Bikes are Germany's favourite companion, for leisure, shopping or getting to work. Regular cycling is beneficial to the mind and spirit as well as the health. Cycling supplies the brain with lots of oxygen, forms new nerve cells, improves general fitness and strengthens the back muscles. Sufficient exercise in the fresh air also produces more endorphins, and this in turn has a positive impact on the human psyche.
Given the strong influence of psychic factors on physical health, it is important to make people more aware of just how indispensable exercise really is. Top priority: only do things that really do you good! The latest findings show that activities that constitute hobbies or pastimes with plenty of exercise are far more beneficial than compulsory training units. An active daily routine together with some kind of exercise during work breaks offers effective prevention from physical ailments.
Since 1995, the Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (AGR - Campaign for Healthier Backs) has taken up the task of promoting awareness for all aspects involved in the sustainable prevention of back problems. This also includes providing the general public with useful tips about back-friendly everyday commodities. After all, exercise should always be kind to the back and to the joints, keeping potential danger and injuries to an absolute minimum.
The AGR seal of approval "certified & recommended" gives interested customers a guarantee for ergonomically impeccable bicycles that fulfil the high demands made by an independent committee of medical experts. Pursuant to the guidelines of this committee, bicycles certified with the AGR seal of approval are particularly back-friendly and fulfil the highest ergonomic standards. Active hobby cyclists should certainly never leave their spinal health to chance, and should be able to put their trust in trained retail specialists.
The AGR focuses its expert attention on ergonomic aspects and individually adjustable cycling technology. The bicycle manufacturer Riese & Müller is a pioneer in this field
(www.r-m.de) with a particularly large range of certified bicycles. When it comes to making "back-friendly" new purchases, special consideration should be given to the following 7 points:
- The frame geometry should make it possible to sit leaning forwards slightly (at an angle of maximum 30 degrees) to correspond to a naturally upright position of the back. But in the end, it is the cyclist's own individual feel-good position that decides whether the sitting posture will let the cyclist sit in a permanently relaxed fashion on the bicycle. If it feels good without being cramped and complies with general safety aspects of bicycle structure, it will be correct.
- Sitting upright increases the load on the saddle; this in turn puts more pressure on the buttock bones. Flexible saddles reduce these problems and adapt to alternating pedal movements. The latest saddle technology e.g. by SQlab (www.sq-lab.com) warrants concurrent movement of the pelvis, providing the greatest possible protection for the lumbar spine. A correctly tilting saddle also reduces the pressure on the perineum and the surrounding nerves.
- Meanwhile most men are also brave enough to use a unisex bike (without cross-bar). A low step-through has also proven its worth for male cyclists. The focus is on greater comfort and the smallest possible danger risk.
- The feet play a central role in the pedalling action: they are used for power transmission. Gear systems make it easier to keep the bike moving on long distances and steep climbs to prevent excessive strain on the ankle and knee joints which already have so much to cope with. Individual saddle heights also protect the joints: make sure that the knee is never fully stretched during when pedalling, to prevent excessive stretching of the knee.
- Tension in the shoulders can be avoided by adjusting the height and shape of the handlebars. It is best for the weight to rest mostly on the buttocks and not on the wrists.
- Absolutely ideal for young and old: full suspension. This is something cyclists should never do without, because according to the German Sport University Cologne, full bicycle suspension reduces the burden for the spinal column by 35%. It also enhances cycling safety while prolonging the service life of the bike by clearly attenuating the backlash from potholes, kerbstones and rough terrain.
- Furthermore, the bike itself should weigh as little as possible to make it easier to handle when carrying, parking and manoeuvring in everyday situations.
A heart for e-bikes
For some time now, e-bikes are no longer just a future trend but have become an established part of the bicycle market. The attractive CO2-neutral alternative to using a car expands the radius of action of conventional bikes many times over. Large batteries and fast battery chargers mean that long distances are no longer a hindrance; the electronically assisted drive also means that sweaty arrivals in the workplace are a thing of the past.
Last year, the Kendu hybrid model by Riese & Müller not only won the EUROBIKE AWARD but also received the coveted "certified & recommended" AGR seal of approval. The stem can be adjusted in angle and height; together with the very long adjustable seat post, it can be adapted to individual body sizes from 1.50 m to 1.95 m, while meeting different comfort requirements. The Kendu hybrid thus warrants perfect adjustment to the ergonomics of the back; furthermore, it is easy to assemble and transport. Another benefit: the low step-through is ideal for cyclists of all ages, simplifying handling aspects and enhancing comfort.
It therefore offers people suffering from injuries, damaged joints or weak hearts a healthy exercising and mobility option that promotes swift rehabilitation. Everyone should be able to use the innovations in cycling technology for the sake of their health: In this context, Professor Dr. Froböse, Head of the Centre for Health at German Sport University Cologne, once again brings up the aspect of sustainability: only regular cycling and a mixture of individually adjustable ergonomic design and technical aspects serve both prevention and rehabilitation at the same time.
More information about bikes, the AGR, the seal of approval and certified products can be found at www.agr-ev.de, together with a list of trained and certified retail specialists.
IN BRIEF:
Cycling is good for a healthy mind and healthy body. But overzealous cycling will be punished sooner or later. Overdoing it or cycling with the wrong bike can cause harm to the back and joints. To prevent any long-term damage, the AGR informs hobby cyclists about ergonomic design and individually adjustable cycling technology, recommending particularly back-friendly models that have been certified by a strict committee of medical and therapeutic experts.
