Bike Week 11-17th June 2016
With the days getting longer and the weather getting better, what more of an excuse do you need to dust off the old bike and enjoy the Cheshire countryside? Whether your up for a family bike ride around your local town or jumping on the next 100-mile sportive; cycling can be an amazing way to release stress, build fitness and make new friends and for those that want that bit more, why not cycle to work!
Cycling has been around for hundreds of years, and ranges from a leisurely day out to hitting the tarmac on a brand new road racer, but whatever you do the benefits of cycling are there. The great thing is it can easily build into your 150 minutes of physical activity every week recommended by the government.
So why cycling for exercise?
Many other leisure activities can be quite hard on the body, where cycling is a non-impact cardio-vascular training programme, meaning it is great for your heart and lungs, while still giving your leg muscles a thorough working out.
A 2010 study that looked at the possible health benefits of shifting to cycling found “On average, the estimated health benefits of cycling were substantially larger than the risks relative to car driving for individuals shifting their mode of transport.”
While also the NHS promotes cycling as being a great non-impact form of exercise.
What better time also to start cycling:
2nd July 2016 sees the start of the Tour de France
4th – 11th September 2016 the Tour of Britain will be held, with Stage 3, Tuesday 6th September coming through Cheshire East, Congleton – Tatton Park, Knutsford.
You will also find in your local Everybody fitness centre we have a wide range of upright cycles, hybrids, recumbrants and indoor studio bikes used for spin classes. So come on down and speak to one of our Health and Fitness advisors who will be able to help you on your cycling journey.
For more information go to http://bikeweek.org.uk/ and explore some amazing articles to get you cycling!
References
de Hartog, J.J., Boogaard, H., Nijland, H. and Hoek, G. (2010) ‘Do the health benefits of cycling outweigh the risks?’, Environmental Health Perspectives, 118(8), pp. 1109–1116.
ABOUT EVERYBODY CYCLING
Bikeability is ‘cycling proficiency’ for the 21st century, designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today’s roads.
There are three Bikeability levels, with each level designed to help improve cycling skills, no matter what the cyclist knows already. Levels 1, 2 and 3 take trainees on a journey from the basics of balance and control, all the way through to planning and making a journey by themselves on busier roads.
Training is usually delivered in your school, however we also run a number of holiday camps throughout the year at our Leisure Centre’s.
To find out what training is available for your child, contact your school or the Everybody Sport and Recreation Trust.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (01625) 383796
Want to get involved?
Everybody Sport and Recreation are looking for Volunteers to help Marshall the Tour Of Britain through Cheshire East on Tuesday 6th September. If you are interested please email [email protected].