Expensive contracts, annoying machine hoggers and exercise classes held at the wrong times, these are all part and parcel of your average gym membership. We all know that exercise is good for us, but you may find yourself wondering if there’s another way to stay healthy without all of these irritating add-ons that seem to appear when you sign up to your local gym, says John Woodward, why not cycle to work?
Quit the gym and cycle
The simple answer to this is yes. The HMRC-backed Cycle to Work scheme is an easy way to get in your daily exercise without having to deal with some of the frustrating gym tendencies that act as part of your monthly membership bill.
Here's why the Cycle to Work scheme may be a better fit for those whose exercise is compromised by cost and time:
Control your own fitness plan
By cycling to work, not only do you save yourself the interruptive sales pitch from a personal trainer, you also are able to manage your exercise at your own speed. Perhaps, you want to take the longer route to work today, this is now easily done as you are the only person in charge of your new fitness regime.
Of course, if you are able to take on the gym as well as cycling to work, this is now completely your decision. There’s no need to feel guilty for missing a session if your new commute to work helps you achieve the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Save a considerable amount of money
If you chose to cycle to work as your sole exercise routine, not only would you save yourself the gym membership fees, but you’d also save on your travel costs for your new commute to work. Fuel receipts, public transport tickets and taxis can all be a thing of the past with your new bike, enabling you to push your salary even further.
Fit it into your daily routine
Well, put it this way – you’re going to have to make the journey to work anyway, so why not better yourself and the environment at the same time? By doing this, you are buying yourself more time to spend with friends and family outside of work while remaining healthy simultaneously.
The health benefits of cycling are evident, but something that is little known is the health benefit to the heart. Cycling as little as 20 miles per week can cut the risk of heart disease by 50%.
Career development
Statistics prove that healthier employees are three times more productive than employees in poor health. Employees that exercise on a daily basis are more alert during work hours and less likely to get tired during the workday. So that promotion you’ve been working for might just get that little bit closer!
Feel happier
It’s no secret that exercise makes us happier, but when you combine this with the sun’s Vitamin D levels - you have the perfect potion for personal wellbeing. A recent YouGov survey highlighted that one in four people believe the Cycle to Work scheme is the best benefit an employer can offer.
What is cycle to work?
Cycle to Work is a salary sacrifice service, which helps employees afford the cost of a brand new bike and cycling accessories. It helps employers save on National Insurance contributions and achieve CSR objectives, whilst employees save up to 42% on the cost of a new bike.
If you want to get fitter, increase your energy levels, boost your motivation and concentration at work, join your employers Cycle to Work scheme.