GET FIT - TRY CYCLING

Experts tells us that an estimated 70% of the population are not physically active enough to benefit their health and physical inactivity doubles the risk of coronary heart disease and strokes. Cycling is one form of exercise that can help to improve fitness levels.

For adults, the Health Education Authority recommend that exercise of a moderate intensity should be undertaken for a minimum of 30 minutes at least 5 days per week. They say that moderate activity should leave you feeling warm and slightly out of breath and the intensity of the activity should be relative to an individual's fitness.

In the case of children the recommendation is that children and young people should aim to participate in an activity of at least moderate intensity for one hour every day. Examples of moderate intensity activities include cycling, brisk walking, swimming, dance, active play, most sports and games. Cycling or walking to school could contribute to the daily exercise requirement.

At least twice a week, children should take part in some activities that help to enhance and maintain muscular strength and flexibility and bone health, i.e. climbing, skipping, jumping or gymnastics.

For older people physical activity can improve balance, co ordination and joint flexibility. Cycling is a good aerobic exercise and low impact activity and one of the safest ways to exercise without risk of over exertion. It puts no Ioadbearing strain on joints or muscles which is good news if you are arthritic, overweight or generally unfit.

Regular cycling improves your strength, stamina, and general muscle function. Heart muscles are strengthened, resting pulse is lowered and blood fat levels reduced. It is a good way to get fit safely without undue physical strain. Anxiety, stress and depression are all lowered by physical activity and riding a bike can be satisfying and promotes a feeling of well being and freedom - you can go from door to door, at your own pace and in your own time.

Maybe you have tried cycling in the past, but haven't given it a go recently. Cycle shops offer a large selection of different bikes that are simpler, more comfortable, lighter, more efficient and easier to ride. Hybrid bikes and new generation roadsters are specifically designed to be ridden around town. Mountain bikes (MTB) are built for off road tracks. Small wheeled folding bikes, which are useful if you use intermodal transport, are light and easy to assemble and electric bikes are helpful if you don't like headwinds and cycling up hills. A good bike can be a low maintenance transport machine that can provide years of trouble free travel.

Nearly one million UK cyclists bike to work every day. Those arriving by bike get some good healthy exercise and are more energised and alert. A moderate half-hour each way commuting journey will bum 8 calories a minute or the equivalent of 11kg of fat in a year and can therefore help with shedding excess weight. Urban cycle trips of up to five miles are usually cheaper, faster and a more convenient mode of transport. It is often faster across town than other forms of transport and it is quicker than walking.

There are 50km of cycle route in Poole, many of which are attractive routes away from traffic and it is possible to cycle from Broadstone to Poole town centre without cycling on the road. In the town centre itself there are many places to park a bike including the bike bins located near the railway and bus stations. These bins are free to use and bikes can be locked inside and the door of the bin secured with a D lock or padlock. Equipment can be left hanging on the inside of the door.

If you would like to get cycling and need a cycleway map, cycle training or advice then please give me a call at the Borough of Poole on 01202262066, or email me at s.funnell@poole.gov.uk

Archive Winter 2002 | next

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