Time To Get On Your Bike Now Spring Is Here!
30 April 2018
As the weather improves, it can be great to get out and enjoy some fresh air. If you currently commute to work by car, bus, train or tube, perhaps you might want to consider cycling to work instead. Not only can it be a good workout, it might even save you time as you can take advantage of cycle routes. Waving goodbye to endless traffic jams can feel amazing too!
What better way to get fit, enjoy the spring weather, and a boost of endorphins first thing in the morning, than to cycle to work?
Feel The Benefit Of Cycling
Here are just some of the reasons why cycling is good for you, whether you cycle to work or enjoy getting out on your bike in the evenings or at the weekends:
- Boost your mental health – any exercise is good for your mental wellbeing as well as your physical health, but cycling gets you outside rather than in the gym. Exposure to sunlight is thought to have a mood enhancing effect, and also boosts Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression, with research suggesting that people with low levels of Vitamin D are up to 11 times more prone to depression than people with normal levels.
- Save money long term – cycling to work can also save you money, as you won’t need to pay for petrol, parking or public transport. You will need a bike, but you may be able to join your workplace’s Cycle to Work scheme, which can be a very affordable way of taking up cycling.
- Low impact exercise – cycling is low impact so much kinder on your joints than running.
- Reduce risk of serious disease - it could also cut your chances of getting cancer and having heart disease by half, according to a recent study.
- Sleep better – exercise is linked to better sleep so you could find yourself getting a good night’s sleep once you introduce regular bike rides.
- It can help you lose weight – if you’re trying to slim down, cycling and eating a healthy diet could be the answer. Depending on how much you weigh and how fast you go, you could burn between 400 and 1000 calories an hour!
- Tone muscles, look great! – cycling can help you build and tone muscle, especially in your legs, stomach and gluteus maximus (bottom).
- Prevent colds and flu – cycling, instead of taking public transport, could also reduce your chances of colds and other bugs, as you won’t be in close contact with other people.
- It’s social - you can also make friends if you join a cycling club near you. You could explore new surroundings together and most social cycling groups stop off for coffee and a chat on route! Cycling clubs usually accept cyclists of all abilities so don’t worry if you’re new to two wheels.
Good For The Whole Family
While there are plenty of benefits for the individual, cycling is also great for the whole family. For a free day out, why not go on a family bike ride? Cycling to the shops or to a friend’s home can be a great alternative to taking the car, and much better for the environment too.
Challenge Yourself To A Charity Bike Ride
If you want to push yourself and raise money for worthy causes at the same time there are plenty of great charity bike rides you can sign up for. Why not see if your work colleagues fancy joining you?
Here are our favourite 3:
Bike Manchester to Blackpool – This sixty-mile ride is for The Christie against Cancer and is taking place on the 8th July. You’ll get to enjoy a BBQ, live music and a massage. Find out more >
The Surrey Cycle Challenge – You can choose to tackle the 46 or 68 mile route as you enjoy the Surrey countryside and raise money for The Children’s Trust. It’s taking place on the 9th September. Find out more >
Cycle along the Giant’s Causeway – You’ll be blown away by the scenery on this charity ride in Northern Ireland for Marie Curie. It’s taking place on the 8th September and there are three routes, 115, 85 and 35 miles. Find out more >
Don’t Delay, Get Active Now
We hope this has inspired you to dust off your bike and get out on two wheels! If you’ve got a bike in the shed, give it a thorough check to make sure it's in good condition, and if not (or you don't have a bike) consider a cycle to work scheme as an affordable way to get on your bike!