SEXUAL HEALTH AND BICYCLING

Relieve stress, restore stamina, exercise muscle and stop to smell the roses if time permits; and it will. As transportation, for exercise, training for the big race or for pleasure you can’t beat the joy, benefits and fun of riding a bicycle. Today people worldwide are improving brain power, connecting with friends and family, improving health and sleeping more soundly thanks to two wheels, two pedals and a leather seat. Below are the pros and cons connecting sexual health and bicycling; research findings, solutions, conclusions and the bottom line.



SEXUAL HEALTH AND BICYCLING

Who knew it could change your sex life? For the better – some say. Scientists worldwide have disagreed on the effect bicycling has on male sex organs. They know and most of us agree it is great exercise and the more you exercise, the more fit you remain, and being fit affects all areas of your life. However, researchers have found in some cases the bicycle seat causes problems:

RESEARCH FINDINGS:  National Institute for Occupational Safety

“Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) evaluated 17 members of a bicycling police patrol unit in Cincinnati, Ohio. The men averaged nearly 5½ hours in the saddle each workday. Almost all of them experienced genital numbness from time to time. Those who rode the most were at the highest risk for erectile dysfunction, and the men who exerted the most pressure on their bike seats had the most problems. In a follow-up study, the NIOSH researchers found that bike-riding patrol officers who used a no-nose saddle reported penile numbness far less often than those using a standard saddle. A team from NIOSH also looked at bike riding and sexual function in women who rode for an average of two hours several days a week. These women experienced decreased genital sensation compared to women to ran several days a week. In a later study, the team found that narrow seats and so-called cut-out seats increased pressure on the perineum.”

HE DISAGREES - William D. Steers, Urologist, Univ. of Virginia School of

William D. Steers, chairman of the urology department at the University of Virginia, School of Medicine in Charlottesville, believes there isn’t really a problem: “The whole cycling impotence thing is really out of proportion. In China 90 per cent of the male population cycles, and they don’t seem to have a problem maintaining the population.”

  

SOLUTIONS: Harvey B. Simon, M.D., Editor, Harvard Health

You don’t have to give up biking to preserve your sexual function. In fact, you can break the vicious cycle of biking and sexual dysfunction by taking a few simple precautions.

• Don’t use a racing seat with a long narrow nose. Pick a wide seat, ideally with plenty of padding. Special gel-filled and shock-absorbing seats are even available.
• Don’t tilt your seat upward, a position that increases pressure on the perineum.
• Be sure your seat is at the correct height, so your legs aren’t completely extended at the bottom of your pedal stroke.
• For extra protection, consider wearing padded biking pants.
• Raise the handlebars so you are sitting more upright.
• Shift your position and take breaks during long rides.

Above all, be alert for early warning symptoms. If you experience tingling or numbness in your “privates”, get off your bike. If the problem recurs even with a broad, padded, well-positioned seat, consider switching to a recumbent bike.

GOOD NEWS:

University of Chicago Researchers: “It’s a well-known fact that hormones called endorphins are released during and after physical exertion and produce a feeling of satisfaction and extreme well-being. They are sometimes called the body’s own opiates. But did you know that they can also make you feel aroused? Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that one in four women had experienced sexual arousal while exercising.

Dr. Michael Roizen Wellness Institute Cleveland Clinic  “….the importance of being an athlete in the bedroom as well as on the bike is justified on health grounds. For men, the more the better. The typical man who has 350 orgasms a year, versus the national average of a quarter of that, lives about four years longer. 700 orgasms a year could add up to eight years to your life.

IN CONCLUSION
Safety in any sport is important. Our bodies are strong in so many ways, yet we as humans remain fragile. Cycling Weekly reports:

 “partaking in high aerobic activity such as cycling produces feelings of intense well-being and increased sexual vitality? And according to some research, cycling has the power not only to make you more desirable to the opposite sex, but also to increase your level of sexual satisfaction, and even your lovemaking ability.”

As a USA Certified Cycling Coach I can share a few simple things you can do beyond listening to your body.  Wearing well fitted shorts with chamois or gel inserts will ensure minimum discomfort. Chamois cream used prior to a ride is also advised – Assos, Vaseline, or nappy rash cream can be used, and check your riding position, and the reach of your bicycle. If your seat is properly adjusted, your weight will be carried through your ischial tuberosities.   

