Having a heart attack or any other cardiac event can be scary: it can also give you a wakeup call about the life style you are currently leading. Many people realize, once they’ve experienced major health incident, that they are eating the wrong things or leading a lifestyle that doesn’t include enough exercise. Getting into the saddle and taking up cycling is a wonderful form of exercise and can be particularly beneficial to those who have recently experienced major surgery. Using a bicycle can be as low or high impact as you need and is relatively easy to start. Here are a few tips for taking bicycling after a heart attack or other cardiac incident:
Take Things Slowly
After getting the go ahead from your doctor, develop a cycling routine that gradually build up the miles and pace you want to ride.
After a cardiac incident it can be tempting to immediately attempt to remedy the reasons for your health scare and begin a vigorous exercise routine. However this could actually cause more harm than good by placing too much strain on your heart. Instead you should begin any new exercise routine, such as beginning to cycle, very slowly and you shouldn’t jump into the saddle until you’ve received a thorough check up and approval to begin exercising from your physician. Most people can begin to exercise between two to four weeks after they have experienced a heart attack. Light to moderate intensity physical activity is what most physicians recommend after a heart attack and cycling fits this requirement perfectly. You can begin by taking short journeys on flat routes, and increase the duration and intensity of your daily cycle as time goes on.
Share Your New Hobby
Cycling is a wonderful social sporting activity: it is something you can enjoy with your friends, your spouse and your family: even the youngest members (grandchildren, perhaps) will enjoy taking part in a communal bike ride. The best way to take up a new hobby such as cycling and stick with it is to make it a habit, and involving your loved ones in this is an easy way to ensure you regular get on your bike. You can also join one of several local cycling groups and clubs, which is a great way to meet likeminded people and share your passion for your new hobby. Another great way to ensure that you cycle regularly and stick with your newfound hobby is to use your bike as your everyday form of transport; if it’s achievable then why not cycle to work or cycle to your local grocery store? This will ensure you achieve your recommended 30 minutes of exercise everyday whilst also giving you a platform to improve your cycling skills and build your confidence in the saddle.
Don’t Worry About Your Gear
Finding a bike that fits you and the type of riding you plan to do will make your daily biking routine much more enjoyable.
Cycling can be an expensive sport: certainly, competitive cyclists spend a large amount of money on their bikes, their kit and their other riding equipment. If you find that you are joining a cycling club and that you begin taking part in road races or charity bike rides then you may well want to upgrade your cycle and invest in a new bike. However when you are starting out, or if you are just looking to cycle to and from work to get a little exercise, any bike will do. There’s no need to worry about your bike or how it looks: just jump in the saddle and enjoy the ride.
You’re Never Too Old
Many people are concerned once they have experienced a heart attack that they’re too old to take up an active exercise such as cycling and that it may actually be detrimental to their health. Leading a sedentary lifestyle can be dangerous and can leave you feeling lethargic with high risks of suffering from serious illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Whilst exercising regularly may carry some small risks, such as the risk of pulling or staining a muscle or sustaining minor cuts and scrapes if you fall, the risks associated with not exercising are far greater. So jump in that saddle, get on your bike, and experience the joy that arises when you experience the freedom of a fantastic bike ride.
Helen Curtiss is a U.S. based writer and editor who initially had a career in the healthcare sector working with people who needed help with nutrition and fitness. When she became a mom, she took a step back and decided to start a career in freelancing so she could bring up her kids
Editors note;
If your new found exercise program gets interrupted for a few days (due to illness, vacation, or bad weather, as examples), ease back into the routine. Begin with a reduced level of activity, and gradually increase it until you’re back where you started – And have fun!
