Cycling for All: Doctors bust myths on World Bicycle Day
Doctors say that contrary to popular belief, one doesn't need a high-end bicycle to reap the benefits — what matters is consistency and correct technique.
Speaking to TOI, Dr Mohammed Faisal, orthopaedic surgeon at IGGMCH, said, "Cycling is one of the best low-impact aerobic exercises. It strengthens leg muscles, improves knee joint mobility and enhances cardiovascular health without stressing weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips and spine.
It's especially good for people with early osteoarthritis or those recovering from injuries."
He emphasised that both indoor (stationary) and road cycling have their advantages. "Indoor cycling is a safer option for the elderly and those with balance issues, as it reduces fall risk. Road cycling, on the other hand, offers the added advantage of sunlight exposure, mental rejuvenation and improved coordination, but it requires proper safety gear and road discipline," he said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Todos os idosos deveriam ter um desse no banheiro! Veja só!
Evite quedas e escorregões
Saiba Mais
Undo
In an era where high-end, multi-gear bikes can cost as much as a motorbike, doctors emphasised that basic cycles deliver the same health benefits. "A simple, sturdy cycle with correct posture and seat height is all one needs. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that only expensive bikes can improve fitness. What matters is how regularly and safely you cycle," Dr Faisal said.
Dr Sumedh Choudhari, head of Orthopaedics at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), also endorsed cycling as a sustainable and lifelong habit.
"Cycling boosts metabolism, supports joint lubrication and helps maintain a healthy body weight — all critical factors for orthopaedic health. For patients recovering from joint replacement surgery, supervised indoor cycling can be part of physiotherapy protocols," he said.
Dr Choudhari added that attention should instead be given to correct saddle height, posture and protective gear, especially helmets, rather than costly accessories.
With sedentary lifestyles and rising orthopaedic complaints among youth and office-goers, both experts urged people to make cycling a part of their daily routine — be it for commuting, fitness or leisure.
"Even 30 minutes of moderate cycling a day can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including obesity, hypertension and back pain," said Dr Choudhari.
# What doctors say
- You don't need a premium cycle to lead a premium life
- Indoor cycling is excellent for senior citizens and post-operative patients
- Outdoor cycling remains the best option for overall benefits
- Riding outdoors provides exposure to sunlight and improves mental well-being
- Always wear a helmet and follow traffic rules
- There is a lack of safe cycling infrastructure in Nagpur and across Indian cities
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Fitness initiative transforms police officers' health through structured wellness programme
Pic: In this groundbreaking initiative, the participating police officers showed remarkable progress Hubballi: A cohort of police officers, comprising men weighing above 90 kg and women above 70 kg, achieved significant weight reduction of 4 to 10 kg during a month-long wellness programme. The Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissionerate implemented this fitness regime in accordance with govt directives, witnessing substantial improvements amongst participating officers. Following DGP MA Saleem's directive addressing increasing cardiovascular incidents, Commissioner of Police N Shashikumar pioneered the state's first comprehensive health initiative. The programme encompasses daily physical activities, dietary modifications, and lifestyle adjustments. Officers now adhere to a structured routine including early morning walks, yoga sessions, and targeted exercises. The programme, running from June 9 to July 8, required participation from officers exceeding the specified weight thresholds. Individual stations identified three to seven personnel requiring intervention, according to departmental sources. The initial phase, which began on June 8, demonstrated positive results. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3.5, 4.5 BHK Homes starting at ₹4.89 Cr.* Hero Homes Learn More Undo Excluding officers above 55 years, participants achieved weight reductions up to 10 kg. The Hubballi-Dharwad police commissionerate identified 98 officers exceeding BIM fitness standards, with the first group of 65 officers nearing programme completion, expressing satisfaction with their enhanced fitness levels. Mohan Kulkarni, 55, ASI Traffic, Dharwad, noted the programme's positive impact on force morale, with participants reporting enhanced vitality and movement. Fitness instructors developed individualised exercise regimens considering officers' physical conditions, while incorporating nutritional education and stress management sessions. Daily activities commence at 6am with a mandatory 10,000-step walk, followed by sprouts and breakfast at 8 am. Medical consultations continue until 1pm, with afternoon activities resuming at 3.30pm. Yoga sessions are held from 5pm to 6pm. The programme offers varied meal options including traditional rice, navanakki rice, and jowar, complemented by salads, jowar and ragi rottis, buttermilk soup, and green tea, according to a participating ASI. Yallapp Kashappanavar, DCP, CAR, said the the initial group's training will conclude soon, with subsequent batches commencing after consultation with the police commissioner. Despite challenges faced by officers above 55 years, the programme has demonstrated positive outcomes in weight reduction, he added. "The New CAR ground at Gokul Road has been equipped with accommodation facilities for trainees. Physical instructors in the department have been deployed to guide them in fitness and weight management programmes. Medical professionals from different hospitals are providing health education to the police personnel, while experienced yoga instructors are conducting specialised yoga sessions for them," said police commissioner N Shashi Kumar.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
In relief for cancer patients, AIIMS gets palliative care unit
