fitbody
According to the British
Medical 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 exercise. 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 mortality rate than those who did not.
BIKE TO WORK P
The Two-Wheel Commuting Wow by Paul Dorn
eople might start commuting by bicycle to improve
their fitness, save money or support sustainability, but they continue because it’s fun.
Ask a motorist
about their commute and they’ll frown, at best. Ask a bicyclist about
Commuters can now select the “Bicycling” layer on Google Maps at
Maps.Google.com/ biking to help them plan their route.
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 gradually builds strength and muscle tone with little risk of over-exercise or strain, according to
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AdultBicycling.com. Legs, thighs, hips and buttocks all benefit, including hip and knee joints. The average cyclist burns about 300 calories during a 20-minute commute, while also improving coordination. Commuting
bicyclists easily meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that adults engage in moderate-intensity physical activities for 30 minutes or more at least five days a week. A study in the Scandinavian 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.
A less stressful commute also contributes 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 antidepressant medication, which is comparable to the rate of relief people generally achieve through medication alone. Daily exercise may also
help prevent 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.
Cost & Time Benefits
When it comes to sustainability, the bicycle is one of the most energy-
From ergonomic seats and pedals, seamless shifting and Kevlar-lined puncture resistant tires to handlebar speakers and electric-assisted power, today’s bicycles are packed with innovative technologies that make cycling accessible, easy and fun. Riding at night and in wet weather is also safer with bright, energy-efficient LED lights and lightweight fabrics like Gore-Tex, HyVent and H2NO that are big on breathability and waterproof comfort.
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