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Is November 6th your birthday? Was someone special to you born on November 6th? With whom will you choose to celebrate this excellent occasion?

If today is your birthday, then you are in excellent company.

(If someone you love is celebrating another year today, why not forward this list to the birthday boy or girl? Click SHARE at the bottom of this page to email the entire article with your “Happy Birthday” message.)

November 6th was the birth date of several notable individuals. Here they are:

November 6th Birthdays: Famous Artists

French cellist and composer Jean-Baptiste Sebastien Breval (Cello Sonata in C, Sonata in C Major and Traité du Violoncelle) was born on November 6, 1753.

American Impressionist painter Dennis Miller Bunker (A Bohemian - The Guitar Player, In the Greenhouse and The Pool at Medfield) was born on November 6, 1861.

French architect Charles Garnier (Opera de Monte Carlo and Opera de Paris) was born on November 6, 1825.

American film director Thomas H. Ince (Civilization) was born on November 6, 1882.

Philips Koninck, Dutch Baroque painter (Entrance to a Forest, Panoramic Landscape, The Raising of Tabitha, River Landscape and The Seamstress), was born on November 6, 1619.

Michael Igor (Mike Nichols) Peschowsky, German-American stage and film director (Barefoot in the Park, Biloxi Blues, The Birdcage, Carnal Knowledge, Catch-22, Charlie Wilson's War, Closer, Death and the Maiden, The Graduate, Hurlyburly, Luv, The Odd Couple, Plaza Suite, Primary Colors, The Prisoner of Second Avenue, The Real Thing, Silkwood, Spamalot, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Working Girl) and Academy Award winner (1967), was born on November 6, 1931.

Emiel Poetou, Flemish sculptor (Panther), was born on November 6, 1885.

British-American artist Louis John Rhead (Fly Fishing and The Psalms of David) was born on November 6, 1857.

Ludomir Rozycki, Polish composer (Eros i Psyche and Meduza), was born on November 6, 1884.

American composer John Philip Sousa was born on November 6, 1854. Known as “The March King,” John Philip Sousa composed “Hands Across the Sea,” “Semper Fidelis,” “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” “The Washington Post March” and more than 100 other marches. He also wrote operas, such as The Bride Elect, El Capitan and The Freelance.

November 6th Birthdays: Famous Athletes

Laurie Baker, American ice hockey player and Olympic gold medalist (1998), was born on November 6, 1976.

George Lawrence James, American relay runner and Olympic gold medalist (1968), was born on November 6, 1947.

Knut Johannesen, Norwegian speed skater and Olympic gold medalist (1964), was born on November 6, 1933.

November 6th Birthdays: Famous Authors and Journalists

American television journalist Catherine Jean Crier (20/20,ABC World News Tonight, Catherine Crier Live, The Crier Report, Inside Politics and The World Today) was born on November 6, 1954.

James Jones, American novelist (From Here to Eternity, Some Came Running, The Thin Red Line, A Touch of Danger, Viet Journal and Whistle), was born on November 6, 1921.

Thomas Kyd, British dramatist (The Spanish Tragedie), was born on November 6, 1558.

American journalist and editor (The Salt Lake City Tribune and Stars and Stripes) Harold Wallace Ross was born on November 6, 1891. Harold Wallace Ross founded The New Yorker.

Maria Shriver, American television journalist (CBS News, NBC News, Sunday Today) and author (Ten Things I Wish I'd Known - Before I Went Into the Real World and What's Wrong With Timmy), was born on November 6, 1955. Maria Shriver is married to actor and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Her uncle was 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

November 6th Birthdays: Famous Business Leaders

Charles Henry Dow, American journalist (The Wall Street Journal) and founder of the Dow-Jones Industrial Average, was born on November 6, 1851.

Donald (Don) King, American boxing promoter, was born on November 6, 1932.

James A. Naismith, American YMCA and college athletic director and inventor of the game of basketball, was born on November 6, 1861.

November 6th Birthdays: Famous Performers

American actor (Freaks and Geeks), puppeteer (Mystery Science Theater 3000) and television personality (People Traps) Trace Beaulieu was born on November 6, 1958.

