THE HYGIENE OF THE CYCLIST.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 28 August 1912, Page 7

THE HYGIENE OF THE CYCLIST.

In cycling there is one very important- fact that should invariably be borne in mind, and that is that, like all exercises, it should be taken up moderately, and not indulged in to excess. The heart" should be carefully watched, not because this exercise is more harmful in this respect than others, but because it can be indulged in for a much longer time without producing a sense of fatigue. Vicious attitudes, such as a crooked posture, although not being so harmful as is generally supposed, ought, nevertheless, to be avoided. In a long journey the position in which the boriy is moderately inclined is best for the organs of respiration and circulation. The position in the saddle is hard to decide upon for every case. Practice shows that the perinaeum accommodates itself to the saddle better than would have been supposed. Moderation in eating is a necessity in muscular work, "as is also abstention from alcohol. The bicycle should vary in details for the man, the woman, the child, the racer, and the invalid. In the case of a man, the perinaeum, with its component parts, should be carefully watched. As to the woman, this exercise is easier for hef than for the man, since she is more supple. It causes far less fatigue than walking. Its effects on the pelvic organs are good. The child does not feel so much fatigue as the adult, but it should use the bicycle with the greatest moderation. As to the invalid, many ailments are improved or even cured by the use of the bicycle, "e.g., gastro-intestinal troubles, deformities of the vertebral column, etc.