Introducing...CycleNation™!

NEW YORK, May 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association kicks off American Stroke Month with the launch of CycleNation™. CycleNation™ is a cycling movement, nationally sponsored by Amgen Cardiovascular and CycleBar, to empower the nation to use road bikes, stationary bikes and community indoor cycling classes to get brain and heart healthy while raising funds to continue to support research and community programs to reduce stroke and heart disease.

Nearly 801,000 people in the U.S. die from heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. In fact, someone in the U.S. dies from stroke about every 4 minutes and from heart disease about once every 84 seconds. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are largely preventable through education, simple lifestyle changes, and action.

While the heart-healthy benefits of physical fitness are well known, the CycleNation™ launch is intended to serve as a reminder that both outdoor and indoor cycling are great for your brain and heart and is a fun way to reduce your risk for heart disease, the nation's No. 1 cause of death, and stroke, the nation's No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability. Recent studies suggest that physical activity, like cycling, can help maintain strong brain function, processing speeds and mental sharpness. Also, cycling strengthens heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces cholesterol.

"We're so pleased the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association chose CycleBar as the organization to help bring active, heart-healthy lifestyles to the nation through the power of cycling," said Heather Harris, President of CycleBar Franchising, LLC. "This collaboration not only reinforces that an active, healthy lifestyle is good for the heart and the brain, but that being physically active can--and should--be fun, too."

CycleNation™ is made possible by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and national sponsors, Amgen Cardiovascular and CycleBar who are committed to helping people in communities across the nation live healthier lifestyles and to drastically reduce stroke and heart disease by hosting key launch events set to begin in the fall of 2016:

• CycleNation. Ride is a multi-distance cycling event with various route options for all age groups and skill levels from novice to competitive cyclists.
• CycleNation. Indoor is a series of indoor cycle events held at CycleBar locations across the country launching in Atlanta (November 12-13), Cincinnati (October 15-16), Dallas (November 5-6) and Denver (October 1-2).
• CycleNation. Pro-Am is an exclusive challenge ride intended to attract bicycling enthusiasts and USA cycling members (2017).

"Cardiovascular disease is the cause of death in roughly 1 in 3 Americans, but the risk of developing heart disease and stroke can be reduced substantially by making simple lifestyle changes. We call it Life's Simple 7: managing blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, reducing blood sugar, getting active, eating better, losing weight, and stopping smoking," said Mark A. Creager, MD, President, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. "Through CycleNation™, national sponsors Amgen Cardiovascular, and CycleBar, are making it even easier for Americans get active, and keep their heart and brain healthy."

"Heart disease continues to be a leading health concern for Americans and it may have its roots in your family tree. Knowing your family history and choosing heart-healthy activities, such as cycling, can help reduce your risk of heart disease," said Raymond C. Jordan, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs at Amgen. "Amgen is proud to be a national sponsor of the American Heart Association's CycleNation to make a positive difference in the fight against heart disease by encouraging Americans to get active."

For more information about CycleNation™, visit CycleNation.org

BACKGROUND:

Watch CycleBar instructor, Tevia Celli, and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association spokesperson, Dr. Carolyn Brockington, discuss CycleNation™ this morning on Fox & Friends HERE. 

About American Heart Association/American Stroke Association The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke — the two leading causes of death in the world.  We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit www.heart.org or any of our offices around the country.

About CycleBar CycleBar is the only luxury boutique fitness franchise to date. As the preeminent indoor cycling franchise, it offers concierge-level service and premium amenities. The fueling energy of the CycleBar experience extends into each community in which it is located with intoxicating rides that promise to calm minds, elevate moods and revive senses. For more information about this luxury boutique fitness franchise opportunity, please visit http://www.cyclebarfranchise.com/.

SOURCE American Heart Association

Related Links

http://www.heart.org