Aurora (Rory) Block, American blues-country singer (”God's Gift to Women”), was born on November 6, 1949.

British rock guitarist and singer Paul Brindley (The Sundays) was born on November 6, 1963.

Ronnie Brody, British actor (The Benny Hill Show, Carry on Loving, Dave Allen at Large, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Hancock's Half Hour, Help, Ritz, Superman 3 and What's Up Nurse), was born on November 6, 1918.

American actor Jonathan (Harris) Daniel Charasuchin (A Bug's Life, Lost in Space and The Third Man) was born on November 6, 1914.

Guy Clark, American country guitarist, luthier, singer and songwriter (”Baby I'm Yours,” “Blowin' Like a Bandit,” “Boats to Build,,” “The Carpenter,” “Cinco de Mayon inMemphis,” “Desperadoes Waiting for a Train,” Heartbroke,” “L.A. Freeway,” “Oklahoma Borderline” “Out in the Parking Lot” and “She's Crazy for Leaving”), was born on November 6, 1941. Guy Clark has written songs for Asleep at the Wheel, Bobby Bare, Jimmy Buffett, Johnny Cash, John Conlee, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Vince Gill, Emmy Lou Harris, The Highwaymen, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner and other country artists.

American pop singer Mike Clifford (”Clifford's Puppy Days” and “Close to Cathy”) was born on November 6, 1943.

Ray Conniff, American trombonist, singer and bandleader (The Ray Conniff Singers), was born on November 6, 1916.

Brad Davis, American actor (Blood Ties, The Caine Mutiny Court Martial, Chariots of Fire, Chiefs, Cold Steel, The Greatest Man in the World, The Habitation of Dragons, Heart, How to Survive a Marriage, Midnight Express, The Normal Heart, The Player, The Plot to Kill Hitler, Robert Kennedy & His Times, Roots, Rosalie Goes Shopping, A Rumor of War, A Small Circle of Friends, Sybil, Unspeakable Acts, Vengeance and When the Time Comes), was born on November 6, 1949.

American actor Peter John DeLuise (21 Jump Street, Children of the Night, The Midnight Hour, Rescue Me and SeaQuest DSV) was born on November 6, 1966. Peter DeLuise is son to comedian and actor Dom DeLuise and actress Carol Arthur. His brothers are actor David DeLuise and Michael DeLuise.

American actress Nicole Dubuc (Major Dad and Our House) was born on November 6, 1978.

Sally Margaret Field, American actress (Absence of Malice, Alias Smith and Jones, Beautiful, Brothers and Sisters, The Court, Dying Young, ER, The Flying Nun, Forrest Gump, Gidget, The Girl with Something Extra, Hooper, Mrs. Doubtfire, Norma Rae, Places in the Heart, Smokey and the Bandit, Stay Hungry, Steel Magnolias and Sybil) and Academy Award winner (1979 and 1984) was born on November 6, 1946.

Glenn Frey, American rock singer (The Eagles) was born on November 6, 1948.

American actress Lisa Fuller (General Hospital) was born on November 6, 1966.

Corey Glover, American heavy metal rock singer (Living Colour), was born on November 6, 1964.

Juanita Hall, American actress (Flower Drum Song, Miracle in Harlem and South Pacific), was born on November 6, 1901.

Nigel Havers, British actor (The Burning Season, Chariots of Fire, Empire of the Sun, Farewell to the King, Lie Down with Lions, The Little Princess, A Passage to India and Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe), was born on November 6, 1949.

Ethan Hawke, American actor (Alive, Dad, Dead Poets Society, Explorers, Gattaca, Great Expectations, Lord of War, A Midnight Clear, The Newton Boys, Reality Bites, Search and Destroy, Snow Falling on Cedars, Training Day, Waking Life, Waterland and White Fang) and author (The Hottest State), was born on November 6, 1970.

Bill Henderson, Canadian rock vocalist and guitarist (Chilliwack), was born on November 6, 1944.

American country singer Stonewall Jackson (”A Wound Time Can't Erase,” “B.J. the D.J. ,” “The Carpet on the Floor,” “Don't Be Angry,” “Help Stamp Out Loneliness,” “I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water,” “Life to Go,” “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo,” “Old Showboat,” “Waterloo” and “Why I'm Walkin'”) was born on November 6, 1932.

