FITNESS
CYCLE YOUR
WAY TO FITNESS
Whether you're a complete novice or a
regular cyclist, the island offers a range
of cycling routes and paths. Chloe
Bowler talks about the health benefits
When you think of getting back in the gym
or improving your fitness, cycling may
not be the first thing that comes to mind.
However, you shouldn’t discount it, and if
running isn’t your thing, cycling is a fabulous alternative.
Cycling is an all-body workout, it is a great leg workout,
it works the core and upper body, and is an excellent
cardiovascular exercise for the heart and lungs. It improves
strength and stamina, and, almost most importantly, in my
opinion, can be done in the fresh air. Exercising outdoors
such health benefits, and can help mental wellbeing,
releasing feel-good endorphins to improve your mood and
energy levels.
We are blessed to live on an island that has the most
beautiful, natural scenery in which we can exercise. There
are plenty of flat roads, but also there is an abundance of
the most ruthless hills even the most experienced cyclist
could wish for. There are many cycle paths dotted around
the island, including an easy, flat ride from St Helier to St
Aubin. Many people commute to work daily along this
cycle path, which is a great way to get your daily exercise
in without using your lunch break. The Jersey website
www.jersey.com also has a detailed section on cycling and
shows you the network of cycling routes for you to try. It’s
amazing how far you can get across Jersey using cycle paths,
and green lanes, where cyclists have priority over cars!
If you are new to cycling, I would encourage you to
contact a cycling club or community. These clubs can offer a
warm welcome to beginners and have cyclists of all abilities,
who will happily show you the ropes. This is a great way to
feel part of a community and to gain confidence cycling
on roads, as you learn some beautiful, new routes around
the island. The Jersey Rouleurs www.jerseyrouleurs.co.uk
is one of the most popular cycling clubs here, and their
website mentions cake stops, which automatically makes
the thought of your first session seem far less daunting.
Of course, the one thing you will need is a bike! There are
many cycle shops in Jersey, which proves how popular the
sport is here, and these experts can point you in the right
direction when looking for a new bike. There are plenty of
second-hand bikes around as well, so ask for advice. If you
are not quite ready to invest in a bike, it is possible to hire a
bike and see if you enjoy it.
And if you are wanting to start with something a little
more leisurely, why not try one of the pay as you go EVie
electric bikes, that are dotted around the island. There are
140 available, and you can rent for a half-day or a whole
day. It’s a great way to see the island and to introduce
yourself to cycling in a more relaxed setting.
As with any exercise, it’s important that you enjoy it to
get the most out of it. If you haven’t tried cycling, give it
a go, it’s a great way to get fit, get some fresh air, and you
might just love it! •
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