Is cycling bad for your bones?

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07-06-09 | 03:24 PM

#26

tjspiel

Thread Starter

Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 8,101

Likes: 17

From: Minneapolis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heathenix

I don't know too much about the validity of the bone density concern, but the first time this story did the rounds of the mainstream newspapers it was amazing how little time it took a car-driving colleague who is "greener-than-thou" in every other area of her life to let me know that my commuting was liable to make my bones crumble to dust. Um yeah. Thanks. Riding a bike has also lowered my blood pressure and my weight, increased my fitness level and improved my quality of life, saved me a ton of gas money and lowered my environmental impact. And it has helped me to set a good example for my kids. No way this study is getting me off my bike.

I didn't post it with the intent of scaring anyone off their bike. Just like the cycling and impotence link, -it's good to know about possible risks so that you can take steps to minimize or eliminate them (or decide that you're not at risk).

My mother had osteoporosis. Incredibly she was undiagnosed until one of her vertebrae disintegrated while lifting a 15 lb. object. She had 70 years of nearly perfect health and spent the last 10 years of her life practically disabled in spite of several surgeries and various treatments. I don't imagine the outcome of a cyclist's injury due to low bone density would be quite as dire but I also don't think it's something you want to fool with if you can avoid.

Last edited by tjspiel; 07-06-09 at 03:38 PM.

07-06-09 | 03:31 PM

#27

interested

Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 465

Likes: 4

From: København

Bikes: Kinesisbikes UK Racelight Tk

Quote:

Originally Posted by supramax

Are you b a s t a r d i z i n g or claiming poetic license?

The saying is actually: "If the health benifits of physical exercise could be put into a pill, it would be the most prescribed medication on the planet."

Paraphrasing I think, but I wasn't aware of the quoted saying, or rather I have probably seen it previous without recollecting where, when and what. I was dimly aware that it wasn't original when I wrote it perhaps except for the bicycling context. Is it an actual quote that can be attributed to someone?

--
Regards

07-06-09 | 03:42 PM

#28

Heathenix

year round commuter

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 38

Likes: 0

From: Gabriola Island, BC

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjspiel

I didn't mean that you were posting it with that intent - I guess I was just venting a bit about the woman who was so eager to quote it at me before. No offence meant, and I agree about knowing the risks. That's always wise.