The region’s premier cycling shop is encouraging the people of the North East to get on their bikes over the festive period and beyond.
Joe Waugh, owner of M. Steel Cycles in South Gosforth, Newcastle is advocating the many benefits of cycling - and says Christmas and the New Year is the perfect time to start.
“The build up to Christmas, the day itself and New Year can be particularly stressful and those of us prone to bouts of anxiety and depression can really suffer,” he said.
“Getting out in the fresh air can really lift your mood and reduce feelings of stress and negativity,” said Joe, himself an ex-competitive cyclist who represented Great Britain in the Olympics and brought back a Gold Medal after competing in the Commonwealth Games in 1982.
But the benefits don’t stop there. During the festivities, most of us are renowned for a spot of over indulging in food and alcohol - resulting in weight gain and feelings of sluggishness.
“A Christmas or New Year dinner with all the trimmings can end up being a whopping 950 calories” said Joe.
“Whilst I don’t want to sound like a party pooper, I do want to encourage people to combine their partying with a spot of exercise. Cycling is great fun and can burn up to 600 calories per hour - and at least that way people won’t feel so bad in the New Year,” he said.
M. Steel Cycles is a family run business which has a long standing reputation in the North East. They stock a wide range of cycles and cycling accessories to suit all budgets. To view their range of products or to read more of Joe Waugh’s cycling facts and figures visit www.msteelcycles.co.uk.
