It’s clear from looking out the window or walking through the park that there has been an influx of cyclists within the last few months as people embrace a more active lifestyle. This being a result of gyms closing and public transport limited. Whether you’re cycling for fitness, pleasure or commuting, it’s important to know how to stay safe out on a bike and why cycling is a fun alternative to running or walking.

Voir has spoken to Mildred Locke, cyclist and volunteer bike mechanic on her opinions surrounding the subject. We asked Mildred why she thinks cycling has increased in popularity during lockdown; she believes it’s because ‘it offers independence as you can go anywhere under your own steam, also covering a lot more distance than if you’re walking or running’. She continues, acknowledging that ‘it’s the most efficient way to move as it requires less energy for the amount of distance travelled, and it’s a low-impact sport so it won’t cause as many injuries as running can’. Mildred also emphasises that with cycling, you’re less reliant on public transport and cars, which is better for the environment.

If you’re anything like me, you probably haven’t ridden a bike since you were little. Our first bikes were likely to be bright pink with sparkly tassels on the handlebars, only riding them on the pavement outside our homes under the watchful eyes of our parents. So, we asked Mildred on advice for picking out a bike as a beginner. She advises to choose a bike depending on the use for it, such as a Dutch-style ‘sit-up-and-beg’ bike if you’re riding through flat terrain- these bikes are more comfortable and simpler to use and usually have one gear/speed which requires very little maintenance. This vintage style bike is perfect for gentle and graceful riding. Mildred encourages the use of a hybrid bike with multiple gears if you’ll be riding up and down hills regularly, as these climb easily. She also recommends against riding a mountain bike for commuting and fitness because they’re heavy and sluggish- a hybrid bike is more suited for the job.

While cycling should be a fun activity, it’s crucial to stay safe and respect others when out riding. Mildred explains that when cycling on the road, you must follow the highway code- including no dangerous riding and no running red lights. It is also important to avoid cycling on pavements unless it is marked safe to do so. A key point when cycling is to stay alert. Proper accessories are also important in staying safe, even if you’re doing a short commute to work.

Mildred explains that decent lights, white for the front and red for the black are crucial, as well as a good quality lock to prevent theft when locking up your bike. She also states that some emergency supplies such as a puncture repair kit and multi-tool are important. While there are no laws in regard to what cyclists must wear, a helmet is encouraged. For further information on cycling accessories, check out bikeradar.com.

As long as you obey the rules of the road, stay alert to the things around you, communicate with others and feel confident within yourself, driving anywhere-city or rural areas, is completely safe. Mildred’s advice includes growing a thick skin because no matter how sensibly you behave while cycling, you will always encounter someone who doesn’t want to share to the road with you.

Words by Camila Karalyte

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Everything You Need to Know About Cycling Around London Safely appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The stress of the current situation, along with a lack of exercise and an increase in comfort food and snacking, may be causing all of us to feel a bit ‘meh’ about ourselves, both physically and mentally. Voir has spoken to Master and Teacher of Reiki healing (a form of energy healing), Skylar Green, about her views on body image and how to manage the negative thoughts. Skylar believes that ‘chronic stress and poor quality of thinking can consequently lead to how we see ourselves…research tells us there is a powerful connection between the body and the mind’. During this period, we should all be easier on ourselves, encourage the mindset of ‘my weight doesn’t equal my value’.

Body image is a combination of positive thinking and active work. Small steps like positive affirmations will help you bring body confidence while making sure to be active whenever possible is also helpful. If you are dealing with negative body image, Skylar recommends these four steps to help find positivity:

1). Exercise

25-Minute Pilates Workout to Tone Your Abs, Butt, and Arms by POPSUGAR Fitness

Flat-Belly and Tight-Booty Cardio Dance Workout by POPSUGAR Fitness

Exercise in any form- it will reduce stress, release endorphins and keep you fit. Even if it’s just taking the dog out for a walk, or dancing around the kitchen while the coffee brews, it will make you feel happier and you’ll feel better for having done it. Make it fun and blast your favourite tunes and enjoy yourself, it doesn’t have to be a chore.

2). Mantra Meditation

5 min Mantra Meditation for Beginners – Easy Guided Meditation by Yoga with Kassandra

4 Minute Guided Mantra Meditation by Yoga with Candace

Mantra mediation- Mantra is a powerful type of meditation that is practised through sound vibration, either chanted aloud or whispered. It helps to relieve stress, helps you to attain peace and connect to your true self. As you continue to practice this, your poor body image will disappear.

3). New Hobbies

21 Low-Cost Empowering HOBBIES Worth Trying by Alexandra Potora

15 Self Care Ideas for Coronavirus Quarantine by Lavendaire

Find a new hobby- take this time to think about yourself and what you enjoy doing, maybe something you never usually have time for like baking or crafts. Whatever you choose to do, do it with gratitude that comes straight from your heart as this can transform your life.

4). Reiki

There are many ways you can lower stress and encourage some body positivity. Meditation is widely known to help bring peace, but the energy healing practice, Reiki, has also been proven to help benefit towards a better body image. Stress and anxiety can affect your appearance so learning to control it will help physically, as well as helping your mindset. Skylar’s tips to incorporate Reiki practices into our daily lives involve undergoing a level one course in Reiki. This helps us attune and to learn the healing techniques, she explains; ‘Attunement is the energy transmission through the teacher to the student, where the student’s body of energy is attuned to the healing energy of Reiki, which then enhances the student’s ability to channel Reiki for the rest of their life’. For more help and understanding, you can download her e-book ‘The Human: Mind and Soul’.

Having a peaceful attitude will welcome a more positive view towards your body, so, try and avoid focusing on any stress whether its work, money or virus related, and focus on bringing peace to yourself, not beating yourself up for being less active during this time or eating more.

Find out more here:

https://www.facebook.com/naturalpowerfreedom/

www.naturalhealinghearts.com

Words by Camila Karalyte

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The post Staying Body & Mind Positive According to the Professionals appeared first on Voir Fashion.