More information is available at www.agr-ev.de
Given the strong influence of psychic factors on physical health, it is important to make people more aware of just how indispensable exercise really is. Top priority: only do things that really do you good! The latest findings show that activities that constitute hobbies or pastimes with plenty of exercise are far more beneficial than compulsory training units. An active daily routine together with some kind of exercise during work breaks offers effective prevention from physical ailments.
Since 1995, the Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (AGR - Campaign for Healthier Backs) has taken up the task of promoting awareness for all aspects involved in the sustainable prevention of back problems. This also includes providing the general public with useful tips about back-friendly everyday commodities. After all, exercise should always be kind to the back and to the joints, keeping potential danger and injuries to an absolute minimum.
The AGR seal of approval "certified & recommended" gives interested customers a guarantee for ergonomically impeccable bicycles that fulfil the high demands made by an independent committee of medical experts. Pursuant to the guidelines of this committee, bicycles certified with the AGR seal of approval are particularly back-friendly and fulfil the highest ergonomic standards. Active hobby cyclists should certainly never leave their spinal health to chance, and should be able to put their trust in trained retail specialists.
The AGR focuses its expert attention on ergonomic aspects and individually adjustable cycling technology. The bicycle manufacturer Riese & Müller is a pioneer in this field
(www.r-m.de) with a particularly large range of certified bicycles. When it comes to making "back-friendly" new purchases, special consideration should be given to the following 7 points:
- The frame geometry should make it possible to sit leaning forwards slightly (at an angle of maximum 30 degrees) to correspond to a naturally upright position of the back. But in the end, it is the cyclist's own individual feel-good position that decides whether the sitting posture will let the cyclist sit in a permanently relaxed fashion on the bicycle. If it feels good without being cramped and complies with general safety aspects of bicycle structure, it will be correct.
- Sitting upright increases the load on the saddle; this in turn puts more pressure on the buttock bones. Flexible saddles reduce these problems and adapt to alternating pedal movements. The latest saddle technology e.g. by SQlab (www.sq-lab.com) warrants concurrent movement of the pelvis, providing the greatest possible protection for the lumbar spine. A correctly tilting saddle also reduces the pressure on the perineum and the surrounding nerves.
- Meanwhile most men are also brave enough to use a unisex bike (without cross-bar). A low step-through has also proven its worth for male cyclists. The focus is on greater comfort and the smallest possible danger risk.
- The feet play a central role in the pedalling action: they are used for power transmission. Gear systems make it easier to keep the bike moving on long distances and steep climbs to prevent excessive strain on the ankle and knee joints which already have so much to cope with. Individual saddle heights also protect the joints: make sure that the knee is never fully stretched during when pedalling, to prevent excessive stretching of the knee.
- Tension in the shoulders can be avoided by adjusting the height and shape of the handlebars. It is best for the weight to rest mostly on the buttocks and not on the wrists.
- Absolutely ideal for young and old: full suspension. This is something cyclists should never do without, because according to the German Sport University Cologne, full bicycle suspension reduces the burden for the spinal column by 35%. It also enhances cycling safety while prolonging the service life of the bike by clearly attenuating the backlash from potholes, kerbstones and rough terrain.
- Furthermore, the bike itself should weigh as little as possible to make it easier to handle when carrying, parking and manoeuvring in everyday situations.
A heart for e-bikes
For some time now, e-bikes are no longer just a future trend but have become an established part of the bicycle market. The attractive CO2-neutral alternative to using a car expands the radius of action of conventional bikes many times over. Large batteries and fast battery chargers mean that long distances are no longer a hindrance; the electronically assisted drive also means that sweaty arrivals in the workplace are a thing of the past.
Last year, the Kendu hybrid model by Riese & Müller not only won the EUROBIKE AWARD but also received the coveted "certified & recommended" AGR seal of approval. The stem can be adjusted in angle and height; together with the very long adjustable seat post, it can be adapted to individual body sizes from 1.50 m to 1.95 m, while meeting different comfort requirements. The Kendu hybrid thus warrants perfect adjustment to the ergonomics of the back; furthermore, it is easy to assemble and transport. Another benefit: the low step-through is ideal for cyclists of all ages, simplifying handling aspects and enhancing comfort.
It therefore offers people suffering from injuries, damaged joints or weak hearts a healthy exercising and mobility option that promotes swift rehabilitation. Everyone should be able to use the innovations in cycling technology for the sake of their health: In this context, Professor Dr. Froböse, Head of the Centre for Health at German Sport University Cologne, once again brings up the aspect of sustainability: only regular cycling and a mixture of individually adjustable ergonomic design and technical aspects serve both prevention and rehabilitation at the same time.
More information about bikes, the AGR, the seal of approval and certified products can be found at www.agr-ev.de, together with a list of trained and certified retail specialists.
IN BRIEF:
Cycling is good for a healthy mind and healthy body. But overzealous cycling will be punished sooner or later. Overdoing it or cycling with the wrong bike can cause harm to the back and joints. To prevent any long-term damage, the AGR informs hobby cyclists about ergonomic design and individually adjustable cycling technology, recommending particularly back-friendly models that have been certified by a strict committee of medical and therapeutic experts.
More information is available at www.agr-ev.de