Bicycling is one of the best sports for cardiovascular conditioning. Increased energy, taking longer to tire, and being more attuned to your body are just some additional benefits. Join us for a bicycle ride.

 Call Bixby Bicycles for more information.

CYCLING AND THE HEALTHY HEART

Of the more than two million Americans who die every year heart disease remains the leading cause of death in men and women. The coronary heart disease epidemic began in the 1920s / 1930s in the United States and the United Kingdom. Although the 20^th century saw big strides in the fight against heart disease, it remains the number one killer for people of all races, colors and ethnic backgrounds. Most people know bicycling is a great exercise but few realize how effective it is in the fight against heart disease. Cycling is one of the three activities meeting the three criteria of physical exercise; moderation, habit and a life time activity. 
 

CYCLING is one of the most easily adapted forms of exercise. It can be adapted to ones’ level of fitness, age, community and environment. You don’t have to be a professional rider, mountain bike aficionado or commuter cyclist to reap the benefits. The level of intensity achieved by a novice riding two to four hours a week meets the recommendation for improvement of cardio-respiratory fitness, and evidence shows people who bike as teens and young adults keep cycling throughout their lives.  

Is cycling a strenuous exercise? Yes, it can be for the professional Olympian or athlete. This is why they have USA Cycling Certified Coaches, are monitored regularly and include health and wellness in their training programs. Riding a couple of times a week for exercise, fun or comradery provides considerable health benefits. It’s more than a slogan or propaganda – it’s true: Mild to moderate cycling improves brainpower and sleep, boosts immune systems, boosts sex drive and contributes directly to a healthier heart. “Studies from Purdue University in the United States have shown that regular cycling can cut your risk of heart disease by 50 percent.” “Other studies have found that women who cycle frequently reduce their risk of breast cancer by 34% (bikeradar, Matthew Barbour, May 22, 2016).
 

Using the major muscle groups; blood vessels, heart and lungs, cycling can reduce or control weight, stress and anxiety. Increasing the metabolism, burning fat and strengthening muscles, regular cycling as exercise lowers the risk of high blood pressure and of cardiovascular disease. Will everyone reap the same benefits from cycling? No. Genetics, smoking, drinking, environment and lifestyle play a role in the effectiveness of any exercise program.

Research in the United States has found cycling lowers the risk of diabetes, reduces the chance of certain cancers, helps to protect from strokes, heart attacks, depression and arthritis as it improves strength, coordination and balance. As with any exercise or fitness program you must listen to your body and to your primary care physician. If you are new to cycling, new to training, or need help in putting together a cycling exercise program doing a one-on-one with a cycling coach can help. Technology for cyclist has come a long way. From BIKEFIT that ensures a perfect fit to gadgets that monitor pulse, breathing, heart-rate, burn and more. It’s never too late to begin a healthy cycling program. Your heart will love you for it.

To learn more about the benefits of cycling, our BIKEFIT program, cycling computer, monitoring devices, group rides, training sessions and specialized coaching, contact me, Buster Brown at Bixby

Bicycles & Accessories.  

BUSTER BROWN

USA Cycling Certified Coach

MEET CYCLIST BUSTER BROWN

As a child I experienced the freedom you get when you are perched on a leather shell, astride a metal frame, pumping pedals gripped by a pair of my favorite shoes. With the sun in my face and the wind at my back, balanced on two wheels, steering uphill and downhill, leaning left then right, on paved streets and old dirt roads, there was a childlike exhilaration, an unexplainable devotion that continues every time I climb aboard a bicycle.

 

 

At sixteen I knew my education would not come from books, that high school graduation would be a premium and there would be no college; no long-term employment, no XYZ company and no retirement plans. Leaving home and finding my way I had two things: An enthusiasm for health and fitness and a passion for bicycles and bicycling. A series of “highs and low” were to come – and they did.

