Secret to feeling 10 years younger is cycling not surgery say CTC

Regular cycling gives a level of fitness equivalent to being 10 years younger
according to medical research highlighted by CTC ­ the UK¹s national
cyclists¹ organisation.

However, men at present cycle almost three times more often than women and
in a bid to redress the balance, CTC is organising Five miles to Fabulous; a
weekend of nationwide 5-mile rides on 2-3 June 2007 designed to get women back
on their bicycles.

Five miles to Fabulous organiser, Alexandra Geen, said: ³Five miles to
Fabulous is about giving everyday women an everyday way of getting fit and feeling
younger. Cycling is an easy, cheap and fun way to get about, but if it¹s
been a while since you last used a bike, don¹t worry ­ lots of other
people on the day will be in the same boat. All you need to bring along is a
bike that works. See www.fivemilestofabulous.com
for details.

Here are ten reasons to take up cycling this summer:

– Forget surgery – cycling gives a level of fitness equivalent to being 10
years younger; your heart muscles are strengthened, resting pulse is lowered
and blood fat levels reduced

– Riding a bike can help you maintain a healthy weight; average cycling burns
about 300 calories per hour

– It¹s a practical way to keep fit; 75% all personal journeys are less
than 5 miles long – that’s half an hour on a bike

– Cycling exercises most of the muscles in your legs and bum ­ so it¹s
an excellent way to tone these areas

– Switching short journeys from car to bicycle will benefit your health and
your community; you’ll be helping to reduce noise and air pollution as well
as traffic congestion

– Your strength, stamina, aerobic fitness and general muscle function will
all be improved. Cycling is a low impact activity and one of the safest ways
to exercise without risk of over-exertion or strain to muscles and joints

– Regular physical activity also facilitates other healthy behaviour and could
help you reduce weight or even give up smoking

– It¹s cheaper than joining a gym! Bicycles require no road tax, no MOT,
no insurance, no licensing and above all no fuel.. Bicycles can be parked almost
anywhere for free

– Celebrities are at it! Madonna, Gywneth Paltrow, and Stella McCartney are
just some of the famous cyclists that might pull up alongside you at the lightsŠ

CTC offers its members a range of support services including third party insurance,
travel and theft insurance and breakdown cover. More details at www.ctc.org.uk

To find out how to get involved go to www.fivemilestofabulous.com