Benefits of riding

HEALTH & FITNESS | COVID-19

With the coronavirus pandemic on the rage, a bicycle comes in to remedy the challenge of exorbitant transport fares and problems of having to trek long distances to your destination.

John Mulyowa a business man in Wandegeya says he purchased his bicycle in Kampala at sh200,000, however, he has reaped more rewards than the price.

"Besides being fit," he says, "I can reach work early and also save the money in this period of increased transport fares."

On the other hand, Faruq Okello of Ntinda says he was able to use his nephew's bicycle to go to Seeta and that made him to think of getting one.

"You are not only healthy at the end of the day," he says, "but you are always the master of your own time since you are able to evade jam."

Unlike people who have got bicycles during the lock down, Ivan Wong Sennyondo a fitness coach in Kamwokya says he has been with a bicycle for the last three years.

"The reason I switched from the taxis to owning a bicycle is because I am always juggling different activities which require me to be on time," he says. "In order to get to my customers in time, the bicycle helps me to do that because I can beat the jam."

 So, the bicycle saved Sennyondo not only on transport fares but also stress of having to be in the public means and wait for the jam to subside in order to reach his destination.

Besides that, Sennyondo says the bicycle helps him to work out.   "Instead of going to the gym and use a stationary bicycle, I use mine daily," he says, "it works out the whole body hence helping me to sweat."

He advises those who have cars to switch them for bicycles for instance on the weekend so that they can have a complete body work out.

"As you ride the heart pumps at a great speed thereby increasing your rate of burning fat," he says.

Eliya Mulindwa, a chairman of Kagera Village, Kidyope, Jinja district says he got the bicycle in 2013, which is light and easy to use. 

"It does not need a lot of energy like other bicycles," Mulindwa reveals.

Furthermore, it helps him to check on his people in the village especially those with problems and cannot reach him.

Mulindwa has never regretted   the purchase of the bicycle since it helps him to work out.

"Before getting this bicycle, it was hard for me to exercise," he says. "When I ride, I am able to increase my heart rate thereby reducing on the risk of acquiring cardiovascular diseases."

Besides that, Mulindwa says the bicycle saved him the expenses of riding on motorcycle (bodaboda).

"When l take my farm produce to the market, I am able to get all the profits without engaging any party," he reveals.

"I can also ferry my neighbours' luggage when they need help."

Furthermore, Mulindwa says the bicycle make travelling easier.

"While other people are struggling with transport during this lockdown," Mulindwa says, "he does not have any problems with it."

You may not need a bicycle as a means of transport, but you can get it in order to keep fit.

Cycling tips

For better results, Sennyondo advises you to ride your bicycle faster and if possible, on the hill.

"This will   increase your heart rate pumping," he says, "and help you burn more calories."

 "Your riding speed should not be at the same level if you want to increase your metabolism and muscle strength," he says, "every time you ride you should increase the speed and ride a longer distance."

As you conclude your bicycle rides, remember to slow down. Sennyondo advises to cool down by stretching out your body so that you end the cycling exercise on the good note.