Mira Kapoor does cycling on vacation to stay fit; here’s how it helps

Mira Kapoor is busy cycling in Denmark (Source: Mira Kapoor/Instagram Stories)

“Thank God for cycling in Copenhagen. Else, I’d be back with food twins. Not just 1 food baby,” remarked the 28-year-old.

She also added, “The vegan/vegetarian restaurants here are incredible. It’s almost like that’s the way everyone eats here.”

Taking a cue from her cycling dairies, we decided to decode for you how the simple and fun activity of cycling can help you meet your fitness goals even on vacation.

Transportation choices seriously impact your mental and physical health, stressed Dr Santosh Pandey, naturopath and acupuncturist, Rejua Energy Center, Mumbai.

“Cycling is an enjoyable way to stay healthy. You can use a cycle as a mode of transportation for casual activities as it is a wonderful workout that keeps you active. Bicycles are relatively cheap and trouble-free, and suffer few of the traffic problems,” said Dr Pandey.

Since bicycles emit no air pollution themselves, it ensures cleaner air and better lung health too, added Dr Pandey.

Interestingly, a study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation concluded that adults aged 50-65 years who regularly cycled to work or for leisure had between 11-18 percent fewer heart attacks over a course 20 years.

Urging that cycling is a good form of aerobic exercise and is “less strenuous on the heart as well as knees”, neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad said that cycling helps in stretching the hamstrings and quadriceps which can slow down the degeneration of knee cartilage and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. “Cycling is associated with multiple health-related benefits such as weight loss, lesser risk of developing high BP, diabetes, stroke, and heart attack,” he concluded.

Concurring Suvidhi Jain, lifestyle, exercise and nutrition coach and founder – LEAN by Suvidhi said that as you pedal through beautiful landscapes, your heart gets stronger, and your endurance improves. “Cycling helps you manage your weight, so you can enjoy delicious local food without worrying too much,” added Jain.

Not only does cycling keep you physically fit, but it also boosts your mental well-being. “It releases feel-good hormones that reduce stress and makes you feel happier,” Jain mentioned.

Another advantage of cycling is its eco-friendliness. By choosing a bike over a car or public transportation, you reduce your impact on the environment. You can enjoy the beauty of nature, breathe in fresh air, and truly appreciate the landscapes you encounter, said Jain.

What to keep in mind?

Before you set off on your cycling adventure, remember to prioritise safety, experts urge. “Check the local cycling infrastructure, wear appropriate gear like helmets, and follow traffic rules. By taking these precautions, you can have a secure and enjoyable journey,” said Jain.

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!