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A less stressful commute also con- tributes to mental well-being, even to the point of countering depression. A study at Duke University found that 60 percent of people suffering from depression overcame it by exercising for 30 minutes three times a week without antidepres- sant medication, which is comparable to the rate of relief people generally achieve through medication alone. Daily exercise may also help pre-


fitness, save money or support sustainability, but they continue because it’s fun. Ask a motorist


BIKE TO WORK P


The Two-Wheel Commuting Wow by Paul Dorn


eople might start commuting by bicy- cle to improve their


about their commute and they’ll frown, at best. Ask a bicyclist about their commute and they’ll smile, and likely mention the endorphin rush, fresh air, wildlife spotted that morning, the new breakfast shop discovered en route or how their retirement accounts are swelling with money saved by not driving.


Health Benefits


The health benefits of bicycling are recognized around the world. Cycling is a holistic form of exercise that gradu- ally builds strength and muscle tone with little risk of over-exercise or strain, according to AdultBicycling.com. Legs, thighs, hips and buttocks all benefit, including hip and knee joints. The aver- age cyclist burns about 300 calories


14 NA Pensacola/FWB Emerald Coast


Commuters can now select the “Bicycling” layer on Google Maps at Maps.Google.com/ biking to help them plan their route.


during a 20-minute commute, while also improving coordination. Commuting bicyclists easily meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommen- dation that adults engage in moderate-intensity physical activities for 30 minutes or more at least


five days a week. A study in the Scandi- navian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports concluded that just 30 minutes of bicycle commuting improved aerobic fitness, cardiovascular load, cholesterol and the burning of fats for energy. According to the British Medi-


cal Association, in a nine-year study of 9,000 UK civil servants, those who cycled 25 miles a week (2.5 miles each way) experienced half the heart attacks as those who shunned physical exer- cise. A long-term Copenhagen Heart study of more than 30,000 men and women found that even after adjusting for other risk factors, those who biked to work had a 39 percent lower mortal- ity rate than those who did not.


www.emcoast.naturalawakeningsmag.com


vent memory loss, according to several recent studies from the United States and Europe. The research, reported by the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign and others, suggests that because regular aerobic exercise—such as bicycling, swimming or running— can improve cardiorespiratory fitness by up to 14 percent, it helps improve brain function. Further, improved overall health helps prevent certain diseases that may affect mental health.


From ergonomic seats and pedals, seamless shifting and Kevlar-lined puncture resis- tant tires to handlebar speakers and electric-assisted pow- er, today’s bicycles are packed with innovative technologies that make cycling accessible, easy and fun. Riding at night and in wet weather is also saf- er with bright, energy-efficient LED lights and lightweight fab- rics like Gore-Tex, HyVent and H2NO that are big on breathability and waterproof comfort.


Cost & Time Benefits


When it comes to sustainability, the bi- cycle is one of the most energy-efficient personal transportation devices ever created. According to the American Automobile Association, the average annual cost of operating a sedan for 15,000 miles in 2010 totals $8,487; for an SUV, it’s $11,085. Vehicle costs include depreciation, finance charges, fuel, maintenance, tires, tolls, insurance


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