     Success starts with a desire, a vision, a dream and the certainty of adversity. Faced on a regular basis adversity fought me, threw up road blocks, stopped me in my tracks and brought me to my knees. It made me question my goals and objectives, wonder if it’s worth it and if I should quit or keep going. It crushed my ambitions and shattered my motivation yet it was the driving force that kept me cycling, kept me competing and kept me winning again and again. When you make the decision to allow adversity into your dreams, to be one of your goals, to be built into your plans, trust me -your mission will be accomplished, your goals will be achieved and your cycling dreams will soar,  

     These are the opening lines to my story, what are the opening lines to yours? Most cyclist began as a child, however today more and more adults who have never bicycled are appreciating the benefits and enjoying the ride. Bicycling has become the sport of choice for men and women nationwide. Looking for a sport with health benefits that’s easy to adapt to, bicycling offers improved balance, agility, durability and cardiovascular fitness. It builds muscle, releases stress, makes daily activities easier to accomplish and improves physical and cognitive function – and let’s not forget it’s fun! Whether you believe in global warming or not, bicycling is great for the environment. You can cycle indoors or outdoors, alone or in a group, in the city or in the country, for sport or for play. There’s road bikes, mountain bikes, cruiser bikes and BMX; Hybrid bikes, city bikes, tandem bikes and adult tricycles. You can see the world, make friends and burn calories as you achieve health and wellness.

      Joining a bicycle or riding club keeps you connected to the world of cycling; to bike trails, group rides, weekend rides, State Road Races, Time Trials, and bicycle and accessory discounts. You’ll meet people from all walks of life, build camaraderie and see and experience the world in a way you never could in a car - and the financial benefits are many. Other than savings from servicing and gassing up, most insurance companies will reduce your premiums if you’re commuting by bicycle on a daily basis.  

     As a boy I began on a yellow two-wheeler from my father’s general store. It was a means of transportation and a source of joy. At ten I would find old bicycles, stripe the good parts and make one new bicycle. I would sell it and use the money to buy slotted race cars for our TYCO Race Track. Riding to the mall and to the movies was as rewarding as racing my Mongoose around the neighborhood.  I was a kid teaching kids to ride; to adjust seats, adjust pedals, change tires, and win races. Bicycles became my world and I loved every minute of it; I love it even more today.

     We each have a story, a reason for riding. If you’re new to the sport, come see us. Bixby Bicycles and Accessories mission is to create new cyclist, and to coach and support existing and mature cyclist and racers providing quality bicycles and cutting edge products in an honest, fair, friendly and courteous buying and training environment. Educating and fostering a healthy fun method of exercise and sustainable fitness, Bixby Bicycles and Accessories promotes “One Stop, One Vision”. Learn more about me and my career in cycling at: http://www.cyclingforsuccess.net/, then visit our website and like us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Bixbybicycleworks/, but most of all “enjoy the ride.”

 

SHOULD YOUR CHILD RIDE A BICYCLE TO SCHOOL?

Are you reinforcing teaching with experience, or living in the world of, “do as I say not as I do,” or “don’t worry about me just do as you’re told.”  Both the medical and the psychological community have proven young children adopt the attitudes, principals and practices of their parents. They begin to change when they are offered options outside of the home; when they are exposed to differing environments and begin to communicate beyond the immediate family. There is a proven exception to this rule however when it comes to exercising and physical activity, particularly in the sport of bicycling.

Whether a parent is bicycling for exercise, for competitive racing, or just for fun, children who have ridden on the back of a parents bicycle, or found themselves clutching the handlebars can’t wait to get a bicycle of their own. The Safe Route to School website reports; In 1969, 48 percent of children 5 to 14 years of age usually walked or bicycled to school, In 2009, 13 percent of children 5 to 14 years of age usually walked or bicycled to school.

When parents moved to the suburbs and became dependent on automobiles, children became dependent on parents and school buses to get to school each day. The further out parents moved, the more dependent the family became. The absence of sidewalks and the neighborhood school and the distance children now had to travel coupled with concerns of safety, walking and bicycling to school became less of an option. There are more children today who have never been on a bicycle than ever before in the history of this country. Yet mountain biking, commuting by bicycle and the sport of bicycling is growing nationwide.

            Allowing a child to bike to school – even if you follow them in your car, gives them a sense of freedom and independence. The simple act of allowing a child to choose the bicycle they want, the color, the style, the sound of the bell or the size of the basket on the front or back of the bicycle empowers independent thinking. Yes, the world can be a frightening place and it is our job as parents to protect our children, however riding a bicycle to school instead of being dropped off by parents or riding a school bus has health benefits, involves decision making, stimulates learning and is a lot of fun.