Bhopal: AIIMS Bhopal has launched a specialised 10-bed Palliative Care Unit, representing an important advancement in specialised healthcare. The unit is designed to provide comprehensive support to patients with severe illnesses, particularly cancer, focusing on pain management, physical symptom relief, and emotional support. In India, there exists a substantial gap in palliative care provision, with merely 1-2% of patients receiving necessary care, according to experts. Although the National Medical Commission (NMC) promotes its integration into medical curriculum, there are no mandatory requirements for tertiary hospitals or medical colleges to establish dedicated facilities. Healthcare facilities often show reluctance in providing extended care to long-term patients. A senior consultant at Hamidia Hospital stated, "We receive referrals. The whole hospital is palliative care. District hospitals and others are mandated for creating palliative care support," highlighting the absence of a dedicated facility. AIIMS Bhopal's palliative care service operates with existing medical personnel, increasing pressure on available resources. The facility prioritises prompt pain management and symptom control, particularly for patients with complex conditions requiring intensive care support. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologists: What Actually Helps With Nail Fungus Mullend Learn More AIIMS Bhopal director, Dr Ajai Singh, highlighted infrastructure and awareness challenges: "Regular patients struggle for beds, and manpower is stretched. There's a gap in facilities, training, and regional access. Some patients are in a debilitating state with limited access. It is an effort to bridge the gap and provide dignity to patients by focusing on comfort, respect, and emotional support during critical moments. " The institution offers nursing programmes in palliative care and maintains a 10-bed facility. They plan to upgrade four beds to HDU status, The National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC) guidelines suggest establishing units in tertiary hospitals and medical colleges.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Specialist doctors to hold health camp in Nabarangpur
Bhubaneswar: State govt will conduct a health camp in Nabarangpur district from Monday under the Mukhya Mantri Bayu Swasthya Seva scheme. The initiative aims to supplement facilities available in district headquarters hospital (DHHs) and provide high-quality tertiary care by mobilising experts from existing medical colleges. The scheme will resume after a gap of more than one and a half years. Doctors from SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, will be flown to Nabarangpur to provide tertiary care. Subsequently, districts like Nuapada and Malkangiri will be included in a phased manner, read an official statement from the chief minister's office (CMO) on Sunday. The camp will run for four days till July 10. "Nearly 938 patients from the entire district have been screened by the district health team and will be further examined by the experts," the statement added. On Monday, five senior residents will arrive to conduct preparatory work for various surgeries and perform complex investigatory procedures like echocardiography and upper GI endoscopy. On Tuesday, six experts will conduct surgeries, provide consultations and prescribe appropriate medicines, which will be distributed. SCB doctors who will visit are associate professor of urology, Sabyasachi Panda, Jasobanta Behera of cardiology department, associate professor of nephrology, Aruna Acharya, assistant professor of gastroenterology, Samir Kumar Hota, assistant professor of neurology, Nihar Ranjan Biswal, and assistant professor of endocrinology, Debarchana Jena. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo All logistics, including conveyance, accommodation, food, camp site arrangement, tents, water, tea and snacks, have been organised by the district administration. "This initiative will bring modern medical science to the unreached, aiming to make super-specialised healthcare in fields like urology, nephrology, laparoscopic surgeries, cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and complex investigations like echocardiography and endoscopy available to all," the CMO said. Bhubaneswar: State govt will conduct a health camp in Nabarangpur district from Monday under the Mukhya Mantri Bayu Swasthya Seva scheme. The initiative aims to supplement facilities available in district headquarters hospital (DHHs) and provide high-quality tertiary care by mobilising experts from existing medical colleges. The scheme will resume after a gap of more than one and a half years. Doctors from SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, will be flown to Nabarangpur to provide tertiary care. Subsequently, districts like Nuapada and Malkangiri will be included in a phased manner, read an official statement from the chief minister's office (CMO) on Sunday. The camp will run for four days till July 10. "Nearly 938 patients from the entire district have been screened by the district health team and will be further examined by the experts," the statement added. On Monday, five senior residents will arrive to conduct preparatory work for various surgeries and perform complex investigatory procedures like echocardiography and upper GI endoscopy. On Tuesday, six experts will conduct surgeries, provide consultations and prescribe appropriate medicines, which will be distributed. SCB doctors who will visit are associate professor of urology, Sabyasachi Panda, Jasobanta Behera of cardiology department, associate professor of nephrology, Aruna Acharya, assistant professor of gastroenterology, Samir Kumar Hota, assistant professor of neurology, Nihar Ranjan Biswal, and assistant professor of endocrinology, Debarchana Jena. All logistics, including conveyance, accommodation, food, camp site arrangement, tents, water, tea and snacks, have been organised by the district administration. "This initiative will bring modern medical science to the unreached, aiming to make super-specialised healthcare in fields like urology, nephrology, laparoscopic surgeries, cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and complex investigations like echocardiography and endoscopy available to all," the CMO said.
