RIDE INTO SPRING
AND STAY HEALTHY
R
iding a bike is something many of us learn to do as children
and it's an activity we continue to enjoy as adults. With
spring upon us, this is a great time to take your bike out
of storage for a tune-up and hit the pavement to enjoy some
excellent health benefits through cycling.
It is well known that cycling is a great form of exercise, but did
you know it's of particular benefit for older adults? By sitting
on a bike, weight is distributed along bones in the pelvis (unlike
walking), and this can provide some relief for those with age-
related stiffness. Riding a bike is also an excellent aerobic
workout, offering benefits for your heart, brain and blood
vessels. It helps build and strengthen muscles in your legs, glutes,
abdomen, arms and shoulders. By targeting several major muscle
groups, cycling helps build balance and endurance, skills that
become increasingly important as we age.
In Toronto, there are a multitude of routes that cyclists can
explore. Here are just a few of Toronto's better-known courses
that showcase the city's natural beauty.
TORONTO ISLANDS
For beginners, Toronto Island bike paths are just a short ferry
ride away. Beginner cyclists will enjoy the flat, traffic-free terrain
that offers beautiful views of the Toronto skyline. There are more
than 15km to explore, winding past a lighthouse, several beaches,
Centreville Amusement Park and other unique gems. Bonus: you
can rent bikes near the Centre Island ferry terminal.
TOMMY THOMPSON PARK
For nature explorers, Tommy Thompson Park, located along
Toronto's Leslie Street Spit, is a unique ecological locale in
Toronto's east end. With 10km of paved, flat cycling surface,
cyclists will enjoy birdwatching and incredible views of the city
skyline. At the end of the trail, a fork in the road leads visitors
to the Toronto Harbour Light, a unique lighthouse powered by a
solar panel. Visit tommythompsonpark.ca/visitor-information/
for more information about accessing the site, parking and more.
20 BrainMatters SPRING|SUMMER 2020
