5 reasons to cycle to work

Wed 17 May 2017

Ditch the car and let the wind pass through your hair! Give cycling a go this spring/summer. Here are 5 reasons why cycling to work benefits your health, heart and happiness:  

1. Feel happier.

Being outside and knowing that you're getting into shape will increase your self-esteem and confidence. This in turn will have a positive impact on your mood as sunlight boosts your feel-good hormone serotonin. 

Another major benefit of incorporating more daylight in your life is sleeping better. Stanford University School of Medicine researchers asked sedentary insomnia sufferers to cycle for 20-30 minutes every other day. The amount of time the insomniacs took to fall asleep was reduced by half, and the time they spent asleep increased by almost an hour a night. 

2. Live longer.

According to the British Heart Foundation , around 10,000 fatal heart attacks could be avoided each year if people kept themselves fitter. For example, two short trips to the shops and back each day (30 minutes of daily cycling) will begin to benefit your cardiovascular system.

"Our research found that those who exercise regularly are at significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes, all types of cancer, high blood pressure and obesity,” says Dr Lynn Cherkas of King’s College London.

 3)      Save money (& the planet!)

Apart from the initial cost of the bike, you’ll save money on the commuting costs, whether its diesel, petrol, parking costs or public transports costs. Click here to find out how the Cycle to Work scheme can benefit you. Cycling also means you’re doing your bit for the environment as it produces zero carbon pollution, making it an environmentally sustainable form of transport. The bonus here is that you’ll also avoid all of the congested traffic rush-hour build up too!

4)      Burning fat

Sports psychologists have found that the body’s metabolic rate – the efficiency with which it burns calories and fat – is not only raised during a ride but for several hours after. “Even after cycling for 30 minutes you could be burning a higher amount of total calories for a few hours after you stop,” says Mark Simpson of Loughborough University.

 5)      Explore your route

Traveling on your bike allows you to take in the scenic route, instead of flicking through your radio channels as you sit through rush hour traffic. It also lets you explore more of the city or town you call home. Getting on your bike opens your eyes to discover new areas around you. You can also get the whole family involved! Round off the working week and take them for a cycling trip, view more about cycling in Derby here

We can help inspire and get you into shape. Get involved and read about all hte cycling options Derby Arena.