Bike riding in Hamilton is something most of us learn as a child, it’s a fairly basic skill that we soon forget. Cycling can be a lot of fun, it can also improve our overall health and well being. It can prevent cardiovascular disease, improve mental wellbeing and even change our body composition. British research suggests that 30 minutes a day can reduce body fat percentage by up to 11 pounds in 1 year.
Easy On The Joints
Bike riding is a low impact activity which can be beneficial if we are rehabbing an injury, or need an alternate method of Cardiovascular Training. Running is a great activity to participate in but it can be hard on the body. Cross training through cycling is a great way to stimulate a heart rate response without the added stress on the joints. Your body will thank you for the reduced impact.
Improved Brain Function
Health experts often remark – “if exercise came in pill form it would be the most sought-after drug on the market.” As we know Exercise improves strength, flexibility, performance and physical fitness. Countless studies have shown that exercise improves cognitive function. And more recently studies have shown that exercise can improve mental health, warding off anxiety and depression by improving self esteem.
Ride For Better Health
As I mentioned above, your health, longevity and wellbeing are the most important reasons to ride a bike. “Moderate exercise makes immune cells more active, so they’re ready to fight off infection.” This is helpful if you’re somebody that is easily susceptible to illness. Riding a bike helps the body become more efficient, regenerating cells much more easily, which helps to reduce cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.
Fun / Exploring Hamilton
Cycling can be a lot of fun, it’s also a great way to explore your city and just about anywhere you ride. There are many trails in and around the Hamilton area that are designed specifically for biking. The City of Hamilton has invested a lot of resources into its infrastructure to improve your biking experience. Hamilton has recently added new lanes on Charlton which connect to Dundurn street, with future plans to connect to another path in 2017 on Bay street south. All of these bike lanes showcase the trails in and around the escarpment and provide an urban escape minutes from the core of the city. You can follow these trails to many different lookouts and waterfalls located throughout the city.
Sustainability
It’s relatively easy, it’s also a very cost effective way of commuting and or getting from point A to point B. It can be a faster way of commuting at times, especially during rush hour. You can save big money on gas, especially with the increasingly climbing rates at the pumps. You also do your part to reduce your global footprint on the planet by cutting back on greenhouse emissions.
You’re Invited!
I enjoy bike riding fairly often, as a matter of fact, I ride just about everywhere I go. On Thursday August 10th 2016(Tomorrow) I want to invite you to partake in a short 30-45 minute bike ride. We will meet at Momentum Fitness Hamilton which is located at 10 George Street between Bay & Caroline and then proceed to Bayfront Park. We will conclude our ride by refuelling and supporting Green Bar Hamilton who is an integral part of the Hamilton Community. You will need a bike but if you don’t have one thats okay. In the event you do not have one, you can rent a SOBI (Create an account here and then rent one at one of the many SOBI Racks throughout the City). You can also download the App to create an account and get more information on the SOBI Program. I love that there are alternatives being provided for us to be active in the City. Renting a SOBI is relatively easy and cheap, it’s fairly common for people to travel via SOBI to work or to work meetings. I see many people using them and it fills my heart with joy. Health, Wellness & Fitness is more than being in a gym – it’s about making a conscious decision to include physical activity into our day to day routine. Pick up a bike today and #CycleHamilton
