Women on Wheels - Wednesdays Outside Woodies

Local News, Sport

With just one week to go to the launch of the Women on Wheels programme in Nenagh we take a look at some of the many benefits of cycling. Research has shown that these benefits are many and varied with an almost endless list of positive outcomes. Here are just a few:

1. Cycling is good for your heart: Cycling is associated with improved cardiovascular fitness, as well as a decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease.
2. Cycling is good for your muscles: Riding a bike is great for toning and building your muscles. It’s also a great low-impact mode of exercise for those with joint conditions or injuries to the legs or hips, which might keep them from being active.
3. Cycling is good for your waistline: You can burn a lot of calories while biking, especially when you cycle faster than a leisurely pace, and cycling has been associated with helping to keep weight down. And cycling has the added benefit of ramping up your metabolism, even after the ride is over.
4. Cycling is good for your lifespan: Bicycling is a great way to increase your longevity, as cycling regularly has been associated with increased ‘life-years’, even when adjusted for risks of injury through cycling.
5. Cycling is good for your coordination: Moving both feet around in circles while steering with both your hands and your body’s own weight is good practice for your coordination skills.
6. Cycling is good for your mental health: Riding a bike has been linked to improved mental health. Getting away from it all by going out on your bike, smelling the countryside, hearing the sounds is a therapy in itself.

It should be noted also that group cycling, as with the Women on Wheels programme is a great way to meet new people as cycling is a very sociable activity. Elaine Cullinan of North Tipperary Sports Partnership is also anxious to point out that participation in this programme is not about having a special bike or equipment, “as long as your bike is roadworthy, wear comfortable clothing and of course a helmet, you’re good to go” says Elaine.

The Women on Wheels programme kicks off on Wednesday August 20th at 7.00pm from the Stereame Car Park on the Limerick Road, Nenagh, and will run for six weeks. There is no need to pre-register, just turn up with your bike and helmet.

Remember: WOW & WOW (Women on Wheels. Wednesdays Outside Woodies!)

Our photo shows multi award winning camogie player Emer McDonnell helping to launch the WOW programme with Elaine Cullinan of North Tipperary Sports Partnership and Pat Bergin of North Tipperary Wheelers.

For more information phone (087) 6744400 or (087) 2044324.