Get a checkup by a GP before making the plunge into cycling

[Strawburger]

I thought i might get the ball rolling in here, and state the obvious first up!

Last night i witnessed something you don't want to see out on the road. A fellow rider was down and receiving first aid at a crest of a climb. He wasn't in a good state, i don't think he made it through. Witnesses observed the newish bike and the new cycling gear.

If you are intersted in taking up cycling to get fitter, especially if you haven't done much in the way of exercise in the last few years, speak to a professional about your health before jumping on a bike. Although not an impact sport, it does put your body through a huge amount of stress (the heart and lungs especially) so it would be wise to get a check up from your local GP first.

Another point witnessing this event was the number of people helping. It was great to see someone able to use their first aid skills in a time like this. I can't recommend enough the value of going on a first aid course.

[Boognoss]

I'll echo these sentiments having seen a similar situation where ultimately the rider didn't make it.
He was on the M7 cycleway a couple of years back and being worked on before I arrived at the scene. A regular rider but with family history of cardiac problems (hit the papers afterwards so found out more info from there).

[silkishuge]

Another thing to add..... if you are ill, don't ride. If you are recovering from an illness, ride with care. People recovering from the flu have been know to get heart attacks despite being in great shape while exercising.

J

[looklost]

I have Cardiomyopathy but still ride every day just have to make sure you don't push too hard if the hill is too steep find another way around don't want the heart rate too high.

Use to be 170kg now 108kg and really fit thanks to cycling but I still have to watch the old heart Cardiomyopathy = high risk.

My doctor says keep fit and active but know your limts


cam

[sogood]

Moderation is the word.

What people need to remember (especially those in the over 40s) is that health benefits through exercise does not require training per extreme sport. Exercise regularly at a pace the body can cope and build up gradually. Don't over-training and over-exert, or there's a consequence at the other side of the hill.

[silkishuge]

I have Cardiomyopathy but still ride every day just have to make sure you don't push too hard if the hill is too steep find another way around don't want the heart rate too high.

Use to be 170kg now 108kg and really fit thanks to cycling but I still have to watch the old heart Cardiomyopathy = high risk.

My doctor says keep fit and active but know your limts


cam

Good sensible advice.

Well done on the weight loss. You have lost almost my whole body weight. I bet you feel great.

J

[vince]

I have Cardiomyopathy but still ride every day just have to make sure you don't push too hard if the hill is too steep find another way around don't want the heart rate too high.

Use to be 170kg now 108kg and really fit thanks to cycling but I still have to watch the old heart Cardiomyopathy = high risk.

My doctor says keep fit and active but know your limts


cam

huge weightloss effort, keep it up.

[martinjs]

Slightly different approach from me, I was seeming a doctor for a knee problem that X-ray revealed nothing. The doctor booked me into see a knee specialist but living in the sticks this was going to cost over $300 which at the time we didn't have. So in desperation I took up cycling, I'll hasten to ad I built up very slowly and combined it with eating better. Took 8 months to do only 800k's and loose the first 15kilos.

What am I getting at, if you don't have the time or trust in your local doctors then build up very slowly and listen to you body.
Push to hard to quickly and you can get your self in trouble.

Martin

[sogood]

What am I getting at, if you don't have the time or trust in your local doctors...

My advice here would be to find one you can trust. It's like marriage, it takes chemistry. Of course, I appreciate the difficulties of finding an alternative in the bush. Sooner or later, we all need one.

[martinjs]

What am I getting at, if you don't have the time or trust in your local doctors...

My advice here would be to find one you can trust. It's like marriage, it takes chemistry. Of course, I appreciate the difficulties of finding an alternative in the bush. Sooner or later, we all need one.

Didn't quite say what I meant too Out here in the sticks it's very hard to get into a doctor, must be in work time and usually have to pay up front and booked in advance unless it's very important.

I was trying to say, you don't necessarily have to see a doctor before you start riding, but if you don't please build up slowly while listening to your body and as the old saying goes "If pain persists, see your doctor"

Martin

[flammer]

As a gentleman in the country, I know the dilemma of Doc's appointments. A way around it is to make one months ahead! Chat up the receptionists too, so they remember you. Their job is often to protect their boss from over work.
I was very glad when I asked at 49 how hard I can go and my doc of 24 years replied, "As hard as you like!"