Originally Posted by
RideMyWheel
....... I've been studying longevity in friends and family members. A big part of it seems to be mental attitude, but I've read and observed that the most critical time for preserving one's long-term physical fitness is the decade between ages 50 and 60. If you can get it right then, you've put yourself in a very strong position to reach 90 and above.
You're likely correct that being a very fit 21 year old.... isn't going to necessarily affect anyone... forty years later. If you want to be fit and healthy when your in your 60's....
do what it takes to be fit and healthy while you're in your 60's. This is based on my own experience... not research. As far as living till your 90... best of luck with that one.
Originally Posted by
RideMyWheel
.......Your input and suggestions would be appreciated. At this point, my fitness goal is simply 3-4 intense one-hour sessions per week. The most important thing is finding a bike that I love to ride. Comfort, quickness, and weight are probably my top three considerations. Price < $1750, but I might go higher if I fall in love. But I would prefer to get a custom fitting and develop a relationship with a LBS.
I disagree... the most important thing is
NOT finding a bicycle that you love to ride.
I returned to cycling in my 60's when I developed a foot problem. I could barely walk... so I bought an old used Huffy and set out to get some fresh air. I never learned to like the Huffy... but I again... fell in love with cycling (I
had been a cyclists years earlier). Later I got a better bicycle... then a new nice bicycle. Now I own a few. I like bicycles.... I really love bicycling. If you aren't attracted to cycling... it won't matter so much how much you spend on the bicycle.
Find an activity you truly love and enjoy. Not because of how it makes you look, or how popular it is, or how "healthy" some expert says it is.
You might spend the next 20 years trying this and that before you find your niche. But that is the key!
Keep trying... keep looking for that great activity that gets your heart pumping and soaks you in sweat (even if its a water sport and you don't see the sweat).
Also a little weight training and balance exercise will come in handy as you age (but maybe wouldn't be so noticeable now).