Why do so many boomers ride bikes? Because boomers believe that cycling is less stressful to their aging bodies than other activities, and it is. Kind of. In these first days of spring, HealthDay reminds us that rides of two hours or more can put plenty of stress on our bodies; it’s just not the kind of stress that hurts all at once. Todd Galati, an exercise physiologist and spokesman for the American Council on Exercise, advises riders to drink 17 to 20 ounces of liquid before a ride. Amy Jamieson-Petonic, a registered dietitian and director of wellness coaching for the Cleveland Clinic, recommends eating some sort of healthy carbohydrate-rich snack before riding, Both experts say riders should drink about 20 ounces of water for every hour they’re on the road, downing a quarter of a 20-ounce bottle every 15 minutes. Galati prefers a sports drink over water if the ride will last longer than an hour –a drink that provides 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates for each hour of training is ideal, he says. Jamieson-Petonic suggests that people weigh themselves before and after a ride and then drink 20 to 24 ounces of fluid for every pound of weight they’ve lost during the ride.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Watch the sportsdrinks! They’re loaded with all kinds of unhealthy nasties like sugars, food coloring (neurotoxins) and artificial flavorings. For a healthy electolyte, mix 1/4 tsp of natural, unprocessed (ie:Redmonds or Celtic; it should NOT be bleach white)seasalt in 16oz of water. You can add a few tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice to taste. This is a healthy way to hydrate and raise your body’s alkaine levels. Unlike processed and bleached store bought salt, natural, unprocessed sea salt (not the typical kind from the grocer but the ones you get from the health food store which are typically grey, pink or brown in color) have been shown to be good for your heart.