For individuals who are experiencing fatigue and lack of energy,
scheduling a visit to a general practitioner is often a smart strategy to gauge
their overall health. The path to improved health starts by following a steady
diet rich in fruits and vegetables while incorporating regular exercise into a
daily routine. Cycling is one of the most popular exercises for Americans
today.
Q: How is overall health best achieved?
Dennis Wong: Health depends primarily on two key concepts: nutrition and exercise. It’s really that simple. Proper nutrition is the major battle for most Americans given the availability of processed and high-calorie foods. Focus on good nutrition as the first step. Then, begin an exercise routine that involves both aerobic and anaerobic activities. Cycling is one example of an aerobic activity that serves a variety of purposes.
Dennis Wong: Cycling is known as an extremely effective way to burn calories and lose weight. Cycling has also been associated with increased cardiovascular fitness and will generally lower the risk of heart disease. It has even been shown to prevent certain forms of cancer.
Q: How does cycling compare to other physical activities?
Dennis Wong: Many doctors and physicians will recommend cycling as opposed to walking or jogging, which are both physically demanding exercises that are more jarring on the body. Most importantly, cycling is a sport for people of all ages. For seniors and other individuals who experience trouble, cycling has much less impact on the legs, hips, knees and ankles.
Q: What is a typical cycling routine?
Dennis Wong: At times, cyclists will ride up hills and mountains. On other days, they concentrate on fast, relatively flat rides. Regardless of the chosen path, it’s a thrill to be speeding along the trails or roadways while appreciating all of nature’s sights and sounds.
Q: How does cycling improve quality of life?
Dennis Wong: Cycling helps people put a much-needed balance into their lives. The benefits of cycling are just as much mental and emotional as they are physical. It’s natural to feel lazy some days and lose the motivation to exercise. After hearing a few encouraging words from teammates or fellow cyclists, all of those feelings of lethargy and restlessness fade away.