Cycling to work makes you as slim as the gym

IF you’re struggling to get off the sofa and head for the gym, try dusting off your bike and cycling to work instead.

A study of 130 overweight people found that pedalling to the office burned off as many calories and achieved close to the same weight loss as regular sessions of high-intensity exercise.

Those who exercised in their spare time lost 9.9lb over six months, while those who simply cycled lost almost 9.3lb.

Professor Bente Stallknecht, from the University of Copenhagen, who was involved in the study, said: ‘This is good news for the many overweight people who may not have the time or inclination to join a fitness centre because they also have to pick up their children and cook dinner after work. Our results

‘At least as effective’

show that it is possible to combine transport to and from work with effective physical exercise.’

Study participants aged 20 to 45 were divided into four groups, including one that made no changes to their lifestyle.

Those who cycled to work covered an average of eight and a half miles a day, while the vigorous exercise group did 35-minute sessions in the gym five times a week, which could include rowing, running, cycling or walking.

A group that did lower intensity exercise in 35-minute sessions five times a week lost the least weight, shedding 5.7lb.

Study co-author Jonas Salling Quist, from the University of Copenhagen’s department of biomedical sciences, said: ‘Riding to and from work is at least as effective a means for reducing fat mass as exercising during your leisure time.’