There‘s debate aplenty about the pros and cons of cycling, but one thing‘s incontrovertible: riding regularly is good for you. Here‘s eight reasons why:
1. For a ten-stone woman, an hour of
steady cycling (11mph) burns around 380 calories – the amount of energy
supplied by a Mars bar or a
pint and a half of beer. A 15-minute
bike ride to and from work, five times a week, can burn off the
equivalent of 11lbs of fat in a year.
2.
According to a Department of Transport study, people who don’t exercise
but start cycling can, in just three months, move from the third of the
population who are least fit into the fittest half.
3. Worried
about traffic fumes? There’s no need to be. A Department of the
Environment report found that cyclists and pedestrians actually absorb
fewer pollutants than car drivers.
4.
In terms of energy expended, cycling 20 miles at a reasonably vigorous
15mph is the equivalent of running 5.7 miles. Both burn 620
calories.
Feature continues
5. Hunching
over the handlebars is a common cause of lower back pain among regular
riders, exacerbated by weak trunk muscles. If you’re a gym-goer, ask a
trainer to help you with a Swiss ball routine targeting your obliques,
anterior abdominal and lower lumbar muscles.
6. You
cycle regularly, you feel really fit, but you can’t shift your gut.
Why? Because the fat burned during cardio-vascular activity (like
cycling) comes from all over the body, not just one area. ‘Selective’
fat loss is impossible. Instead, try abdominal exercises to firm up
your stomach and make your gut less prominent.
7. Off-road
cycling can be a real fitness challenge. You’re out of the saddle more,
giving your glutes (bum) and leg muscles a good workout, while the core
muscle groups in your upper body have to work harder to maintain
balance.
8. Cycling has been
one of Britain’s most successful Olympic sports in recent years. If
you’d like to try some low-level competition for
yourself, the
website www.londoncyclesport.com carries details of events in London
and the south-east plus useful information for novices.
Health & Fitness Guide
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2 comments
I've been cycling in London 33 years - started when I was 24 - work that one out! I have a good bike and retain a firm, non-aggressive but assertive approach to the traffic. It's very important not to feel fear and there are some dreadful drivers out there - some of the worst are mums in the SUVs, all windows up, who just don't see you. Also most bus drivers have changed over the past few years and often act as if you aren't there. Go out of your way to get a very very good lock: I have had 4 nicked over the years. My 2 sons (now 22 & 26) grew up sitting behind me perched on a little seat as we rode all over London. They both still ride and one of them competes internationally in XC and downhill mountain biking. Cycling is my passion. I love to ride in all weathers (forking out on some good practical gear is well worth it as it lasts for years) and I always get there quicker!
Go for it! If you're nervous about riding in town, do what my wife did and try it on a hire bike in the countryside first of all. We drove to a place at Beaulieu in the New Forest to rent a bike and she had a great time. Even bought one of their old ones and is whizzing around all over the place now! She says she feels great, and it's much nicer than the gym.