Exercise as medicine: The case for improving your life the best way

Running and cycling are huge sports in South Africa –groups of lycra-clad people flock to the streets and trails in the early mornings almost every day and events like Two Oceans and the Cape Town Cycle Tour often sell out within moments of entries opening. Aside from the obvious competitive and social advantages of these sports, is running and cycling really good for you?

The simple answer is yes – here’s why:

Exercise: A medicine like no other

Exercise can not only reduce the symptoms of certain diseases, but can prevent many as well. And it does this without any of the side effects of medication – in fact, the side effects of exercise as medicine are improved sleep, improved metabolism, and improved fitness among many others. Although you should exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, the advantage is that the more you exercise, the more you will enjoy it and the more benefits you will see.

Running: Personalised exercise to improve your health

Running is one of the easiest sports to start. There are so many great training programmes on the web – including these from our legendary running ambassadors – and all you really have to do to get started is to lace up and head out. As you progress and begin running longer and faster, you will need to add some speed work, hill repeats, and strength training to your routine but you can decide on your own intensity – whether you’re a future Comrades runner or run a weekly parkrun. Why should you run? Here are some great reasons:

• Running makes you happy. The hormones released from running can actually reduce the symptoms of some mental health conditions including depression.
• Running gets you fit quickly. Whatever pace you’re running at, you will find the more you run, the fitter you get.
• Running helps with weight maintenance: Runners continue to burn calories even after they finish their run, helping with weight maintenance and even weight loss. .
• Running is good for your bones and joints. Running actually helps to build stronger bones and joints.
• Running is active meditation. It’s a great way to take time out from your busy day and focus on yourself.

Cycling: Sightseeing while getting healthier

Cycling is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of your country – and South Africa has some amazing areas to ride in. It’s a great way to explore a city or town. Whether you prefer the speed of road cycling or the adventure of mountain biking, you’ll soon be spending your whole week planning your long ride on a Saturday. Why should you ride? Here are some great reasons:

• Cycling is gentle on your legs and joints. Cycling is low impact and a very smooth way to get your heart rate way up so it’s great for preventing injury or recovering from one.
• Cycling reduces stress. Although all sport has this effect, cycling takes you out into nature – a proven stress reliever.
• Cycling tones your muscles like crazy. Those hills aren’t just for show – getting up them is tough and builds muscle while torching fat.
• Cycling torches calories without you even noticing. Even an easy ride will do wonders for your waistline because it’s a combination of strength and cardio.
• Cycling has incredible knock-on effects. A few hours in the saddle improves overall fitness and strength and will therefore make you better at almost any other sport.

Of course, we here at Team Vitality love running and cycling so we choose to get all these health benefits by doing both – and so can you. We have plenty of members who can tell you how much they enjoy their sport of choice.

Inspired by #teamSArise? We’re giving away HUGE prizes with Team Vitality to get you on the road

Team Vitality is South Africa’s biggest running and cycling club and we give you huge benefits for joining – including up to 50% cash back on selected race entries, club kit, vouchers for discounts on fitness magazines, and fitness tech. But since it’s an Olympic year and our running and cycling teams are looking so strong, we want to inspire you even further this year.

Get your kit up to scratch

At Team Vitality, we are always inspired by the incredible women in our lives – but in August we get to celebrate Women’s Month with an amazing offer from Sportsmans Warehouse. Visit their online store and get 15% off all On The Go apparel. Offer is valid from 1 August to 31 August, one code per Team Vitality member. For even more savings, remember to activate your HealthyGear benefit and get up to 25% cash back on thousands of HealthyGear items from Sportsmans Warehouse.

Lace up those trainers and get ready to run

The next few months are HUGE months for running and cycling in South Africa – and first up is the Cape Town Marathon on 18 September. This beautiful marathon is supported by Team Vitality’s Olympic medallist Elana Meyer and her running development charity Endurocad. So we’re giving away two race entries for the marathon. You only have to be a Team Vitality member (if you’re not currently a member, sign up here) and email us to let us know you want to enter. Please note that you must have a valid and current running licence to enter this race; temporary licences and any additional merchandise are not covered in this offer. Entries close 31 August.

After the race, we’re offering all of our Team Vitality Cape Town marathon runners the chance to WIN a free stay for two nights, for two people at ANY Protea Protea Hotel by Marriott® anywhere in South Africa – just a way to congratulate you for taking part in this epic event. To be part of the draw all you have to do is be a Team Vitality member and run the Cape Town marathon. Ts and Cs apply.

See you on the road!

It is recommended that you do 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Vitality encourages you to exercise safely – make sure that you consult your doctor before starting any exercise programme or before increasing your physical activity levels.