Bone density refers to the thickness and strength of a person’s bones. While cycling is great for your heart, it is a non-weight-bearing sport. This means the bike supports your weight instead of your skeleton doing the work. Over many years, professional cyclists can actually lose bone density because they do not stress their bones enough. Strong bones are vital for preventing breaks if a rider crashes during a race.
To combat this, many cyclists include weightlifting or running in their training routines. These activities put healthy pressure on the bones to keep them dense and sturdy. Eating enough calcium and vitamin D is also critical for maintaining a healthy skeleton.
High bone density is a sign of a well-rounded and durable athlete. For example, an older cyclist starts lifting weights twice a week to improve their bone density and protect against fractures. This cross-training ensures they stay healthy for years of riding. It is an often-overlooked but essential part of long-term physical health.
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