James Edward (Jim) Jordan, American radio personality (Fibber McGee and Molly), was born on November 6, 1896.

American actor (Amelia Earhart, Bad Men of the West, Enemy Mine, The Family Holvak, Final Verdict, The Fourth Wise Man, The Greatest Gift, James at 15, The Loneliest Runner, The Mysterious Stranger, Outbreak, Salem's Lot, The Shooting, The Snow Queen and Young Joe the Forgotten Kennedy) and pastor Lance Kerwin was born on November 6, 1960.

Peter Matz, American bandleader (The Carol Burnett Show and Hullabaloo), was born on November 6, 1928.

American actress Zoe McLellan (Diagnosis Murder, Dirty Sexy Money, Dungeons & Dragons, The Invisible Man, Silk Stalkings, Sliders and Star Trek: Voyager) was born on November 6, 1974.

British actress Thandiwe Adjewa (Thandie) Newton (Beloved, Crash, ER, Flirting, Interview with the Vampire, Jefferson in Paris, Mission: Impossible II, Norbit, The Pursuit of Happyness, Run Fat Boy Run and W) was born on November 6, 1972.

John Siguard (Ole) Olsen, American comedian (Olsen & Johnson: Hellzapoppin'), vaudevillian, actor (All Over Town and Country Gentlemen) and television personality (Fireball Fun-for-All), was born on November 6, 1892.

Eugene Pitt, American rock singer (The Genies and Jive Five), was born on November 6, 1937.

Joseph Lee Pope, American pop singer (The Tams), was born on November 6, 1933.

American actress (The Alibi, Carpoolers, Femme Fatale, Godsend, Hefner: Unauthorized, Jack & Jill, Just Shoot Me, MADtv, Man About Town, Pepper Dennis, The Punisher, Rollerball, Ugly Betty and X-Men) and television personality (House of Style) Rebecca Alie Romijn (actress) was born on November 6, 1972.

Selena Royale, American actress (Date with Judy and Misleading Lady), was born on November 6, 1904.

American actress Kelly Rutherford (Generations, Gossip Girl and Melrose Place) was born on November 6, 1968.

Doug Sahm, American country singer (Sir Douglas Quintet and The Texas Tornadoes), was born on November 6, 1941.

Cuban jazz trumpeter and pianist Arturo Sandoval was born on November 6, 1949. Arturo Sandoval has played with Clifford Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Alicia Keys, Charlie Parker and other jazz artists.

Rebecca Schaeffer, American actress (My Sister Sam), was born on November 6, 1967.

American cellist and actress Lori Singer (Born Beautiful, Equinox, Fame, Footloose, Short Cuts, Summer Heat, Sunset Grill and VR.5) was born on November 6, 1962.

James Marcus (P. J. Proby) Smith, American rock singer (”The Day That Lorraine Came Down,” “Hanging From Your Loving Tree,” “Hold Me,” “I Apologize,” “I Can't Make It Alone,” “It's Your Day Today,” “Let The Water Run Down,” “Love Me Tender,” “Maria,” “Oh My Papa,” “Somewhere,” “Stage of Fools,” “That Means a Lot,” “To Make A Big Man Cry,” “Together,” “We'll Meet Again,” “Yesterday Has Gone” and “You've Come Back”), was born on November 6, 1938.

Richard Ernest Thompson, American actor (F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Last of the Belles, Next Stop Wonderland The Rimers of Eldritch, Sierra, Somerset, Star 80 and Westside Medical), writer (On Golden Pond, Sweet Hearts Dance, Take Me Home Again and The West Side Waltz) and Academy Award winner (1982), was born on November 6, 1950.

Mercedes Kastner Villamil (Beverly Hills 90201, The Jeff Foxworthy Show Liar Liar and Walker Texas Ranger) was born on November 6, 1989.

Scottish new wave guitarist George Redburn Young (Flash in the Pan and The Easybeats) was born on November 6, 1947.

November 6th Birthdays: Famous Scientists

Sir John William Alcock, British Royal Air Force officer and pilot, was born on November 6, 1892. In 1919, Alcock became the first flyer to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a non-stop flight.

