Health and Fitness

There are a lot of reasons to increase the amount of exercise you do, but, in the end, it comes down to this: If you do more exercise, you’ll live longer, avoid disease and be around for those you care about. The improvements begin the day after you start, and, soon, people will be noticing a lighter, fitter you!

Cycling is an excellent way to get and stay fit. Regular cyclists often enjoy levels of fitness more typical of people ten years younger, and cycling at least twenty miles a week reduces the risk of coronary heart disease to less than half that of the population as a whole.

Remember that, before you start, you should think about your health and your level of fitness. If you have any concerns, please talk to your doctor before you start. If you experience any pain or dizziness, stop exercising immediately and consult your doctor. Your safety is your responsibility – don’t take it for granted!

Here are some links we’ve collected on health and fitness to help you on your way!

Cycling And Health

Cycling is a healthy way to get and stay fit. There’s strong evidence that the health benefits of cycling outweigh any risks, and gives you the opportunity to get healthier without having to set aside time specifically “for exercise”.

For more information on how cycling can help your health, visit Cycling England’s Health and Fitness section.

Cancer

Some of the risk factors for cancer are obesity, drinking alcohol, smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can also be a risk factor for skin cancer, so be certain to put sunblock on each time you go out cycling!

Find out more about cancer at Cancer Research UK.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in all of Europe and is largely preventable. Cycling provides vital exercise and helps to reduce your risk.

Find out more about how to prevent cardiovascular disease at the British Heart Foundation.

Cholesterol

If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attacks or strokes, the first method of treatment will include taking plenty of regular exercise.

Find out more about how to reduce your cholesterol from Heart UK.

Coronary Heart Disease

Your risk of developing coronary heart disease is significantly increased if you have high blood pressure, a high cholesterol level or do not take regular exercise.

Find out more about how to prevent coronary heart disease at the British Heart Foundation.

Depression

Exercise can trigger the release of serotonin, a brain chemical which boosts your mood. Regular exercise can increase the levels of serotonin in your system, and help you cope with stress.

Find out how your wellbeing can affect your depression at Depression Alliance.

Diabetes (Type 2)

Losing weight, eating a healthy balanced diet and taking regular exercise will greatly reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Find out how a healthy lifestyle can help with diabetes at Diabetes UK.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases your risk of heart attacks or strokes, and a lack of exercise, obesity, poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption are all risk factors for high blood pressure.

Find out what you can do to control your blood pressure at the Blood Pressure Association.

Obesity

Combined with a lack of exercise, obesity contributes to one-third of colon, breast, kidney and stomach cancer. Regular exercise helps tackle obesity!

Find out how you can become fitter at NHS Live Well.

Stroke

Dramatically reduce your risk of having a stroke by following a healthy diet, drinking alcohol in moderation, not smoking and, of course, taking regular exercise.

Find out how you can reduce your risk of stroke at the Stroke Association.