Healthy Healing While Riding Your ZiZZO

It is a well-known fact of all the health benefits one gets from riding our ZiZZO’s or any bicycle for that matter. Our muscles, cardiovascular system, balance, mental alertness, mood, and even immune system (along with countless other benefits) can all be improved by simply making riding a part of our lives. But what if we have an injury or have become ill in some way? Can riding our ZiZZO actually be beneficial in the healing process? 

Since cycling is a low impact sport, riding our ZiZZO is easier on the body than some types of exercise and can help reduce injuries and strain. It's a good option for people with joint concerns or stiffness, especially in the lower body, and can be ideal for those recovering from a joint injury or with arthritis in their hips  

ZiZZO enthusiasts George McCune shared about a medical issue he had and how his ZiZZO E-Forte has helped. George says “One day I noticed some strange tingling going on in my feet. I didn’t know what it was until I finally got to the doctor, and she said we needed to get that checked out by then it was too late. My sugar level had increased because of all the junk food I had eaten during Covid, and it had attacked the nerve endings in my feet and my ankles. Neurologists tested and tested, but they came back to the same statement, if you can walk or if you can ride a bicycle do it because the more you exercise the better off you’re going to be to save what movement you have left in your ankles. I explained to him that I’m a cyclist and he told me not to ever quit. He said to keep riding and pay attention to your feet, keep the legs spinning, and it will greatly increase the longevity of your ankles damaged by neuropathy, and that’s where I am today. I ride a Zizzo E-forte and I get out and I ride, and I ride, and I ride if my ankles get tired or get to hurting, I use the throttle and head home.” Thanks to George for sharing his story.  

Personally, I plan on using our ZiZZO Campo converted with the E-Kit to help in my recovery from cancer. After being diagnosed in September of 2023 and going through radiation and chemo I have been on the mend. I used to be able to climb mountains side by side with my friends as an avid rider but in 8 months of inactivity I have lost a lot of muscle. Rather than be discouraged and miss out on riding with my buddies as I regain my strength, I will be using the Ekit equipped Campo to get a workout and keep up with friends. The camaraderie of riding with others will also be a mental boost with a bit of a return to normalcy. Cycling helps remove background distractions, allowing me to focus on the present moment's sensations and this offers a break from overthinking my current situation. 

Sometimes people who are rehabbing have an issue with balance. The ZiZZO indoor trainer is a great solution as it was designed to fit perfectly with the ZiZZO 20-inch wheels. Ligament injuries can benefit from the gentle motion of pedaling. The smooth, circular motion of cycling minimizes the jarring impact on the knee joint, which is often a concern with high-impact activities. Adjusting the resistance either on the trainer flywheel or by shifting can strengthen the muscles around the knee without overstressing it. The NIH reports that stationary cycling is commonly recommended for individuals with various disabilities, such as knee osteoarthritis and compromised function of the joints following surgeries like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and hip replacement. Cycling reduces the load on the knee joint and ACL compared to walking or stair ascent/descent. For those recovering from cardiovascular issues such as heart surgery or a heart attack, indoor cycling provides a controlled environment to rebuild cardiovascular fitness.

For an even more comprehensive list of injuries rehabbed using cycling a study out of Kent University reports that for those with hip injuries such as hip flexor strains, labral tears, or arthritis, cycling can be a great option. The low-impact nature of cycling helps in reducing the load on the hip joint while still allowing for effective range of motion exercises. The circular motion of pedaling promotes flexibility and strengthens the hip muscles, which can support recovery and reduce pain. Cycling can be an effective rehabilitation tool for ankle injuries like sprains or fractures. The activity helps to regain range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding the ankle. Unlike high-impact sports, cycling places minimal stress on the ankle joint, making it an excellent choice for gradual recovery.  

There is so much positive information out there about cycling for rehabbing injuries that one could go on and on. If you have any doubts or questions when it comes to your personal medical situation when it comes to riding your ZiZZO consult with a physician first.