Pedalling to a Better Health

Luke Janssen is a Dutch National who resides in Noida. Like most of his fellow Dutch people, he too, does not own a car and would rather use public transport wherever he needs to go. “For everything else, I have my bicycle,” he says. But is it safe, cycling in a country like India, where the road fatality rates are astronomically high, and moreover, due to the ever increasing pollution levels, any strenuous activity can have a real toll on the body? “It is safe actually, but only in pockets where the regulations around bicycle only lanes are properly implemented,” he says. “As for the pollution, your body acclimatises to it a little.

But on really bad days, it is better to not step out,” he continues. Like Luke, many young millennials are turning to bicycles as an alternative vehicle. Although the environment is an important factor, most people in India, if Luke is to be believed, take up cycling for the workout it involves. “Cycling is the easiest fitness habit that one can catch on. It does not require a hefty investment, can be accommodated to one’s daily schedule as and when required, and does not need much training,” he says. Anubhav Verma, is a member of a cycling club in Noida, which regularly organises cycling trips around the city.

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He says, “Getting fit is easier said than done. People will sign up for gym memberships at the beginning of every year, and then, after a visit or two will forsake their plan to get in shape. Gyming requires a certain discipline that is extremely hard to inculcate,” says Anubhav. “On the other hand, cycling everyday is fairly easier and lot more fun.” Cycling clubs like the one Anubhav is a part of are plentiful in all major metros. These clubs regularly organise short trips around the city in which they are based out of. Furthermore, some of them even organise short one day trips in the hills.

“Our club took us to Nainital this summer. We cycled to Sattal one morning, and to Bhimtal the next morning,” says Dr Manisha Chatterjee, a physiotherapist based out of Gurgaon. “Apart from being a much palatable workout, cycling engages the complete body in a much better manner,” says Manisha. “It works on your legs and calves, giving them a great shape and tone. It also works on your core muscles and is a great cardio workout as well. And if a bicycle is set correctly, it can help you deal with a bad back.” However, one has to be wary of the posture one is cycling in. “You are supposed to lean forward, but just slightly, not by too much if you are working on your back.

Secondly, while pedaling, if you have to elongate your legs completely, that means you need to lower your seat a little,” she says. “Third and finally,” she continues, “your elbows should not be locked out straight, they should bend a little, so adjust your handlebars accordingly.”

Cycling at a Glance

• Calories burnt: Up to 750 calories per hour
• 11.55 seconds: Time taken to cover the fastest 1000m during a sprint by an Indian
• Knee pain: The most common cycling-related injury

From the January 2019 issue of FHM India.