Originally Posted by
ucfdad
Just starting to get into riding for fun and fitness. I am 58, 6'1 and 240 and a smoker with high blood pressure. So far in July I have ridden 60 miles in 7 rides. Somedays I can do 12 and some days I am struggling to do 8. When I tell a non cyclist I did 8 miles they are like "wow that is great". When I say I rode 8 to a cyclist, I get a much less positive reaction.
So, when first starting what should be considered a good ride? How much did you ride at the beginning?
Also, would love to hear from anyone who has a success story about lowering blood pressure through riding, need the inspiration.
Please no "quit smoking" comments, I have heard them all and agree with them. Thanks
I pretty much won’t bother for anything less than 30 miles. Anything 50+ is a “good ride”.
i have highish blood pressure - “prehypertension” - but right now my hp is at the low end for my age (56- can’t remember my hp, ‘cos I’m not worried about it). Last time I had a physical, the nurse measuring my hp asked me if I did anything, to which I replied I rode and rowed. “Thought so” she said.
Im an ex-smoker (quit before my son was born ~22 years ago), but I was getting serious about my cycling at the time, so between the two, I managed to pack it in. All I’ll say is that getting serious will give you incentive, but, regardless, cycling is a great joint-friendly way to work on your cardiovascular health - stick with it and the miles will come - and good luck