GONE are the days of half an hour's exercise three times a week.
Experts are now saying that because of our sedentary lifestyles, we need to be exercising every day for between half an hour and an hour.



Exercising can encompass anything from hitting the gym to running or walking. But what do you do when your knees start to give out, when running becomes impossible, and even walking is tough? it seems the answer at the moment is you jump on a bike.

More and more people are taking up cycling every year. Be it for commuting or fitness, cycling is in the middle of a boom.

Kingston Council last month approved a 12-month trial, which will see parking banned from 6-10am on Saturdays and Sundays along Beach Rd, allowing the lycra-clad enthusiasts free rein.

So why are people taking up cycling?

Bicycle Victoria's Garry Brennan says: "The sport part of bike riding has been solid for several years, but what is really accelerating is riding for transportation - riding to work, school, university, the movies and so on.

"People can get fit and at the same time avoid the misery of driving, as well as the crowds on public transport.

"Bicycle Victoria's membership has been climbing rapidly in recent years and is now pushing 45,000. That's the size of a big AFL club. Our members are active and have a lot of influence."

Brennan also pointed to the enormous growth of participation in Bicycle Victoria's Around the Bay in a Day ride. In 1998, 4351 people took part; last year that number had risen to 15,615.