James Gregory, Scottish mathematician and astronomer, was born on November 6, 1638. James Gregory invented the Gregorian reflecting-telescope.

Ezechia (Cesaro) Marco, Italian psychiatrist and anthropological criminologist, was born on November 6, 1835.

Antoine-Joseph (Adophe) Sax, Belgian musician and musical instrument inventor (The saxophone and the saxotromba), was born on November 6, 1814.

Aloys Johann Nepomuk Franz Senefelder, Austrian playwright, actor and inventor, was born on November 6, 1771. Alois Senefelder developed lithographic printing.

November 6th Birthdays: Famous World (and Other) Leaders

Flavius Claudius Julianus (Julian the Apostate), Roman emperor, was born on November 6, 331 A.D.

Ignace Jan Paderewski , Polish composer (Minuet in G), pianist, vintner and the first Premier of Poland, was born on November 6, 1860.

Do you know any others who are celebrating birthdays on November 6th?

If you know additional notable people (including yourself) who may be celebrating a birthday on November 6th, please indicate so in a comment below. Thank you!

Happy Birthday, November 6th.

Other Notable Birthdates:

Click here to check other calendar dates for notable birthdates.

Sources:

http://440.com/twtd/today.html

http://christianmusic.about.com/library/bl_bdjul.htm

http://halife.com/daily/trivia

http://halife.com/religion

http://thinkexist.com/birthday

http://www.arts.ufl.edu/ART/rt_room/artist_birthdays/july.html

http://www.born-today.com/bt.htm

http://www.brainyhistory.com/daysbirth

http://www.celebrity-link.com

http://www.famousbirthdays.net

http://www.historyorb.com/today/tomorrowsbirthdays.php

http://www.holidayinsights.com/bday

http://www.infoplease.com/birthday

http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/kids/artists.htm

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday

http://www.thelizlibrary.org/collections/woa/woa.html

http://www.toonopedia.com/today.htm

http://www.wilsonsalmanac.com/book

http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Day_files/Now.html

AP Le correspondant de CBS News Harold Dow, gagnant de plusieurs prix Emmy et figure marquante de l'émission de journalisme judiciaire 48 Hours est décédé

iPod fever catches a new wave of consumers every day. Coupled with the unrelenting success of Apple's music download program iTunes, the iPod has become an unstoppable force in the world of mp3 and portable audio players.

Since its introduction into the world, other companies have risen to the challenge of besting the iPod, but have thus far been unable to attain the recognizable status and fame that surrounds the iPod like a magical aura, capturing the interest of all who fall within the mystical glow.

Apple now offers three different versions of its iPod, which has come quite a long way since its original 5GB model.

The standard iPod is now capable of holding astounding amounts of music, boasting two sizes to choose from: the 30GB and the 60GB, and possesses a suitably longer battery life, clocking in at about twenty hours. This new fifth generation iPod is also substantially thinner than its previous inceptions, less than a 1/2″ thick.

But its powerful capabilities don't stop with music. As with the first iPods, you can still store files as well as notes, a calendar and contacts, but the new iPods also have the remarkable ability to store and play large amounts of video, viewed on a surprisingly colorful 2.5″ screen.

Additional features allow or the reading of audiobooks or playing photo slideshows, and a number of useful utility programs can be downloaded from the Apple website or the internet, enabling you to look up everything from pizza restaurants specific to a certain city, to aerobic workout instructions, to an audio tour guide of national parks.

The iPod integrates seamlessly with a number of applications, making this new generation of portable mp3 player a force to be reckoned with, a quintessential combination of utilities and features for portable entertainment and information.

Download music and videos or television shows from the Apple iTunes store, import it into the iPod, and you are ready to go! Regardless of whether you find the video feature useful or not, if you are an avid fan of music and insist on carrying vast amounts of music with you, than you may want to invest in either the 30GB or the 60 GB, so that you may never be without a particular song.

If watching videos on a tiny screen isn't your thing, and you don't necessarily feel the need to carry 15,000 songs in your pocket, than save some money and spring for the iPod nano instead.

