CrazyIvan

Are there any crosstrainers out there? Doing different stuff for your body like lifting heavy things more than once, or using other self powered vehicles besides a bicycle?
I understand if you continue doing the same exercise in a matter of weeks, our bodies don't consider it exercise anymore, we adapt to a point, it becomes just a thing to do.
We have to fool our bodies to increase strength, endurance, not the same thing day after day, week after week and so on.
Weight training is highly recommended or we lose muscles after time, running is good but it destroys joints and cartilage.
Niche market self powered vehicles such as the StreetStrider, Trikke, Me-Mover are alternatives that work for cross training.
I love my bicycle, but my body takes priority over any inanimate object even after years and years of spinning.

Wileyrat

I hit the gym and lift a few times a week, I'll also use cardio stuff that doesn't have spinning pedals from time to time.

europa

Talk to a proper fitness professional. Not someone who's only done the required personal trainer's course, but someone who's taken the trouble to study and build up some real qualifications. It's not just the exercises, you need a trained, independent eye to make sure you're moving correctly, to get the technique right first (which the basic personal trainer's courses are rather lax on) and that's often specific to each individual.
I'd recommend my son but the commute to Adelaide would probably make the cost prohibitive

Gerryattrick

Cycling, weights, walking & swimming.

A good mix for 50+ers, with no great financial outlay required.

donheff

In addition to cycling I lift weights twice a week using the guidelines of Body by Science.

caloso

My kids are soccer players. Helping them with their drills a couple of times a week is good cross training.

Barrettscv 

I've volunteered as a USSF certified Soccer Referee. 90 minutes of walking and running on grass, repeated several times each day, is an ideal fitness activity for non-runners. It also helps maintains a talent for working with difficult adults.

rumrunn6

was in a really good phase of my life about 7 1/2 yrs ago, cycling, weight training, running, swimming & racquetball. do it all if you can, but but rule #1 is, do no harm. rule #2 is, don't worry about an off session or an off day where you feel slow, weak or uncoordinated cuz every now & then you'll be surprised with a personal record that felt easy as pie. not in a bad phase now, just not peak form like back then. that was fun. glad I did it & almost surprised I had no major injury

swampboy62

Not interested in a 'complete training regime' but I paddle kayak/canoe, and do a good amount of trail work on the little mtb trail network a couple of miles away.

Both work more on upper body strength, but the trail work pushes me a lot harder.

Steve Z

Biker395 

I used to swim 3x a week. But the cycling kinda took over got tired of the $100/mo health club fee for something I was using perhaps 3x a month.

If I ever start slowing down with the work, I'm gonna get back in touch with my aquatic side ... but that will probably be surfing instead.

mwalsh5757

Treadmill (Sole F80) - 45-55 minutes daily, every day.
Erg (Concept2 model C) - 10 minutes, when I have the time (need to do that more often!).
Bicycle (GT Palomar) - 30 minutes daily, M-F.

fietsbob

My friend has an Xooter scooter, but she is well under 50, still trying to pay off Law School Loans.

Ogsarg

I used to rollerblade regularly but haven't in years. Have thought about resuming that activity but at the moment, I have a hard time finding time for as much cycling as I'd like so its on the back burner.

Bsgs87

I like to ride the bike at least 3 times a week and hike 2 times, plus a couple of weight workouts. So far it seems like a good variety that keeps me in good shape for 68 years of age.

70sSanO

I have gotten back into surfing. It seems to be a great compliment to cycling. For those not close to the ocean, stand up paddle boarding, while not as intense, is great for balance.

John

caloso

If we lived closer to the ocean, I definitely would get a surf board.

peterws

I do cross training stuff in the gym regularly, 20mins before boredom sets in. I manage a rate of 900calories/hour, but on the upright bike just sitting, it's over 1000.
More again when I do the treadmill. I don't do long on that.
But the spinning bike classes are addictive. All for £24/m, 'cos I'm old.
AND I can cycle the mile or so along the cyclepath next to my house and get there in half the time I take by car. . . .if it's raining, the trees shelter me and I don't have time to get wet.

55murray

I really need to walk more, I bike everywhere and that is not a load bearing exercise.

John E

Definitely a good balance. For anyone whose main exercise regimen is swimming and/or cycling, the weights and walking will protect bone and muscle mass.

gear64

I've discovered playing again, in a sense. I stumbled upon an outdoor gym nearby about a year ago. Think industrial strength playground. I did some research and found a routine I really enjoy. Incorporating monkey bars, handstands, pull-ups, push-ups, rows, box jumps, sprinting and more. Been working in some rings stuff lately. The bike mileage has really taken a hit, but my whole body feels more youthful than it has in several years.

reppans

Lived Car Free for a decade using bicycles, rollerblades and skateboards for transport. Still use rollerblades and skateboards for dog waking.... wanna give the dog a good workout (without me getting one), and it makes it more fun for me.

rydabent

A tricycle could be considered a bicycle alternative, especially for people with certain physical problems.

aarishjam

I bought Me-Mover four months ago. It is a complete work out in my opinion with very low impact on joints. I already have a knee problem which does not allow me to ride bicycle for longer period as it hurts. Maybe because bicycle requires effort from a 90 degree angle. That is not the issue with me mover.
Me Mover website also posts different work out routines to mix up the work out. which can solve your problem of muscles getting used to same exercise. So far, normal usage is enough for me.
I also searched Trykke and Street Stride. Street stride is good, but it is difficult to maneuver at instances. Trykke, is more of a bike experience than workout.

I would totally recommend Me-Mover.

Best of Luck Man

70sSanO

Surfing is a great mix of upper body and balance. I don't SUP, but I have tried it in calm water and that is also great for balance.

John

Carbonfiberboy 

If you don't think cycling challenges your body, it's not cycling, it's your head. Try a mountain 400k. That's a nice challenge. Or do the Death Ride or Triple Bypass or many other similar rides. Or try to work up to a 10 mile ride all out of the saddle. I was doing a 3400' pass climb the other day, pacing a slower rider up, when another, stronger riding buddy came up, settled in between us, and proceeded to ride up a good part of the pass out of the saddle. Nothing to it. He rides a lot, a lot more than I do.

But yeah, I also ski Alpine and XC, snowshoe, hike, backpack, and lift weights. It's all synergistic, cuts down on saddle time, and improves bone strength.