Regular cycling can improve your health. It can: provide an excellent workout for the heart; almost halve the risk of heart attack, by helping to reduce risk factors like obesity, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure; improve mental wellbeing, by helping us to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, promoting self-esteem and reduce stress or insomnia; build strength, especially in your back and legs; promote the mobility of hip and knee joints.
Cycling for 15 minutes at a moderate speed burns the same number of calories as medium intensity aerobic exercise or badminton for the same time. Just a total of 30 minutes most days of the week could make a real difference to your health.
Some people don't have a bike, but if you think you would like to try cycling why not borrow a bike to get started. A new bike is quite expensive, but you should be able to buy a relatively cheap second-hand one. Ask for advice at your local bike shop. Adjust the seat height so that when you pedal you have a slight bend in the knee when your foot is at its lowest point. Adjust the handlebars so that you're comfortable with the reach when leaning slightly forward - too much of a stretch could hurt your back. The members at the wheelers have years of experience with cycling positions and there is always someone on hand to help you with any problem you may have