15 reasons to get cycling

It’s national bike week this week so it’s a great time to turn our attention to this great form of exercise! So how many of you have got a bike sitting at the back of the garage? Now might just be the day to dust it off and get it back on the road. Here are 15 reasons to get cycling this summer!

1. It’s a ‘free’ workout!
2. You can do it whenever you want and so it fits with your schedule.
3. It starts and finishes at home saving you time and money on transport
4. You are in total control – you can go where, when and as fast or slow as you like.
5. You can go alone or with your friends or family. Cycling is particularly good to do with children who love it.
6. You don’t have to buy very much equipment once you have your bike and helmet.
7. You can combine cycling with lots of your normal chores, like going to the shops or visiting people.
8. You’ll burn lots of calories. A beginner can happily ride along at 12-14 miles an hour. At this pace an average sized lady will burn 488 calories in just one hour. Riding to work or to visit a friend 20 minutes away twice a week will burn 3000 calories each month– that’s almost a pound of fat
9. Cycling is an all-round exercise experience combining cardio, strength and endurance.
10. Cycling is also great for toning your whole body.
11.  Ladies often worry about the downward pressure on our ‘undercarriage’ (saddle sore).  Holding your core tight (toning your tummy) and ‘lifting’ out of the saddle’ takes the load to your legs and forward onto your arms. This will get your whole body working and relieve the pressure in the saddle.
12. Like all forms of exercise, cycling creates neurochemicals in your body which will make you feel good and look good from the inside out.
13. A study has found that regular bike riding improves energy levels by 20% and decreases fatigue by 65%. Why? Because cycling triggers the neurotransmitter dopamine, the energy drug. And even low to moderate paced cycling three times a week fought fatigue best.
14. Because it’s a great cardio workout, it’s fantastic for your heart. Three 45 minute sessions of cycling a week can reduce your threat of high blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.
15. Like swimming, cycling is low impact and so is king to your joints.

So there are lots of reasons why you should be travelling on 2 wheels this summer. However, if you haven’t done it for a while do take care. Our roads are dangerous and you often need to build up your experience slowly. Be sure to follow these top tips to keep you safe:

• ALWAYS wear a helmet
• Stick to off road routes where possible
• Maintain the highway code and road sense, including signalling
• Keep your eyes peeled for pot holes
• Stick to daylight hours OR get some good lights and hi-viz clothing
• Take a mobile phone with you

And if you are just getting started, go to the local parks and canals and avoid the traffic altogether.