Al-Imaan Cycle Club are a non-profit organisation aimed at introducing the sport of cycling to the Muslim community in the UK and beyond, ‘but why Muslims?’ I hear you cry, well – too often Muslims, with the most to gain from cycling are the least able to take part due to a variety of factors. At AICC we believe that being physically active (not just cycling)enriches lives and builds a stronger Ummah.
Research by Sport England show that people who state they have no religion are more likely to be physically active compared to those that belong to a faith group.
Amongst those practising a religion, those of a Buddhist, Christian, Jewish or Sikh faith are more likely to be physically active. In contrast, activity levels are lowest amongst those who practise Islam.
Sport England
Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone’.
(Sahih Muslim 2664)
How do we reconcile the above Hadeeth with our current condition? As Muslims this should be something to be concerned about and needs to be addressed – that’s why AICC are on a mission to attempt to help address these issues and break down stereo-types and ensure everyone benefits.
We do this by providing advice, insight and practical help that improves the communities long term physical, spiritual and mental well-being.
Physical Benefits of cycling
We are well aware that cycling can give a huge boost to our health.
It can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30-40% (which is very common in the Asian/Muslim community) and can reduce the risk of a range of medical conditions, including dementia, strokes, heart disease and depression.
Cycling can also lead to improvements in strength, balance, movement and motor skills, and help in maintaining a healthy body weight.
Other physical wellbeing outcomes backed by evidence include improved quality of sleep, increased energy levels, healthy development in youth, reduced unhealthy behaviours like smoking and improved quality of life in old age.
It only takes two to four hours a week to achieve a general improvement to your health. Cycling is:
- Low impact – it causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise.
- Easy – unlike some other sports, cycling does not require high levels of physical skill and very easy to learn.
- Good for strength and stamina – cycling increases stamina, strength and cardio fitness.
- As intense as you want– cycling can be done at very low intensity to begin with, if recovering from injury or illness, but can be built up to a more intense physical workout.
- A fun and exciting way to get fit– the buzz you get from coasting down hills and being outdoors means you are more likely to continue to cycle regularly.
Cycling and specific health issues in the Muslim community
Cycling can improve both physical and mental health, and can reduce the chances of experiencing many health problems.
Obesity and weight control
Cycling is a good way to control or reduce weight, as it raises your metabolic rate, builds muscle and burns body fat. If you’re trying to lose weight, cycling must be combined with a healthy eating plan. Cycling is a comfortable form of exercise and you can change the time and intensity – it can be built up slowly and varied to suit anyone.
Cardiovascular disease and cycling
Cardiovascular diseases include stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack. Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels.
Diabetes and cycling
The rate of type 2 diabetes is increasing and is a serious public health concern in the Muslim/South Asian community. Lack of physical activity is thought to be a major reason why people develop this condition.
Bone injuries, arthritis and cycling
Cycling improves strength, balance and coordination. It may also help to prevent falls and fractures. Riding a bike is an ideal form of exercise if you have osteoarthritis, because it is a low-impact exercise that places little stress on joints.
Mental illness and cycling
Mental health conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety can be reduced by regular bike riding. This is due to the effects of the exercise itself and because of the enjoyment that riding a bike can bring.
Is cycling for me?
Cycling is for everyone. Alhamdulillah, over the years AICC have helped introduce regular cycling to hundreds of people through out the UK. We’ve launched this new website for anyone who may be interested in cycling but didn’t think it was for them and maybe too embarrassed to ask any questions.
We organise many Charity rides through out the year and these rides are often the reason why so so many people get introduced to cycling and and start getting serious about health and fitness.
We aim to make this website the go-to place for information on how to get into cycling, how to avoid the pitfalls when buying and we hope to inspire you with real life stories of fitness and endeavour.
