I have never been one to go to the gym, but I also know it’s important to maintain a healthy weight and a strong, flexible body now that I am in my fifties. Staying active will help me to maintain a quality lifestyle for many years to come.
But what’s the best exercise? For me, it is any physical activity that I enjoy and want to do often! I prefer to get my exercise outdoors: long walks and longer bicycle rides are a lot more enjoyable for me than driving my car to the gym so I can run on a treadmill.
I know my limits, and have reasonable expectations for myself. When I bought an electric bicycle, it was really to keep up with my husband. He is a lot more athletic than I am, and I was always afraid that I would not be able to keep up on a longer bicycle trip or going up hills. My electric bike changed all that.
E-bikes assist your pedaling; they don't replace it. Although capable of pushing you along without any help, I use my electric bike to help me when I get tired or need an extra boost of power. So I find that I ride more (and get more exercise) because I have that electric bicycle assistance. It allows me to control the amount of exercise I get. I can cruise along for up to 25 miles if I want to take it easy and let the electric bike do all the work. If I want to get a heavier workout, I can do that too (and I usually do, using the battery power mostly for hills and strong head winds).
Oh, did I mention how much fun it is to ride my e-bike? Now, I find myself riding my electric bicycle everywhere, and started riding for other practical reasons. I run short errands with the electric bike because I really hate the thought of driving an emission-spewing car. Plus, the cost savings really mount up the more I use my e-bike.
I’m not sure if I've lost any weight, but my knees hurt less, and my legs feel stronger. Best of all I love riding my bike every day. Practical and fun: That’s my secret weapon for staying fit after fifty.
