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Biking is efficient exercise

What better way to enjoy the season than by bicycle? Not only does bicycling provide an opportunity to enjoy the summer scenery and autumn colors, but it also offers efficient, low-impact exercise.

“Regular biking of any kind will make you more fit, even if you’re just riding to and from work. Just half an hour a day on a bike can cut your risk of heart disease. It can also lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing adult-onset diabetes,” said Steve Hoffmeister, physical therapist, Marshfield Clinic Minocqua Center.

As you head out to enjoy the season on your bike, it’s important to practice safe riding techniques such as wearing a helmet. “Helmets drastically reduce the risk of serious head injury resulting from accidents,” said Hoffmeister. “They are essential for both experienced and inexperienced riders.”

You will be sharing the road with others, so remember the rules of the road. If you have company, ride in single file along the right side of the road. Use your proper arm signals to indicate when you plan to turn. Pay special attention to people getting out of parked cars, and allow extra room if possible when passing parked vehicles.

“Like all forms of exercise, bicycling comes with the risk of injury. Cycling does, however, offer an efficient means of burning calories and an environmentally sound form of transportation,” Hoffmeister said. “Whether at home or on vacation, there’s no better or more healthy way to see the countryside than on a bike.”

Remember to warm up and cool down by cycling slowly for about 10 minutes on either end of your ride.

If you do experience an injury, call Marshfield Clinic at 1-800-347-0673 or 1-800-782-8581 for an appointment or visit Urgent Care at Minocqua or Park Falls locations.

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