Adopting a healthy lifestyle
Given the overwhelming evidence, it seems obvious that we should all be physically active. It’s essential if you want to live a healthy and fulfilling life into old age.
It’s medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have:
- Up to a 35 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
- Up to a 50 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes
- Up to a 50 percent lower risk of colon cancer
- Up to a 20 percent lower risk of breast cancer
- A 30 percent lower risk of early death
- Up to an 83 percent lower risk of osteoarthritis
- Up to a 68 percent lower risk of hip fracture
- A 30 percent lower risk of falls (among older adults)
- Up to a 30 percent lower risk of dementia
Cycling is an ideal activity for most people as it is a low impact type of exercise with around 70% of body weight going through the saddle and handlebars which makes it easier on joints than running or other high-impact aerobic activities. Exercising outside has also been proven to help people’s mental health, such as depression.
A study of over 30,000 people living in Copenhagen showed that people who did not cycle to work were 39% more likely to die during the 15 year study! So with over ** rides during the Cycling Festival, there’s something for all abilities and there really is no excuse not to get on your bike!