Recently everyone in the city is trying to get a bicycle or motorbike to get to work. This has been catalyzed by the increased government levy on fuel that has, in turn, led to an increase in transport rates

It is a good thing that a lot of Kenyans are considering cycling as an alternative means of transport Perhaps because of all the reasons mentioned above and also easy traffic. Did you know that cycling is one of the healthiest exercises you can ever take? Here are some reasons why you should ditch the four wheels for the two wheels.

A healthy heart

As you save yourself the heartache of increased fares and the unending traffic in our cities, you also build your heart muscles. Professional cyclists record heart rates of up to 200 beats per minute while cycling. When they are resting and at ease, they have heart rates as low as 43.  This could sound confusing, but according to the American Heart Association, the lower your heart rate the healthier you are in the absence of any illnesses. This means cycling gives you a healthy muscular heart that with just a few surges can care for your body and at the same time can adapt to intense physical activities like running.

Less exposure to harmful gases

My worst experience with vehicles in the city was the smell of diesel while sitting in traffic. It would make me sick and nauseated. Sometimes it was the smell of petrol. Not to forget all the black smoke from the vehicle ahead of you. There are very toxic chemicals like lead in all these which can have a long-lasting effect on your body. 

Healthy lungs

Cycling opens up your lungs and increases your lungs ability to take in more air. Suddenly you are able to take a flight of stairs without much panting. This is because while you are cycling, your body learns to take in air fast and in good quantities.

Cycling is yoga and meditation combined

While cycling, you are at peace and can reflect on a lot of other life issues. Sometimes when on the bike, the only sound you hear is wind cutting through your ears and the sound of your pedals turning. Rather than go for yoga for two hours, do it on your bike on your way to and from work.

Muscle builder

This has been a topic of debate for a while. Few people can comprehend how cycling builds muscle. Perhaps I will revisit this topic in a future article. But just to set the record straight, cycling does not give you muscle bulk, rather it makes your muscles very strong. ​
And interestingly it does this to all the major muscles in the body; Here is brief look, to stay on the bicycle, you need your shoulders, pectorals (chest muscles), biceps, triceps, your entire battery of back muscles, your gluteal muscles, your thighs and your quadriceps. I will talk about how these are built and used while cycling later. Let’s get you on the saddle first.

Burn that fat

Cycling is tough. I will have to be honest with you on this one. Whether it’s on a climb, a descent or a flat area, cycling requires a lot of endurance. This is how you burn more calories while cycling than even while doing Zumba or running. Want to prove me wrong? Run 5k and check your calorie calculator then do the same with a bicycle and check. One such app you can use on your Android or iOS phone is Strava.

​Cycling is good for everyone. Recently, the New Zealand Prime minister went into labour and rode herself to the labour ward!  She had a bouncing baby.  ​

Don't ride without a helmet!

What you need while cycling

• Protective gear:  a helmet, cycling gloves and proper reflective attire to make you visible on the road.

• A good functioning bike: remember to service and clean your bike routinely. You surely don’t want your bike breaking down in the middle of traffic.

• Patience and discipline: A lot of new riders get over excited and want to race against traffic or other riders they meet. This can be dangerous on public roads.

• Chain lock: lock your bike to a pole, or tree once you arrive at the office. Bike theft is common in the cities.

• Hygiene: if your work station has a shower, you are good to go. If not, invest in some good deodorant, wipes and lotion.

Do you have a question on health benefits of cycling or any of our previous articles? Do you have any topic of interest you would like us to write about? Comment below or contact us at info@pendahealth.com.