News

by Kyle Martin Jones

August 1, 2010

Woman Locking Bike

girlybikes.org

A first-of-its-kind study proves there is a positive link between cycling and health among women.

By Kyle Martin Jones

Cycling feels great, gets you places faster than walking and a recently published study has confirmed what most of us already know — it's good for you. In June, the Archives of Internal Medicine published a study that followed more than 18,000 women for 16 years; some participants walked briskly, some walked slowly, some biked and some did other activities. Over the 16 years, participants who engaged in brisk walking or cycling for 30 minutes a day showed some weight loss, whereas the participants who walked slowly showed slight weight gain.

Perhaps more surprising than the results of the study is the knowledge that this study is the first to look at cycling and weight loss. While much research has been done around walking, biking has been overlooked for years. And while it may not be a surprise that exercising by way of cycling has a positive effect on health and weight loss, having the backing of research could encourage more people to get out on a bike.

Findings like the ones in this study are also important in getting the support of the medical community. The recommendation by a medical professional to try cycling as a way to prevent weight gain would be the push that many people need to give the activity a try.

This is great news for the biking community, but also for women looking for new ways to maintain or lose weight. At 30 minutes a day, there is no need to become a hardcore, marathon cyclist, and even jumping on the stationary bike at the gym would be beneficial. For women who already ride, keep at it and feel good knowing that you're keeping yourself healthy.

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by Kyle Martin Jones

August 1, 2010

Latest Comments

  • Take Shape for Life / Cycling

    Cycling sounds like an excellent choice for my clients who have chosen
    the "Take Shape for Life" weight and health management program. After
    achieving a target goal weight and several weeks of a transition period, the maintenance phase is most successful with a consistent activity that effectively burns calories. See www.petekelley.tsfl.com/

    Posted by Pete Kelley August 19, 2010 05:32:21

  • Bike it off

    When my doctor told me I should get back to my "college weight" I just laughed: that was 40 pounds and 25 years ago! But...between diet and cycling I took off 40 pounds in less than a year. Now...can I get my college hair back?

    Posted by Rich Gunn - SF, CA August 18, 2010 22:18:29

  • Ass-ertive geometry helps too

    The "attitude" of your bike makes a difference in the shape of your body too.I rode a heavy cruiser to work for years and while I loved the bike, I didn't get as much power from my ass and legs as I did when I switched to a road bike (mine now has upright bars)

    Choosing a more "ass-ertive" frame geometry will help you get good exercise from your ride - and also give your ass and thighs a sleeker shape than the "chicken drumstick thighs" which we develop when riding a more relaxed geometry that works mostly the tops of the quadricept muscles.

    Posted by Amy Walker August 03, 2010 16:04:58

  • Just have fun.

    Cecily : Agreed. Whenever someone asks me why I cycle to work I always answer "Because its fun!". However, I did lose 12 kg in the first few months and dropped two sizes in jeans. After more than 5 years in the saddle I've stopped losing weight - but I eat whatever I want and never put on any either!

    Im guessing you havent noticed any weight loss yet because muscle is heavier than fat and you are in the "conversion" stage. The loss of inches around your middle is a pretty good sign that something is going on.

    Posted by Gandalf August 03, 2010 00:54:52

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