Bicycling is an excellent aerobic workout. Take breaks and stretch as needed, because long rides put you in an uncomfortable posture that can put quite a strain on your low back. Biking is most enjoyable outside in fine weather, but you can also train inside with a stationary bike or, for hard-core cyclists, treadmill-like gadgets called wind trainers in which the bike is ridden on rollers.

Some people avoid biking because of neck, back, shoulder, wrist, prostate, bladder or other problems. For them, the increasingly popular recumbent bikes may be the answer. These low-to-the-ground machines put less strain on the body by letting the rider sit up or lie down. You can also consider purchasing a seat that is specially designed to reduce these issues.

Older folks who are leery of perching on two wheels, or others who have concerns about balance, can still enjoy the benefits of cycling with adult trikes, which are also increasing in popularity. Many of these three-wheelers are recumbent as well.

"I went out yesterday in a snow flurry and rode for an hour through the woods. I felt like I was a kid again! The fresh air and the hilly terrain are so invigorating." -- iVillager lakeroho

"When I started biking I could barely get around the block, but now I'm doing 12 miles a day, six days a week. I'm 47 and I've lost 45 pounds!" -- iVillager susanjohnsen

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