Bike and Walk to Manage Weight

August 31, 2010
Written by: Julie Bosche, Filed in: Employee Health Programs

Good news for fitness-minded women: two of the most popular exercises are two of the most effective ones.

Bicycling and brisk walking have been shown to help women control their weight in their 30s and 40s, according to a new study.

The Harvard Nurses’ Health Study found that over the course of 16 years, women who increased biking and brisk walking by 30 minutes per day maintained their weight or shed a few pounds.

Slow walking, on the other hand, did not have the same effect.

Furthermore, women who decreased their time spent cycling from more than 15 minutes to less than 15 minutes a day gained an average of four and a half pounds.

While the study followed only women, we can’t leave out the men. Cardio exercises like biking and walking are good for them, too.

No matter what your gender, exercise as part of a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle aids weight loss and maintenance, prevents disease, and boosts heart health.

Take a cue from the findings of this study and increase your physical activity with a brisk walk or bike ride every day.

With lovely fall weather just around the corner, you’ll find yourself looking forward to your daily workout.

These exercises are popular for good reasons:

They’re easy, enjoyable, and require little in the way of equipment.

They allow for variations that will keep your routine interesting and keep you motivated. Change up your usual route, walk or bike with an exercise partner, or explore new terrain.

You can grab a leash and take your four-legged friend with you for a walk around the neighborhood. He can help you keep your pace up, and the exercise will be good for both of you.

If you have a stationary bike or a gym membership, both workouts can move indoors as the weather dictates.