With many people piling on the pounds during lockdown by drinking too much, nibbling away at crisps and comfort eating out of boredom, Public Health Dietitian Pamela Murray decided to take to the saddle and pedal away any excess weight. Not only has she picked up pace, but she has also discovered a whole new cycle network. Here is her story.
“I decided to start to exercise a bit more, especially during the nice warm spell. I’ve always liked cycling but my friend and neighbour who I walk with most days has a bike so we agreed that each morning (well most mornings as long as it’s not pouring rain) we would get up a bit earlier for a short cycle.
“It’s 5.5 miles around Kinneil Woods in Bo’ness and there’s a great cycle path but sadly it doesn’t burn many calories – only about 190 calories – but better than nothing I suppose. We call it the four finger KitKat ride! Another great cycle route is along the John Muir Way to Blackness.
“I normally play squash and I’m a member of a local squash team but due to current Covid-19 restrictions I can’t play squash. However I have discovered loads of new cycle and walking routes around Bo’ness that I never knew existed. I downloaded Strava and found that to be a great way to track and share any cycles or walks I’ve achieved. It’s also a great way to pick up the pace and beat my previous times.
“It definitely helps doing exercise you enjoy and doing it with someone else certainly keeps me motivated and helps get me up in the morning. The sun shining is a bonus, and I even managed to encourage my daughter Jana to come for a spin. She really enjoyed it. It not only sets you up for the day but helps you get a good night’s sleep too.”
Our Choose to Lose weight management section on the NHS Forth Valley website has a Get Active page that has useful links to exercise trackers apps such as Strava and details of local walking and cycle routes.
Visit www.nhsforthvalley.com/get-active for more details
