Cycling to work offers a myriad of health and wellbeing benefits. Beyond the obvious reduction in carbon footprint, it's a fantastic way to incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine.
Good for employers and employees alike
Employers benefit when their team members cycle to work. Cycling improves physical fitness, boosting overall health and reducing absenteeism due to sickness. It also enhances mental wellbeing, lowering stress and anxiety, improving focus, and increasing productivity.
Research from the National Institute of Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) shows that physical activity can reduce absenteeism by an average of 20%. It achieves this by helping staff hit the recommended weekly physical activity levels (Public Health Guidance PH13 (2008)).
Employees who cycle tend to arrive more alert and energetic at work, reducing tardiness and workplace fatigue. Lower absenteeism leads to cost savings and a more engaged and productive workforce, benefiting both the company and its employees.
The cardiovascular benefits of cycling are well-documented, helping to improve heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and it promotes weight management. Cycling also enhances mental wellbeing by reducing stress and improving mood, thanks to the release of endorphins during exercise.
Using an e-bike is not cheating!
Research has shown that electric bike users often see notable improvements in aerobic capacity and blood sugar levels.
A Norwegian study demonstrated that people aged 23-54 experienced physical exertion 95% of the time, even with pedal assistance. In the same tests, electric bike users were found to exert 8.5 times more energy than in their resting state, compared with 10.9 times with pure pedal power. That's a difference of just 12% difference!
Health and wellbeing benefits of cycling to work
Here are out top ten distinct benefits of cycling to work:
Cardiovascular Health: Regular cycling can improve your heart health by increasing your heart rate and strengthening your cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Weight Management: Cycling is an effective way to burn calories, making it an excellent option for weight management and losing excess pounds.
Muscle Strength: It helps build and tone various muscle groups, particularly in the legs, glutes, and core, contributing to better overall body strength.
Joint Health: Cycling is a low-impact exercise, which is gentler on the joints compared to high-impact activities like running, reducing the risk of joint problems and injury.
Mental Health: Regular cycling can reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, and enhance overall mental wellbeing. It's a great way to clear your mind and enjoy the outdoors.
Improved Lung Function: Cycling can help increase lung capacity and improve respiratory efficiency, which is beneficial for those with respiratory conditions like asthma.
Increased Endurance: It can enhance your overall stamina and endurance, which can positively impact various aspects of daily life.
Better Sleep: Regular exercise, including cycling, can improve sleep patterns and quality, helping you feel more rested and alert during the day.
Balance and Coordination: Cycling can improve your balance and coordination, which is essential for overall physical function and injury prevention, especially as you age.
Environmental Benefits: Using a bicycle as a mode of transportation reduces air pollution and carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Remember that to reap these benefits, it's essential to cycle regularly and maintain a safe and healthy approach to exercise. Always wear appropriate safety gear, follow traffic rules, and consider consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
About CycleCadence
CycleCadence is a bike subscription service from Cadence Performance. CycleCadence subscriptions are facilitated through the UK government's Salary Sacrifice scheme, so they have to be managed through your employer. We provide bikes from Giant, the world's leading brand of quality bicycles and gear. Liv Bikes, by Giant, is the only brand designed explicitly for women. Cadence Performance operates a string of cycle stores, each with bike fitting and workshops, around London and the South East, as well as a somprehemsie e-commerce platform at cadenceperformance.com.
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