How cycling can help physical rehabilitation

It’s universally understood that exercise is great for your mental and physical health, no matter your age or fitness level. However, remaining active is challenging when recovering from illness or injury, and finding the right exercise to aid your recovery that is both stimulating and beneficial can be difficult. 

Cycling is a great form of exercise and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. On top of this, bike riding in the great outdoors is a great way to boost your feel-good endorphins, reducing levels of stress and anxiety and helping you concentrate on the present. 

Using an electrically assisted bike can offer further benefits to health and rehabilitation in comparison to your typical pedal bike and exercise bikes.

Benefits of cycling for physical rehabilitation

Cycling is a low impact exercise that provides a holistic workout that uses all major muscle groups and improves cardiovascular health – and to top it off, cycling is great fun!

By using an Avaris eBike to aid in your recovery, you can enjoy the freedom of movement and exercise without overexerting yourself and being at risk of further injury or discomfort. The Avaris 2.3 electric road bike has 9 levels of electrical riding assistance so you can ride more comfortably and for longer, helping you increase your stamina and keep active. 

Not only is biking less harsh on the knee, hip and ankle joints, it also works these muscles which strengthens them and helps prevent injury and improves persistent aches and pains. Cycling using an eBike is also a great overall workout and helps improve cardiovascular health, respiratory health and mental health.

How our eBike helped a chronic fatigue sufferer

Avaris believes everyone should have the freedom to move and use their body to stay fit, healthy and enjoy their lives. That’s why we gift eBike to individuals and charities that can benefit from one of our bikes through our Free Ride to Recovery Initiative.

We’ve had the pleasure of hearing from Simon McFarling, a chronic fatigue syndrome sufferer. Before his diagnosis, Simon previously lived an active and energetic life and was an avid cyclist and runner. 

After catching Covid and being hospitalised for 3 days, the doctors believed Simon was suffering from post-Covid syndrome however, after extensive tests, he was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.

His life was turned upside down, from being active on a regular basis to being unable to walk just 10 minutes. After growing frustrated with himself and his limitations, Simon sold his beloved bike thinking he wouldn’t be able to ride again. 

Since receiving his Avaris 2.3 eBike, Simon has been using the bike for 10 minutes which has been helping him build his stamina and strength, as well as improve his mental health. According to Simon, the 9 levels of assistance give him the confidence and support needed to help him build up his activity levels and stamina that he lost due to his illness.

Preparing to ride after injury or illness

As excited as you may be to jump on your eBike and start your active recovery, it’s important to ensure your body is ready and you’re prepared to get on your electric bike.

Where necessary, we always recommend you contact your physical therapist or GP to help you approach using your eBike in the best way possible for you and your individual needs. 

To prepare yourself to ride your electric road bike, it’s important to stretch the body and perform a gentle warm-up to avoid further injury and muscle cramps. Always wear the necessary protective gear and take a bottle of water with you to make sure you stay hydrated and safe whilst riding.

Here at Avaris, we also suggest taking a biking buddy with you should you need any help during your trip, and to keep you motivated and focused on your rehabilitation.

How to apply for a gifted Avaris eBike

Avaris is now giving one applicant every month the chance to receive their very own Avaris eBike to help them with their journey to recovery with the Free Ride to Recovery Initiative. 

How will our eBike help with your recovery? Let us know by applying here and you’ll be in for the chance to receive an eBike on us.