New research from the University of Birmingham states that activities like regularly cycling appears to undo the assumption that we get frailer as we get older
As a more sedentary society, though we may be living longer, we’re not necessarily living more healthily. By comparing data on amateur cyclists with healthy adults who didn’t exercise regularly, results showed that those who were exercising were preserving many parts of their health by preserving muscle mass and strengthen with age. The anti-ageing effects of cycling also extended to the immune system, so with bikes available on site here at Wellington Place, we’re all for taking to two wheels to get around the city.
But what other benefits are there to cycling if you’re not too keen on sweating it out at the gym?
• As a low impact exercise, it causes less strain and injuries than other forms of exercise as it isn’t weight-bearing
• Increased cardiovascular fitness and you can control the intensity
• Improve posture and coordination which is great for those who sit at a computer for more of the day, which can cause back problems
• Helps decrease stress levels as you’re outdoors (if you want to be!) and can boost your mental well-being
• Improved joint mobility as it encourages a range of movement in your hips and knees
• Better lung health, which might seem contradictory but a study by the Healthy Air Campaign, Kings College London, showed that cyclists are exposed to five times less air pollution than those in cars
• Boosts your brainpower, as a 2013 study found that during exercise, cyclists’ blood flow in the brain rose by 28 per cent but after exercise, same areas’ blood flow remained up by 40 per cent.
• Encourages better sleep and boosts your immune system
Wellington Place regularly hosts free bike servicing days for Wellington Place occupiers to get their bikes checked over, adjusted and have basic repairs. Keep an eye on Parklife for upcoming bike servicing dates.
