Pedal Your WayTo Better Health

Cycling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while also boosting your health and well-being...so get on your bike!

- Eve Menezes Cunningham

Pedal Power

According to a recent study in The BMJ, cycling regularly is associated with a 52% lower risk of dying from heart disease, and a 40% reduced risk of dying from cancer.

“Frankly, I’d recommend cycling for everyone,” says Dr James Gill, a locum GP and teaching fellow at Warwick Medical School (www.titaniumgeek.com). “If you’re depressed, cycling gets you out seeing the world. If you have arthritis, it’s non-weight-bearing. One hour’s intense exercise may reduce diabetic patients’ insulin requirement, with impact seen for up to three days. Depending on your budget, ebikes are great if you live in a hilly area. No matter what your fitness, they empower everyone.”

“Cycling is an excellent and enjoyable way of keeping fit,’ says Dr Zak Uddin (doctorzak. co.uk). “It doesn’t even seem like exercise, strengthening both bones and joints as well as maintaining the health of your heart.”

“It’s a great way to keep us healthy and prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and strokes,” says Mohammedabbas Khaki, a GP in north-west London. “In combination with a balanced diet, cycling can help us to keep our weight under control. It also helps to boost mood and reduce stress levels.”