Available in three sizes: 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4GB, the iPod nano doesn't boast all the requisite features of its larger brother, but if music is your main concern, then it is more than capable of satisfying your aural desires. With the largest model holding 1,000 songs (large being somewhat misleading, as the iPod nano is as thin as a pencil and fits neatly in the palm of your hand), it certainly has enough merit as a standalone mp3 player.

This powerful little gadget holds a charge for 14 hours and easily integrates with a number of iPod accessories and automobiles, with the proper adapters. The iPod nano is the perfect, sensible choice for someone who just wants to listen to a moderate amount of music.

But if sorting and creating playlists is too rigid a structure for you, if you'd rather be surprised by the next musical selection to issue forth from your headphones, than the very reasonably priced iPod shuffle is waiting for you.

The iPod shuffle is avaialble in 512MB and 1 GB sizes. Fill it yourself or let iTunes do it for you. Each time you let the Apple iTunes program sync your iPod shuffle, a new, unique and entirely random selection of songs will be waiting for you.

Of course, the iPod shuffle still allows you some control over the chaos should you desire a little more stability to your music. Amazingly small and lightweight, the iPod shuffle is a wonderful music player for those always on the go with little time for focusing on musical selections.

All iPod models work with Macintosh and Windows computers, and hundreds of accessories are available from the Apple store and other manufacturers, from protective cases to portable speakers.

iPod Accessories

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In the Hartford, Ct area,there are several very good bicycle dealers who stock a wide variety of two and three- wheeled bicycles. At these bicycle shops, consumers can find bikes for the entire family,including children's and adult's conventional- style bicycles,BMX,mountain and freestyle bikes,tandems, tricycles,unicycles,hybrids,recumbents and folding bikes.

In addition to selling brand- new bicycles,most Hartford,Ct area bicycle dealers and shops also offer parts and accessories and often perform bicycle repairs as well. Expert bike fitting and custom bike building, including jumping and triathlon models are other services offered by some of the bicycle dealers and shops in the Hartford, Ct area.Because each bicycle dealer offers specific policies regarding financing, guarantees and warrantees, it is a worthwhile endeavour for the Hartford, Ct area consumer to shop around when seeking to purchase a bicycle. In an effort to assist the consumer in that process, here is a guide that briefly profiles the top bicycle dealers and shops in the Hartford, Ct area.

The Bike Shop..681 Main St, Manchester, Ct..(860)647-1027
This trusted and reliable Hartford, Ct area bicycle dealer provides a complete selection of adult's and children's bicycles.
BMX,comfort,hybrid,mountain,recumbent and road bicycles are some of the types available for sale here.A wide variety of bicycle accessories and skateboards are featured, and they also do repairs on all makes and models of bicycles.

Biker's Edge..384 Farmington Ave,Bristol,Ct..(860)585-0140
With over 800 bikes on display in their expanded showroom,Biker's Edge has a bicycle to suit every consumer's needs.Many road bicycles and BMX and freestyle bikes are featured here.Additionally, one of the largest selections of mountain bicycles in the Hartford, Ct area is offered here.This bicycle shop is also the home of the “Largest mountain bike club in Connecticut.” Open seven days a week,they offer service on all brands and 24-hour service is available.

Bloomfield Bicycle and Repair Shop..38 Tunxis Ave,Bloomfield,Ct..(860)242-9884
For over forty years,this Hartford,Ct area bicycle dealer has been providing top-quality sales and service to local residents.Their large shop features new Giant,Mongoose,Schwinn and Trek models and many others, as well as a selection of rebuilt bicycles.Adult trikes,BMX and folding bikes,joggers,motorcross,tandems,tricycles and unicycles are all featured at this excellent facility.Mountain,road and hybrid bicycles are available,as are car racks,exercise equipment and bicycle rentals.This bicycle dealer provides expert repairs on most models,easy financing and a 10 year guaranty on all new bikes.

Central Wheel..62 Farmington Ave,Farmington,Ct..(860)677-7010
Since 1935,Central Wheel has been one of the most well-known and highly-regarded bicycle dealers in the local area.Previously in West Hartford,Ct,Central Wheel has outfitted generations of local residents with all types of bicycles.At their Farmington,Ct shop,they feature a wide variety of bicycles and accessories for children and adults.Top-quality custom bike-building,bike fitting and repairs are all available here,as well as triathlon bikes,wetsuits and gear.Some of the brands featured here are;Cannondale,Jamis,Diador and Raleigh.

