Ageless Strength

written by Jeff Horowitz published by Velopress

While Agelessstrength is a book of exercises aimed at people older than 40 who want to keep fit, there’s a lot here for cyclists of all ages and levels. Take bone density, for example. Cycling is great as a low-impact sport, but it doesn’t do much to improve your bone density. In fact, you might be making bird bones. For your overall health and fitness, which you need if you want to keep cycling, you must add strength training into your plans. Agelesss trength has a section of exercises classified as “strength,” which includes simple push-ups, monkey squats and standing shoulder presses. All of those exercises will help your general fitness. The book also includes exercises labelled “balance” and “functional.” Author Jeff Horowitz points to the 2.8 million older U.S. citizens who get emergency care each year because of falls to highlight the importance of maintaining muscles for balance. The functional exercises will keep you fit for everyday life so you’re ready to shovel snow, pick up a heavy suitcase or lift up your growing kid. You, fit cyclist, might scoff at the need to do such exercises. After all, you ride your bike and are very healthy. Right? Well, yes. But, if you’re not careful, you’ll just be a strong pair of legs with no core strength. Then, when it’s time to shovel snow or hoist up your kid, you’ll hurt yourself. You should do exercises from this book, such as mountain climbers, windshield wipers and a variation of the deadlift. You’ll be able to keep cycling and do so much more.