Men's Health (UK)

LONGER LIFE IN THE CYCLE LANE

Biking is proving the fastest route to a megawatt health boost. Saddle up to race past heart disease and cancer before you hit your desk

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Commutes, we all agree, are a drag. But when debating car, bus or bike, don’t let the ease of four wheels deter you from seizing a potent pre-work health kick. New studies show that making your way by bike offers a unique chance to outpace man’s biggest killers on a genetic level.

Cycling to work each day not only cuts your risk of heart disease by 46% but, according to Glasgow University, you’ll also be 45% better protected against cancer. In fact, your risk of prematurel­y dying from any cause is 41% lower than for other commuters. Even those who walk to work are slower on the uptake. According to the study, pedestrian­s get a 27% reduction in heart disease but no change in their chances of developing cancer. Studies from the University of California suggest the answer lies in your genes. Men who take vigorous exercise such as cycling for more than three hours a week see a reduction in genes that limit tumour growth. A 20-minute cycle commute, there and back, five times a week equates to 200 minutes, cruising past the three-hour mark required to reach medical miracle status. All in all, we think it’s a drug worth pedalling.

 ??  ?? BOOST YOUR LIFE CYCLE BY TAKING YOUR DAILY COMMUTE UP A GEAR
BOOST YOUR LIFE CYCLE BY TAKING YOUR DAILY COMMUTE UP A GEAR

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