Health Hero – Raymond Cheung

Question & Answer Session

Q       What do you do to stay fit?

A       I cycle to work instead of taking the tube, and I play bicycle polo 3 - 5 times a week.

Q       Why is exercise important to you?

A       I exercise to keep fit. Bike polo is a good workout. And it’s not just exercising your legs, you’re also using the mallet so it improves your hand and eye co-ordination. It’s a really skilful sport – you’re steering with one hand so it improves your road riding, too.

Q       What’s your favourite time of day to exercise?

A       I play bicycle polo after work because it’s good for stress relief. I’m an architect so I work long hours and have tight deadlines to meet. So it’s nice to cycle away to play bicycle polo for a few hours before heading home. It’s quite an adrenalin rush.

Q       How has exercise helped you in your life?

A       It’s changed my awareness on the road incredibly. You can balance on your bike better, negotiate traffic more easily and position yourself better to keep you out of danger. I’ve met lots of people through it, too.

Q       What do you do to motivate yourself to exercise?

A       Keeping myself fit is definitely a passion so it’s easy to motivate myself. I did the London marathon two years ago. Now bicycle polo does all my training for me – lots of lower back strength, leg strength, arm strength, shoulder strength.  It’s quite a work out if you know what I mean. You find yourself sweating after it!

Q       What would you say to someone who was interested in taking up bicycle polo?

A       Give it a go! You can improve your fitness level, and can attune yourself mentally to riding around town. It changes your perception of cycling quite a lot. It’s very different from riding on a beach or along a lane or through a forest. It’s more exciting.