Stay fit by cycling
Now more than ever! Cycling despite coronavirus – that's what many people thought at the beginning of 2020. Staying fit, strengthening your immune system, or as an alternative to public transport: cycling is always a good thing – and even more so in times of the coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus crisis has turned all our lives upside down. But cycling isn't just a good solution during the coronavirus pandemic; it can also strengthen the immune system during any other cold season. Virologists and doctors agree that during the flu season, there is hardly a better leisure activity than getting on a bike or e-bike.
Cycling instead of infecting
Measures taken to reduce or prevent the risk of infection with a specific pathogen are called infection prevention. What sounds like a medical device is actually quite simple to explain: methods of avoiding infection can vary depending on the type of pathogen and the routes of transmission. Simple methods such as adhering to hygiene measures, washing your hands regularly, avoiding close contact with infected persons, or even keeping your distance by riding a bicycle are also included.
That's why riding an e-bike can also be considered a way to prevent infection! Isn't this also an outdoor activity that allows people to keep their distance from others while staying physically active? Regular exercise, regardless of the level of exertion, can strengthen the immune system. Riding an e-bike therefore also helps the body to better fight off infections.
Activity leads to improved immune defense
A cold shower in the morning, walking the dog every day, taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work: integrating physical activity into everyday life comes easily to some people, but is more difficult for others. Several studies have investigated the link between physical activity and improved immune function. With success. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including the flu. It has even been proven that physically active people have a lower risk of respiratory infections compared to people with a sedentary lifestyle.
Where is the e-bike study?
There are still no specific studies that deal with e-bike riding as a means of preventing infection. However, the connection between e-bike riding and improved immune function is probably similar to that of other outdoor physical activities. Until then, at least one large-scale study conducted by Hannover Medical School (MHH) in collaboration with Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) and Zweirad-Einkaufsgenossenschaft (ZEG) points to the overall positive effects of e-bike riding on health.
