Bicycle commuting helps respiratory therapist shed 100 pounds

Bicycle commuting helps respiratory therapist shed 100 pounds

Commuting to work by bicycle has given respiratory therapist Rozelle Clark a rosy outlook on life. It also has made her 100 pounds lighter.

Rozelle Clark, RRT, a respiratory therapist at Christiana Hospital, has lost more than 100 pounds riding her bicycle eight miles each way, to and from work. She started riding three years ago to improve her health and to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Now, she cycles everywhere—to the grocery store, the library and the movies—eight months of the year.

Clark says cycling has improved her sense of well-being and the health of her family. “On days that I ride, I feel more awake and alert,” she says. Her healthy lifestyle has inspired others to be more active. It also has benefited her pocketbook.

“I haven’t put gas in my car in two months,” she says. “I call the money I save from not buying gas my ‘fun money.’ I use it to treat myself and my kids with all kinds of stuff.”

Clark’s advice to aspiring bicycle commuters:

  • Map out your ride. Look for streets with wide shoulders, and use bike paths.
  • Wear the proper equipment, and keep your eyes and ears open when riding.
  • Leave plenty of time for a leisurely ride. Speed and endurance will come with consistency.
  • Don’t assume that you need to be an elite athlete to cycle to work.
  • Mobile apps such as MapMyRide (www.mapmyride.com) can be helpful for plotting your route or tracking your progress.
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