to have the fitness level of someone 10 years younger than you? That should give you a great reason to hop on two wheels! It goes without saying that it is important to stay fit and healthy for many reasons. Cycling is a great choice because anyone at any age can do it, there is minimal investment for equipment and it can be done indoors or in the great outdoors.

I would love to get into cycling, but where do I start?

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT treats athletes of all types on a regular basis. Being well prepared in any sport is the best way to avoid injury. The first place to start is to find a bicycle that fits your body and the type of cycling you want to do. Go to a reputable sporting goods store where a professional can assess the tilt of your seat, the height of the handle bars and how far you have to reach over to reach them.

Getting a true workout on a bicycle will be about getting into a steady rhythm. A consistent pattern of pedaling and coasting is not going to set you up for success. Look for long stretches of road or trail where you don’t have to keep stopping along the way. It will also be helpful to track your revolutions per minute. The standard is 80-90 and staying within that zone will give you a great cardiovascular workout without putting too much stress on your joints.

Start slowly and allow your muscles time to adjust to the new form of movement you are putting on them. Aim for easy 30-45 minute ride and work your way up. If at any point, you are have consistent pain that does not go away or recurs, stop and call our office. Dr. Boucher can diagnose any potential injury or problems to be aware of. You can make an appointment by calling our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Benefits of Cycling & How to Protect Your Feet!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What are the benefits of cycling?

From the start, when cycling was first invented in the early 1900s, it has been a sport embraced by all ages. More than 100 million Americans enjoy cycling and are reaping the benefits. It doesn’t matter if you are biking to work, running errands or joining a road race, hopping on a bike is good for your body!

As far as burned calories go, cycling at a moderate to fast pace for 30 minutes can help you burn up to 300 calories. Biking is a great cardiovascular exercise that also helps strengthen your muscles. It is also a lower-impact form of exercise, which spares joints some of the stress that other types of exercise can put on your body. 

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT is all about helping her active patients protect their feet. Some of the common cycling injuries she treats are: shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis and foot numbness and pain. Over activity, lack of proper body alignment and poor footwear can each cause injury.

Your feet are transferring energy to the pedals in every push making proper shoes essential, even for a casual stroll through your neighborhood. If you are going to do more serious cycling, your shoes should have a stiff sole and fit snugly around your heel and the bridge of your foot. Look for ventilated uppers and avoid any shoes with loose straps or laces that could be hazardous. Also, bring your socks with you when you go to try on shoes to ensure you get the right fit.

If your feet are in pain at every turn of the pedal, take a break and come in and see Dr. Boucher. She can evaluate the cause of your foot pain and provide the right course of treatment. You can make an appointment at our podiatric office by calling (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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