Health Tip of the Month
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With gas prices rising,
exercise is the way to go
With gas prices rising, a great way to tighten your belt economically as well as stay in shape is to break out the bike or the walking shoes.
Keith Stark, a physical therapist for Backus Outpatient Physical Therapy, said it is important to make sure a bike is the right fit, because otherwise it can cause back problems.
A shorter person would need a smaller frame bike, for example. Whether you use a road bike or a mountain bike also impacts the sizing. Your feet should hit the pedals comfortably, not at full extension or fully bent.
“You can use measurements, but the best way to know if it is going to fit is to get on the bike and try it out,” Mr. Stark said. “You want your back to be straight too.”
He recommended wearing a helmet for safety, as well as having light reflectors and reflective clothing if you are going to be out at dawn or dusk.
Fit also is important when it comes to shoes for walking. Brand-new shoes can cause calluses, so if you need new shoes just wear them for a few minutes each day, or start your walking routine out slow.
“As you get older your foot flattens out and widens, so people may not realize they need wider shoes,” Mr. Stark said. He also recommends not wearing high-top sneakers for walking, as they can constrict ankle movement.
“Start with 10 to 15 minutes a day and then increase your walking or running in increments, every week or so increase your distance,” he said.
Again, wear reflective clothing and be aware of your surroundings for safety.