Outdoor Exercise Safety: Fitness Exercise Tips

Bicycles and baby boomers

Outdoor exercise safety is a serious issue, particularly for baby boomers. The reality of all the new baby boomers suddenly appearing on the horizon, raises serious safety concerns with respect to outdoor exercise and the use of bicycles. Many of the baby boomers, or people born after World War II, are those who have always had the use of a vehicle. Now, many of them will seek to reduce the use of their vehicles and start to ride bicycles, for a number of different reasons including the following:.

Many baby boomer are reaching retirement and have more leisure time

Cycling is a really great way to get fresh air and exercise

The cost of gasoline is on the rise

Many baby boomers will be purchasing new bicycles; some will buy bicycles for the very first time. Others, may have older bicycles stored in their sheds or garages, but they may not have ridden them for many years. Some will go out and buy different bicycles, unlike any bicycle that they have ever purchased before.

Here are some tips for baby boomers on bicycles, for whatever reason.

Times have changed and so have bicycles. Take a good look at some of the new bicycles, on the market. You may be astounded at what you see. You  might find yourself saving up to buy a brand new bicycle, if you don't already own one. Remember how much fun that was? Maybe you have never had a bicycle with only hand brakes?

There is a whole other ball park out there now, in terms of bicycling rules and regulations. A lot has changed since you were biking, as a teenager or a child. It may be a good idea to do some research into this topic. Look into what the new regulations are for bikers in your city or town.

You can still ride a bicycle, even if you have not ridden one for many years, . but you may be fearful about trying to do so. Face your fear head on and go for it, even if you are afraid. You will find that your instincts take over and you will do just fine.

There are a lot of other baby boomers, who will feel the same way. Don't panic with them. Take them out with you and assure them that if you can do it, they can do it too. The only way to find out if you can still ride a bicycle is to try.

You may or may not be physically fit, in terms of being able to ride a bike, so check with your doctor first, before you take on any major bicycling expeditions. Find out what your limitations should be for your age and physical ability. Try going out a few times on short excursions, before you take off on any long trips on your bicycle.

If you find a bicycle that is a good height for you, it is a lot easier to ride. Try out a few and see which model is best suited for your body build. As a baby boomer, you might be happy with a mountain bike that rides low enough for you to put your feet on the ground. Others prefer a higher bicycle. It is a matter of preference, but it also depends on what you plan to use your bike for, ie. distance, or just exploring your immediate world.

Weather is important when you go out riding on your bicycle, so dress accordingly. You do not want to be too cold or too hot. Make sure that you keep your hands and feet warm, too. Remember that your circulation changes as you get older.

Be careful the first couple of times that you are out on your bicycle, as you will be so busy trying to remember how to bicycle, that you may forget about other concerns, like slippery spots because of mud or black ice on the road, pets, traffic and people on walking trails.

Purchase a good helmet, as head injuries can occur when you are bicycling. You may save yourself and others future problems, if you are wearing a good helmet and don't sustain a head injury. In your area, helmets may be mandatory. Find out about that and do some serious shopping. You may also want to obtain some safety glasses.

Make certain that you know where you are going on your bicycle, as you may wind up getting lost. Draw a map and take it with you, if you are uncertain. Make certain that you adhere to it, as you can get turned around easily and wind up miles away from home. Sometimes it is a good idea to take someone with you, who knows the area. When in doubt, ask someone in the immediate area.

Make certain that you take water with you or another drink, as you may need it. It never hurts to take along a snack or hard candy, just in case. There are small back packs on the market, that will hold a thermos or your lunch. There are different kinds of bottles for bicycles. You might wish to invest in one of those. 

Purchase a small one, even pocket size or a bit larger until you determine how many ounces you need to take on an outing.

If your bike is not working right, you may wind up pushing it home, so be prepared to take along a bicycle repair kit with a few tools, especially if you plan on a long bike trip. Check your bicycle for problems and make certain that your tires are inflated to the correct pressure. It is a good idea to have reflectors on your bike and a mirror.

Keep your pant legs from getting caught in the chain, by either tucking them into your socks, wearing shorts or cutoffs. Keep an eye on your bike chain. It never hurts to have a spare one on a long trip, just in case it breaks.

It is easier to bicycle with the wind at your back, than it is if the wind is in your face, so plan your route accordingly. Wear a hoodie to protect your ears. A nylon one that is lightweight is a good investment and will last for years. You can always tie it around your waist, if it is too hot to wear it.

Find out where the local bike trails are and if you are not certain, ask some of the other cyclists, youngsters or teenagers in your area. They will more than likely know.

Find a biking partner and enjoy quality time together in the fresh air. Make it a fun day together.

Take along a small first aid kit, just in case you sustain an injury or you find someone else, who has fallen off his or her bike. It never hurts to take along a small ice pack either.

Following these tips, will help you to eliminate potential problems that you or any other any baby boomers might encounter. You might have your own list of other tips that you can add to it and pass along to others.

Enjoy your outdoor exercise and stay safe while you are biking.