            At Bixby Bicycles we offer classes for beginning cyclist, for families interested in family bicycle tours and bicycle checkups, fittings, safety tips, helmets, locks, accessories and maps. We will help you find the safest route for your child to take when riding a bicycle to school.

 

         More adults than ever are commuting by bicycle, yet their bicycle is the only one in the garage. Inner city biking and the addition of inner city bike trails is catering to the city dweller. Why should living in the outer limits of a city or in a secluded suburb diminish a child’s opportunity to ride a bicycle to school? Yes, they can ride up and down the street in front of the house, around the corner and back or be taken to a “safe” parking lot or park to ride. It’s just not the same. Bicycling makes a great family activity, whether you’re doing a tour, bicycling for exercise, or accompanying your child on their first bicycle ride to school.    To learn more contact Buster Brown, USA Cycling Coach at Bixby Bicycles and Accessories in Bixby Oklahoma.       

NOTE:  “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children have 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. If riding a bike to and from school takes a half hour each way, your child has met this requirement without even trying. With many schools eliminating recess, this twice-daily activity may be your child’s best hope for movement”….. http://www.biketoworkblog.com/why-you-should-let-your-child-bike-to-school/

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BICYCLE SHOP

Choosing the right bicycle is just as important as choosing the right bicycle shop. With the growing popularity of bicycling in the U.S., media, print and online resources have commercialized that special bond between kids and bikes. Often however, the quality of the information you find online comes nowhere near the quantity of sites available. With the recent explosion of the bicycle market choosing a bicycle of any type for any purpose can be a daunting task. As a child your first bicycle was chosen for you, handed down to you, or magically appeared on Christmas morning, shiny and new with training wheels, streamers and a bell you could ring. Brand, shape, size and fit didn’t play into this “rite of passage”.  Making the transition from a bicycle chosen for you to one fitting your specific needs can be challenging. Choosing the right bicycle shop leads to choosing the right bicycle.

Knowing how much you want to spend is important. Bicycles range in price from hundreds of dollars to thousands, not including upkeep, maintenance, gear and accessories; then there’s the overwhelming choice of products. The right bicycle shop offers a trained, knowledgeable sales team asking the right questions, be local to the community you live in and the places you ride, have reasonable hours of operations and an approachable repair and maintenance staff.  Maintaining your bicycle is important. Whether you’re riding for pleasure, for exercise, commuting or racing, having the right bike shop repair and maintenance personnel will keep your bike riding smoothly. A good bicycle shop will quote prices, give estimates and make appointments – with pickup dates and times.

Are you riding off-road, are you riding on pavement, do you need a mountain bike, road, hybrid or commuter bike?  All important questions – easily answered on the internet, however understanding fit, testing various models, test riding, assembly, adjustments, training, access to certified coaches and the comradery of other riders will only happen in a brick and mortar store. Purchasing the wrong equipment, having a bad fit, being unprepared for weather and road conditions and the absence of proper gear and accessories can lead to discomfort, frustration and injury.

The right bicycle shop will provide personal service from a cycling professional who will explain budget (often includes more than just the bicycle), brands, fit, equipment, gears and accessories. The customer service focused bicycle shop will include individual and group training sessions, group rides, and accessories such as helmets, all weather clothing, shoes, protective wear and nutritional products.  The riders physical fitness, experience and riding goals are considered when choosing equipment, providing maps, bicycle trails, access to events and in developing a coach/rider training program.  

Fitting the person to the bicycle and not the bicycle to the person should be the mission and the goal of each customer interaction.  Specialized service, Individualized training plans, a concentration on fitness and injury prevention, coupled with a wide range of products, a knowledgeable staff, and bicycle training and coaching in a clean, safe and friendly environment makes knowing and understanding the options an easy one. Local to and invested in the community, the right bicycle shop is open to new, novice and experienced riders and racers. With the right brick and mortar bicycle shop, you’ll enjoy the experience and enjoy the ride.

