Are
you one of the thousands of Brits to get on your bike in 2020? Pedals
have powered us through lockdown, it seems, with an explosive growth in
UK bicycle sales since March.
Bicycle
Association
figures show that, overall, bike sales rose by 60% in April, compared
to April 2019, with purchases of models in the £400-£1,000 bracket
doubling. With more of us than ever
jumping into the saddle for our daily exercise, some brands now have
waiting lists until 2021, while the spare parts market has also seen a
huge spike as cyclists dig out bikes from the backs of sheds and revamp
them for these new times.
At Plutus Health
we’re big advocates of cycling, due to the happiness and health benefits it brings. Read on!
Weight loss
If
you’re aiming to lose weight, cycling will certainly help you shift the
pounds – as long as you burn off more calories than you refuel with
afterwards! According to
Ordnance Survey,
you can expect to use between 350 and nearly 1,500 calories per hour
cycling, depending on your speed, your weight and the terrain. Losing
weight helps lower your risk of cancer, diabetes and a range of other
conditions, as well as lowering blood pressure
and improving your mobility!
Reduced risk of serious illness
Cycling
is a great cardiovascular exercise, benefitting your heart, blood
vessels and lungs. Better fitness reduces your risk of illnesses such as
cancer and heart disease, while some researchers
even believe aerobic exercise such as cycling can reduce
the risk of dementia.
You can adapt your workouts as you build up, incorporating hills into
your route and increasing your speed to boost cardiovascular activity.
Better mental health
Any
form of physical exercise is just as good for our mental wellbeing as
our health and fitness, as it produces endorphins – the feel-good
chemicals that reduce stress and pain. Cycling can help
reduce anxiety, combat depression, boost self esteem and promote calmer
thinking. And, if you cycle outdoors as opposed to inside a velodrome,
being in natural daylight increases levels of serotonin, a
mood-enhancing hormone that helps you feel calm.
A cheaper and healthier commute
Not
only does cycling allow you to beat those road congestion queues, but
you can save hundreds or thousands of pounds each year in fuel or public
transport costs – while keeping fit! Check out
Cyclescheme,
an
employee benefit scheme saving you between 25% and 39% on the cost of a
new bike and accessories, with tax-efficient payments taken directly
from your salary.
Social benefits
Social isolation and loneliness has been a growing issue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with
rising levels of depression and anxiety
as a result of lockdown,
workers being on furlough and the threat of unemployment. A range of
grassroots cycling organisations work to bring like-minded people
together and help create
friendships, such as Let’s Ride,
which stages free cycling events for people of all ages and abilities.
In Wales, groups of up to 30 can gather outdoors* at a distance of two
metres apart, but please adhere to local lockdown restrictions.
Feeling a bit achy after your cycling adventures? Our cash-back
health plans include physiotherapy,
allowing you to claim a portion of the cost back each time you have a treatment! Read on for our full range of
dental, optical, complementary therapy and hospital benefits.
* Correct as of September 22 2020.
