Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Healthwatch, we're talking about safe cycling. Previously, we discussed how getting a bicycle that fits you properly can help prevent injuries. It's also essential to learn good technique.
You may have been riding a bicycle since the time you needed training wheels, but serious cycling requires good technique to avoid injuries.
Dr. Luis Palacios, a sports medicine expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center who is also an avid cyclist, says you need the right resistance and the right cycling cadence. Slow cycling with high resistance can strain knees and quadriceps, while fast cycling with low resistance can put pressure on your back. Most beginning cyclists should cycle at about 60 to 80 revolutions per minute, while more experienced cyclists may have a cadence of 90 to 100.
Next: Fueling your ride.
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May 2005
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