BUSTER BROWN, USA Certified Cycling Coach

ICE & SNOW BICYCLING

 

 

Bicycles on ice? Yes, definitely challenging yet extremely rewarding. With the right bicycle, proper care of your equipment and winter-bicycling skills you can bicycle for convenience, commuting, and for exercise or pleasure throughout the year. With the fresh air, a winter wind and amazing scenery you will arrive feeling alive, refreshed and accomplished. Icebiking, also known as Snowbiking or winter bicycling dates back to the days of the horse and carriage. Prior to the popularization of the automobile, bicycles were a major means of transportation throughout the United States. “The freedom of movement afforded by the bicycle would not easily be surrendered to autumn breezes or winter chills. Getting off the bicycle meant walking in many cases.”

Maintaining control of the bicycle on icy roads requires a different riding technique. Riding slower, using back brakes, sitting upright as you navigate and being aware of narrower streets due to plowed snow is important. Metal-studded tires improve traction, chains and hub gears shield the drive train, and drum and hub brakes operate when wheel rims are caked in ice. With unpredictable conditions, your frame must be able to handle changing road conditions. Mountain bikes with wider tires are a must in heavy snow and ice. Bixby Bicycles has a full line of Mountain Bikes available.  

The right handle-bars, fenders with mud flaps, and proper clothing are a necessity. Dressing in layers allows the skin to breath, and proper sunglasses allows the rider to see through snow-glare, the reflection of the sun on newly fallen snow and in blowing snow. Being seen is also important. Wear brightly colored clothes easily seen in cloudy, stormy and foggy weather; reflection tape is essential.

Enjoy your bicycle year round, even in every changing Oklahoma weather.  Buster Brown, our USA Certified Cycling Coach offers instruction in Icebiking, and Bixby Bicycles and Accessories specializes in mountain bikes, winter equipment and winter wear.   If you keep your crank spinning, sit upright, keep your front wheel light and your handle-bars high, riding on snow and ice can be just as rewarding as snow-boarding or skiing. Following some simple rules, being physically and mentally prepared, having the right equipment, gear and clothing will make Icebiking, or Snowbiking a fun, safe and rewarding experience.  

BUSTER BROWN, USA Certified Cycling Coach

Bixby Bicycles & Accessories

www.bixbybicycles.com



BUSTER BROWN - USA Level 3 Certified Cycling Coach

WHY HIRE A CYCLING COACH. 
There are a number of reasons to hire a USA Certified Cycling Coach. From the novice to the advanced the right coach sees you as an individual. Training programs are prepared based on fitness, background, schedule and restraints, and includes mentoring, coaching, providing feedback, setting goals and selecting events.  A coach knows when to adjust a training plan (avoiding injury), imposes dedication and commitment to each exercise, and challenges the cyclist to be the best he/she can be.  

THE USA CYCLING COACH

Call it accredited or call it certified, Accredited Coach Certification with USA Cycling is a big deal. Just becoming a coach has its challenges.  There are three levels to bicycle coaching; entry, advanced and expert and there are manuals, training packets and exams at each level. Once all three levels are completed you are certified – not so fast, for many this process can extend years into the future.

Levels go from 3-1 with Level 1 being the highest. In order to achieve Level 1, a coach must be a Level 2 coach in good standing for 5 consecutive years and attend a Level 1 Clinic, or be a Level 2 coach for 3 consecutive years, accumulate 200 CEU’s (Continuing Education Unites) following completion of the Level 2 Clinic and attend a Level 1 Clinic. Them comes the Level 1 test.  A compilation of subjects ranging from organizational structure to Role of the Coach, The Cyclist in Traffic, Basic Equipment, Sport Science, Health Issues, Principles of Training, Track Racing, Road Racing, Cyclo-cross Racing, Mountain Bikes and the list goes on.

To be one of the best and become renowned as a coach, specialization is a must. Discipline Specific Certification is to teach coaches to more effectively coach in a specific discipline. Only open to licensed Level 3 coaches, there’s Cyclo-cross Specific Certification, Track Specific Certification, and Mountain Bike Certification.  Specific Certifications are one and a half day pre-scheduled classes the coach is required to attend. Perhaps this explains the certified coaches pricing scale. Certification isn’t easy and it isn’t cheap. There are costs associated at each level, and coaches must “recertify” at each level every two years.

The  team is proud to announce our own Buster Brown has completed USA Cycling Level 3 Coaching Certification.  Training classes are beginning November 5, 2013.  Call Buster Brown at 479-530-9491.