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Many people associate bicycles with their childhood. They see a bike as a toy for kids and not as a serious machine than can be used as a wonderful form of cardiovascular exercise. This is unfortunate as riding a bike is a fantastic way to get outside, see what's around your area, and get in a great workout at the same time. You'll be amazed at how different a perspective you get while riding a bike compared to driving. Trees, buildings and people don't zoom by as they do when you are driving - giving you more time to gaze around and see what's around you.

Like many cyclists I have known over the years, I got involved in cycling as an alternative to other forms of exercise. I was a long time distance runner. As I approached middle age, it became apparent that I needed to diversify my exercise regime, if only to save my knees and back from the constant pounding of running.

Cycling offers one of the best cardiovascular workouts you can find. Because you are seated and not bearing your weight as you cycle, you can get in a “zone” on a bike and ride for very long periods of time compared to running, where you typically get tired after a relatively short time. This ability to maintain your heart rate for a long time is a major benefit of riding a bike. Doctors will tell you that in order to get a benefit from exercise, you need to maintain your heart rate at an elevated level for at least 20 minutes. Many runners, especially beginners, may find this difficult or at least uncomfortable. However, on a bike this is a very easy goal. Three and four hour rides at a low intensity level are quite simple, even for a beginner cyclist.

As mentioned before, cycling also offers a great way to exercise without exposing your relatively fragile joints to severe impact such as you get while running. Over time this can greatly extend your ability to maintain your exercise program. There is some risk to your knees while cycling, however if you are properly fit on your bike and are using your gears correctly this is typically not a problem. Many of the chronic injuries runners have to deal with are similar in cycling, but they happen at a much lower rate due to the low impact nature of riding a bike.

Many cyclists also have problems with their backs, especially those who are riding more aggressive “racing” bikes where the rider in is a very forward and aerodynamic position. The key to avoiding this type of problem is to make stretching a regular part of your workout routine. Staying flexible has many health advantages, and is very important while riding a bike.

Also available to cyclist with bad backs are recumbent bikes. Known as “bents” in the cycling word, these bikes are low to the ground and have a seat with a back, much like sitting in a sports car. They can be a lot of fun to ride and offer quite a different cycling experience from the more common upright bikes. Recumbent bikes are great for people with back problems as your back is supported during your ride. They are also very stable and hard to fall off of, but they are lower to the ground and are less visible to traffic around you.

A good exercise routine is a vital aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In America today we are facing increasing rates of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, all of which are made worse if you don't keep fit. Riding a bike can be a fantastic way to stay in shape and lower your risk of significant health problems.