Cycling Made Easy for Seniors

The Lake County General Health District is excited to increase the awareness of bicycles, promote bike safety, and share the benefits of cycling for all age groups, especially seniors. With that in mind, the Health District is proud to introduce the Senior Cycling program. 

The program is designed to provide participants with an engaging, interactive, low impact, cardiovascular and strength training workout. Physical exercise in tenured agers, especially cardio, has been shown to improve a number of factors in day-to-day living, and overall health and wellness.

So how does it work? The Senior Cycling class uses a sturdy portable trainer that incorporates smart technology, and a standard bicycle combined with a smart tablet preloaded with the MyWhoosh cycling app. The app is set up with various goals and achievements for participants to engage with, along with an open world “free roam” option.  The class instructor assists participants with mounting and dismounting the bicycle, as well as adjusting the height of the seat to fit each rider comfortably. 

As the rider pedals, they will move themselves through a virtual world on the app as an avatar along with other participants. Each class in the 6 week session is 45 minutes in length once a week, which is enough time to experience the positive effects of cardiovascular exercise. With cycling being a low impact exercise, the goal of this class is to introduce bike riding without the ups and downs of the weather and the risks that come with riding on various kinds of terrain.

The Health District is currently facilitating this program at the following senior/community centers:

  • Eastlake: 440-975-4268
  • Perry:    440-259-3772
  • Willoughby: 440-951-2832 
  • Willoughby Hills: 440-975-3540 
  • Wickliffe: 440-373-5015
  • Willowick: 440-585-5112

Please call one of the above listed centers to begin your cycling journey!

Meet the Instructor

Meet David Patton, Health Educator and cycling instructor at the Lake County General Health District.

“The concept behind the Senior Cycling Program originated from my own personal use of an online cycle training app called MyWhoosh. The idea was to implement the training app in an exercise group environment at various senior centers, with classes of 6 to 8 participants guided by a certified Lead Cycling Instructor. Physical exercise, especially cardio, has been shown to improve a number of factors in daily life and overall health particularly for seniors or tenured agers.

LCGHD’s focus is on improving the health and well-living of Lake County’s senior population through this innovative program.”

Cycling Safety

Tips from the League of American Bicyclists

Endurance

“I was happy to see my endurance improving as at the beginning I was watching the clock, and at the later cycling classes, I wasn’t even aware it was time to stop until I was told.”

— Perry Cyclist, Female, 55-64 yrs

Improvements

“Balance is better, exercise value-great, was fun to ‘travel’. Dave was great explaining cycling protocol.”

— Perry Cyclist, Female, 65-74 yrs

Mileage

“Impressed in the mileage I could do over 6 weeks.”

— Willoughby Cyclist, Female, 75+ yrs