Move
BIKE IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT! Photos: Miles Holden
I You don’t have to be in great physical shape to enjoy cycling. If you haven’t been on a bike since you were a kid, then there are many gentle ways to get back into it. Craig Wise takes us through the benefits of getting into the saddle. 12
DIABETES WELLNESS | Summer 2023
f you are looking for a fitness activity that is reasonably low cost and gentle on the body, then cycling is up there, alongside walking and home-based bodyweight exercises (such as core exercises seen in the previous issue of Diabetes Wellness). Possibly the most under-rated benefit of cycling is its positive effect on mental health. Cycling, as well as being outdoors, stimulates the release of endorphins, serotonin, and adrenaline. Many people have cited cycling as being crucial to their mental health journey when dealing with depression, anxiety, and confidence issues. Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs, and circulation, reducing your risk of
cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, high blood pressure, and heart attack. Cycling not only strengthens your heart muscles but lowers your resting pulse rate and reduces blood fat levels. Cycling is great on your joints as well, helping you smoothly move your hips and knees without excessive stress. It is an ideal exercise if you have osteoarthritis as there is little impact on the bones. Cycling can be done at very low intensity to begin with, which makes it ideal for those who haven’t straddled the saddle since they were a kid or who are recovering from injury or illness. It can be built up to a satisfying, demanding physical workout over a very short period of time.
