Health

Walking and Cycling - the Health Benefits

Only 20% of people in the UK get enough exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle and satisfactory fitness level. Regular, brisk cycling or walking can improve confidence, stamina, energy, weight control and life expectancy. Regular physical activity is now widely recognised as an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.

The general misconception is that to achieve the health benefits, individuals must participate in vigorous continuous exercise. This is not the case and just 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week, can help to achieve significant healthy benefits.

The main reason given for not taking part in enough exercise is lack of time. However, exercise can be fitted into the busiest of lives. By walking and cycling for as little as 15 minutes to and from work, not only are you getting your exercise, but you are also kick-starting your metabolism on two separate occasions, making fat burn even more achievable.

Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of a variety of diseases:

• Coronary heart disease - Exercise helps to reverse the disease and also helps control the risk factors for heart attack.
• Stroke - Those who exercise regularly have a much lower risk of a stroke than those who do not.
• High blood pressure - Aerobic exercise reduces blood pressure in those who have mild to moderate hypertension.
• Diabetes - Exercise improves blood glucose control and can reduce the need for insulin in Type 1 diabetes.
• Obesity - Exercise can help decrease or maintain fat levels.

 Exercise alsoreleases endorphins, which improve your mood and help to combat stress, depression and anxiety.

The benefits to health in taking regular exercise are there for all to see, so why not make that first step in the direction of a healthier lifestyle and experience the benefits of walking and cycling for yourself.