Healthline Wellness Wire

In a Nutshell

This much I know: Without cycling, I’d be pounds heavier, have a less positive outlook, and I’d have missed out on a bunch of adventures. Today, I want to talk about the most important part of my wellness journey, and why hitting tracks and trails is something I want to keep doing as long as I am able.

But before we go an inch further, here are some stories we picked out for you:

•	Is cycling any better than walking as a workout?

•	Step aside, Mediterranean: This diet could prevent metabolic syndrome

•	No, you probably won't get Alaskapox. Here's why

OK, saddle up! Let’s hit the road.
Tim Snaith
Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Tim Snaith
May 2, 2024 • 3 min read

what’s got us buzzing

I like to ride my bicycle, I like to ride my bike

I cannot imagine life without taking off on my bike every single day. OK, maybe not every day in winter but pretty close. What’s the attraction? Well, there are well-known health benefits, including weight loss, and it’s one of the least expensive and most sustainable ways to travel.

But for me, there’s nothing better than riding into the hills to enjoy the peace and scenery, and check in on how nature is doing. Or, I cycle along the coast a few miles to soak up the buzz in one of Britain’s liveliest seaside cities. The feeling of freedom and self-reliance is unbeatable. To fully unplug, I often leave my phone at home.

That’s all solo, but cycling can be social, too. Teaching my son to ride and join me on adventures is one of my fondest recollections. Riding around different European cities with my brother and friends were some of the best times.

Honestly, in the early days, I found it hard work because my leg muscles were not used to pedaling for mile after mile. Hills were my mortal enemy, so I avoided them. But my strength has grown along with my fitness, now I’ll ride anywhere and actually enjoy the feeling of my muscles burning. I take it as a sign to grit my teeth and put in more effort.

I cannot claim to have a washboard stomach, but the beer belly was left behind on the road somewhere. I've also found getting out in the fresh air for a couple of hours is enough to blow most cares away.

So, my message is this: If you already cycle, keep it up and share your stories below. If you cycled as a kid, give it another go (I did, around the time I turned 30). If you’ve never cycled, it’s pretty easy to learn, even as an adult. If balance is a problem, a tricycle could be the solution. And if you feel like you don’t have the fitness or stamina, an electric bike can help you on your way (full disclosure: I’ve owned a series of e-bikes over the years, and strongly recommend them).

You don’t have to invest in a new outfit or $10,000+ carbon fiber bike. Many people go full cyclist with all the technical gear, but I’m super casual about it. All I need is something waterproof if it threatens to rain. Otherwise, a T-shirt and shorts is fine for me all spring and summer.

However you approach it, I promise that once you get a taste for it, you’ll find cycling is one of the finest ways to enjoy lifelong wellness. It’s certainly been that way for me.

12 BENEFITS OF CYCLING

🎤 Over to you: Is cycling part of your exercise mix, or is something stopping you? Tell us about it! Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to share your experience. (We may use your name and response in an upcoming edition.)

Great finds

Look, Ma! No bike!

DeskCycle Under Desk Pedal Exerciser

Cycling isn’t for everyone and everywhere. The idea of taking to the streets can be daunting. But you can still enjoy some of the health benefits, because every day is leg day with this compact pedal exerciser.

It doesn’t have to live under your desk — it’s also at home wherever you like to read, game, or watch TV. And don’t worry about it making a racket, its magnetic mechanism makes it quiet on the job. Reviewers say it’s well made and easy to assemble, plus there’s a display to keep tabs on your progress. Get pedaling!

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Thanks for reading! Your homework is to beg, borrow, or rent a bike (and ride it) between now and the next email.

Until next time,

Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon!

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