Cutting Edge Bike Shop..146 Mill St,Berlin,Ct..1-866-396-3343
For consumers seeking BMX,mountain,freeride and DH bikes in the Hartford,Ct area,this bicycle dealer has one of the widest selections available.Some of the brands featured at this shop are;Eastern,Haro,Hoffman,Jamis,Kona and Santa Cruz.Full service and fast repairs of most model bikes are offered here and they also have a huge selection of parts and accessories.

Manchester Cycle Shop..178 Middle Turnpike West,Manchester,Ct..(860)649-2098
For over fifty years,Hartford,Ct area bicycle enthusiasts have been turning to Manchester Cycle Shop,to fill all of their bicycling needs.This professional bicycle dealer stocks models by Diamond Back,Klein,Schwinn,Scott and Trek.Top-quality repairs of most models of bicycles are performed here and they also feature a wide assortment of accessories.

Newington Bicycle..1030 Main St,Newington,Ct..(860)667-3997
Besides offering a wide selection of new bicycles for both children and adults,this bicycle dealer also provides professional assembly and fit,clinics and classes and organizes community bicycle rides.Some of the brands of bicycles featured at this Hartford,Ct area bike shop are;Bianchi,Klein,Lemond,Mongoose,Schwinn and Trek.They also stock a full line of clothing,shoes,gloves and accessories.

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This gym equipment guide to stationary bicycles covers the benefits of using a stationary bicycle, as well as the features and types of stationary bicycles.

Stationary bicycles are also called fitness cycles, stationary bikes, and simply cycles.

Benefits of Exercising with a Stationary Bicycle

1. Versatility

Stationary bicycles provide cardiovascular exercise. Because of its versatility, a stationary bicycle is an ideal piece of gym equipment for use by multiple exercisers. This makes it a practical choice for a household with more than one exerciser.

Stationary bicycles can provide a wide level of exertion levels for exercisers. Stationary bicycles can be used for low-impact work outs. The exercise can be low-impact enough that the exerciser can comfortably hold a conversation.

Stationary bicycles for low-impact work outs are ideal for anyone who is uncomfortable standing while exercising.

A stationary bicycle is also a good choice for someone seeking a solid cardiovascular work three to four times a week.

For outdoor cyclists a stationary bicycle will keep them in shape and in good training when there is inclement weather.

2. Low-Impact and Good on Joints

Stationary bicycles provide a low-impact form of exercise. Use of a stationary bicycle will not cause impact the joints.

Home Use Benefits of Stationary Bicycles

Stationary bicycles can be used by people of all fitness levels. Almost everyone knows how to ride a bike, so for beginners, pedaling a stationary bicycle does not take a lot of athletic experience.

For intermediate and advanced exercisers, stationary bicycles provide a good cardiovascular exercise. Stationary bicycles can also be used for cyclists who are training.

Stationary bicycles are also relatively quiet compared to other cardiovascular gym equipment. They also take up less space than treadmills or elliptical trainers.

Features of Stationary Bicycles

A stationary bicycle should have an adjustable seat. The stationary bicycle should also have different levels of “resistance” so the exerciser can control their level of exertion. Most stationary bicycles also have built-in programs to simulate flat rides, hill rides, and other combinations of resistances.

The monitor on the stationary bicycle should also display the minutes already worked or the minutes left, as well as information on speed and distance.

Types of Stationary Bicycles

Spinner A bike used in spinning is different than other stationary bikes. There is no monitor and the angle of the bike differs.Although mostly used in the gym, some companies do make “home spinners.”

Recumbent - A recumbent bike is a reclining stationary bike. With a recumbent bike, your legs are out in front of you.

Upright - With a recumbent bike, your legs are underneath you.

Use of Stationary Bicycles in a Gym Setting

Stationary bicycles are placed alongside other cardiovascular equipment, for solo exercisers who like to work out at their own pace and style. Spinning classes offer a more challenging and competitive use of stationary bicycles in the gym.

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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.