World Bicycle Day-2021: Here’s how doctors like to unwind

PRAYAGRAJ, June 3 (HS): Cycling has become a popular sport among city doctors as a method to stay physically and emotionally healthy during these pandemic times. To de-stress and stay active, the doctors in Prayagraj embark upon group cycling rides twice a week, covering 40 to 60 kilometres each. Dr. Atul Dubey, Dr. Jaivardhan Rai, Dr. Arun Kant, Dr. Yugantar Pandey, Dr. Chhitij Srivastava, Dr. Subodh Jain, and Dr. Pankaj Gupta formed a cycling group called Two Wheels Thrill in November-December 2018—much before the Coronavirus took the world by storm. ‘Two Wheels Thrill’ cycling group serves as a means to unwind with friends and stay in shape while taking a vacation from their stressful and frequently high-pressure jobs.

“At the moment, the group has 28 regular members. We used to go on bike trips to Varanasi and Chitrakoot before the pandemic, but now, during the pandemic, we prefer scenic places on the outskirts of the city, such as Shringverpur, Sujawan Dev temple, Maharishi Durvasa Ashram, or even Kaushambi. These sites allow us to ride in quiet while keeping social distance and increasing our stamina and immunity,” said Dr. Yugantar Pandey, a famous paediatrician and former secretary of the Allahabad Medical Association.

“Most of us in the group are aged between 45 and 65 years,” said Dr Anil Shukla, former president of Allahabad Medical Association. “Our brotherhood has suffered greatly as a result of the pandemic, and we have lost many dear colleagues. We discovered that cycling was a terrific stress reliever in the midst of work stress and personal issues, and that cycling twice a week helped us to prepare for the days ahead. So, this was our go-to stay-fit slogan during the pandemic,” he added. Their female counterparts are not far behind and have founded their own cycling team, the Prayagraj Pacers.

“In November 2018, I competed in the Indira Marathon and placed third in the over-45 age group. “Prayagraj Pacers” was created by me and Major Farah Deeba, and we now have 64 members ranging in age from 34 to 60, including 53 doctors,” said Dr Ritu Jain, a paediatrician.

Shorter cycling outings, along with jogging and yoga, are preferred by women doctors over longer cycle tours. “Cycling is an excellent kind of exercise. It increases cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and flexibility, joint mobility and posture, bone strength, stress reduction, and body fat reduction, according to Dr. Ritu Jain.