lifestyle design

‘Isn’t cycling something you do when you are a kid?’

I’ve heard this a lot, and it’s a common reason people don’t cycle. People forget that it’s the most efficient mode of transport available (in more ways than one) and unrivalled for their mental well-being. But what age is too old to stop cycling or to start cycling? Is this a case of if you missed the window of opportunity it’s gone? Of course not!

Cycling is a timeless activity, enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. Whether you’re a child taking your first spin on two wheels, a young adult commuting to work, or a senior rediscovering the joy of riding, cycling offers something for everyone. The benefits extend far beyond the physical, touching every aspect of health, well-being, and daily life.

The world has also changed so much that the barrier to entry couldn’t be better. With eBikes, inexpensive second-hand bikes and the ability for anyone to repair; it’s something which should be encouraged and enjoyed by those of all ages.

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When we think about routine, we often associate it with the structure we, as adults, need to stay organised, productive, and healthy. But routines are just as essential for children, if not more so.

Having a consistent routine can provide children with a sense of security, help them develop positive habits, and foster resilience. In our family, we’ve embraced outdoor adventures, physical activity, and family time as part of our daily routine, and we believe these experiences are crucial for raising happy, healthy kids.

This post explores why routine is so important for children, covering areas such as bedtime, healthy eating, outdoor activities, and playtime with parents. We believe routine extends further than bedtime and it helps to instil consistency in children from a young age. It’s not always possible and there will be times it goes to absolute shit but by trying to get back on the wagon quickly it can help both the children and yourself.

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In today’s world, where technology and social media are ever-present, encouraging our children to stay physically active is more crucial than ever. It’s estimated that UK children spend approximately 6 hours a day on screen time (TV, Tablet, Phone). Couple this with school, then life is becoming more and more sedentary. But why is this a problem,  and what does it have to do with resilience?

At Family Cycling, our mission is to create fun outdoor adventures that benefit our young children, Matilda and Barney. We spend most weekends exploring local parks, National Trust or any outdoor location.

Our priority (and hopefully yours) is to cultivate an environment where being outdoors is the default.  We also make cycling an integral part of our everyday lives. This is our primary means of transport for the school run.  This lifestyle is more than just an activity—it’s a way of improving our children’s resilience, physical strength, and mental well-being.

It’s your natural reaction as a parent to protect your children. But your children will also have situations where they require resilience, strength and the ability to deal with a challenging situation. This is where I believe sport plays a role in modern society. In this post, we’ll explore how sports can impact the resilience of children and teenagers, considering the pressures that technology and social media place on their overall well-being.

We want to highlight the many reasons why getting your children involved in sports can lay the foundation for a happier, healthier, and more resilient life.

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In many parts of the world, the car is king. It’s a symbol of freedom, convenience, and status, and for decades, it has dominated the way we think about transportation. With concerns around climate change, pollution, and boosting health (we have an NHS waiting list of over 6 million people) there has been a nod to more active means of transport.

Like everything, however, they have become gambits in a political culture war. Pick a side and argue until the end. But is that the way it needs to be? Maybe the alternative is that we agree that active travel and using the car both have merit for particular journeys.

This article explores the arguments for and against cars and cycling, and why it might be time to rethink how we travel.

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The winter months are often when many families reluctantly trade in their walk/cycle to school habits for the warmth of the car. But for many reasons highlighted below it’s the best time to continue cycling.

Cycling to school has become a core part of our identity and our day-to-day life. Since our daughter Matilda started school in September 2020, we have cycled or walked to school every single day, without exception. We wouldn’t have it any other way. Our website is all about the joys of outdoor adventures with young children, and cycling is at the heart of our philosophy.

Today, we’re sharing why we continue to cycle to school even in winter and how you can make it work for your family too.

It’s worth noting that our advice is always aimed at those who have the means to do so. Many now work from home, close to home or work shifts. These can make the transition to cycling in all weather. We are here to promote positive habit changes in the day-to-day lives of ordinary families.

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Balancing your love for cycling with the demands of parenting can feel like a juggling act. Life with kids is wonderfully unpredictable, and it often seems like there’s always something that gets in the way of a good bike ride.

Yet, staying active is crucial—for both our physical health and mental well-being. Staying fit, getting out in nature and keeping my mind free are just some of the reasons I stay consistent with cycling. It’s not always easy and when the cold months kick in it can become appealing to stay inside where it’s warm.

Here’s how I manage to stay consistent with cycling as a parent, with two young children. 

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For anyone who enjoys staying active and maintaining a strong, balanced fitness routine, combining resistance training and trail cycling can be an ideal approach to achieving peak performance. As a dad, fitness enthusiast, and lover of the great outdoors, I’ve come to appreciate the unique benefits of this combination—improving strength and endurance and promoting mental well-being.

From my perspective, longevity is the key to all fitness: finding a sustainable, enjoyable way to stay healthy while setting a great example for your children. A combination of resistance training and trail cycling is the key to this.

This article explores why I believe integrating resistance training with trail cycling can elevate your fitness routine to the next level while also bringing enjoyment and calm to your life. Combined with outdoor family adventures, I am confident you will feel and look much better, and this will be channelled to your children.

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As parents, we all know the morning routine can be a rush—a whirlwind of getting the kids ready, making sure lunches are packed, and trying to beat the clock. 

There is however one part of our morning routine we have stuck to for the 5 years our daughter has been going to school. That is cycling the ‘school run’. 

I believe that in the vast majority of cases for those who live within a short distance of a local school, it’s the perfect way to start the day. Fresh air, movement and quality time together. I often see children driven to school with air pods lodged in their ears and mobile phones occupying their time. This feels like a sad way to start the day for both parent and child. 

Here’s why cycling to school is more than just a practical choice for us—it’s become one of the highlights of our day.

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