Health and Fitness

There are lots of reasons to increase the amount of exercise you do and lots of health warnings if you don't. We don't want to nag you, so we've listed links to some extremely good information from reliable sources below. Have a look at the ones that mean something to you.

In the end, it comes down to this: if you do more exercise you'll almost certainly live longer, avoid disease and be around for those you care about. Because you're fitter you'll be able to enjoy the extra years. Even better news, the improvements begin the day after you start. So you'll feel better, walk taller and be stronger straightaway and, three weeks from now, people will be noticing a lighter, fitter you!

You'll also have the immense satisfaction that, no matter how unfit you are now, as long as you keep it up, you'll quickly be in the top 50% of the population when it comes to fitness rankings.

Regular cyclists often enjoy levels of fitness more typical of people ten years younger.

Cycling at least twenty miles a week reduces the risk of coronary heart disease to less than half that of the population as a whole.

Before you start

If you have any concerns about your health or level of fitness you should talk to your doctor before you start. If you experience any pain or dizziness stop exercising immediately and consult your doctor. We provide information on this site in good faith but it is your responsibility to ensure your safety. For more information see our terms of usage.

The definitive document

If you want the full picture, have a look at this PDF from Cycling England, it's full of information and excellent research.
http://www.cyclingengland.co.uk/site/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cycling_and_health_full_report.pdf

All-cause mortality

People who cycle to work have a 39% lower rate of all cause mortality then those who do not.

Cancer

Risk factors for cancer include smoking, drinking alcohol, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer

Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in Europe (49%) and is largely preventable. Cycling to work provides vital exercise to reduce your risk.
http://www.bhf.org.uk/keeping_your_heart_healthy/staying_active/get_active_for_your_heart.aspx

Cholesterol

If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, the first method of treatment will usually involve making some changes to your diet (adopting a low fat diet), and ensuring that you take plenty of regular exercise.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cholesterol

Coronary heart disease

Your risk of developing CHD is significantly increased if you: have high blood pressure, have a high blood cholesterol level, do not take regular exercise.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease

Depression

Exercise can trigger the release of the brain chemical serotonin, which boosts your mood.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/depression

Diabetes (Type 2)

Losing weight, eating a healthy balanced diet, and taking regular exercise, will greatly reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Diabetes-type2

High blood pressure

Risk factors for high blood pressure include, age, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-pressure-(high)

Inactivity

Physical inactivity is as significant a risk factor for chronic disease as both smoking and an unhealthy diet.
http://www.scotpho.org.uk/home/Behaviour/Physicalactivity/pa_intro.asp

Obesity

Combined with a lack of exercise, obesity contributes to one third of cancers of the colon, breast, kidney and stomach.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity

Stroke

Following a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, drinking alcohol in moderation, and not smoking will dramatically reduce your risk of having a stroke.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke