Let’s face it.
If you’re a freelance writer, you’ve most likely gained extra pounds over the years. It’s hard to stay thin and fit because we spend all those hours behind our computers writing.
Here’s a fact my friend
Sitting has been declared as a health threat.
So don’t laugh at your friends who smoke or eat poorly because you’re probably sailing in the same boat. Researchers claim that sitting for long periods can cause cancer, shorten life expectancy and even cause diabetes.
Don’t believe me? Here is the proof.
I started my freelance writing career in 2015, and one thing I noticed is that I was gaining weight pretty fast. I could say I was thinner and healthier when I was “poor”- before my writing career than after.
One year down the line, I’d gained several pounds. I realized that I was neglecting my health while chasing them sweet dollars.
But if you’ve heard about the famous saying, Health is Wealth you probably understand the importance of health to every human being. You might earn a six-figure salary as a freelance writer, but if you’re not healthy, the six-figure salary means nothing to you.
So how do you keep fit as a writer without interfering with your busy schedule? Below is a strategy I adopted to stay fit despite spending more than 72 hours on my computer every week.
My cycling strategy as a freelancer
While many people will tell you that freelancing is a flexible career, the opposite is quite the truth. I firmly believe that we work “extra” compared to 8-5pm lads. So finding the right time to shape your health can be tough.
I’ve tried several methods to shed off some extra kilos, but I’ve always terribly failed until I discovered that cycling was the key ingredient missing in my weight loss recipe.
I know most of us would recommend working out in the gym, but if you’re an adventurous soul like me and hate a monthly subscription, that’s not the place for you.
Weekend rides only and the ultimate ride
For the last 1.5 years, I’ve strictly adhered to a routine that I can’t mess with come rain or shine. Mondays through Thursdays are purely working days. I spend my Friday’s either doing nothing, finding new clients, focusing on my blog, watching movies or spending time with my family.
On Saturday you’ll find me cycling over 150km to be precise. If you’re a newbie to the cycling realm, you’ll probably find the numbers overwhelming, but if you’re used to cycling, 150km is too little.
Every year, my friends and I organize the ultimate ride and because I believe that every cyclist has an adventurous soul, the ultimate ride at the end of every year can re-energize you and prepare you for another busy year ahead.
Last year we did the impossible, a crazy ride from Nairobi, Kenya to Dar Es’ Salaam, Tanzania — roughly 850kms. (Let’s connect on Strava).
Did I mention that I did 850km over the December holidays in just five days?
Yep, and despite shedding 11 pounds (around 5kgs) in 5 days, I was able to make new friends from a neighboring country, tried foreign dishes, interacted with foreign cultures, and visited the beach for just a quarter of the expenses I would have incurred by plane or bus.
Benefits of cycling as a freelance writer
Cycling is fun. Once you get used to it, it becomes an addiction — something you can’t live without. You won’t incur monthly subscriptions like the gym, and you can always maintain a regular schedule while keeping fit.
You can cycle to a friend’s house, hike the mountains with your bike, commute using your bike or cycle to your local grocery store.
Over the past 1.5 years, cycling has become a part of me. It’s become an addiction but in the positive way and that’s why I think it should be a part of you as well.
Here’s more on why you should try cycling…
1. Meet new people
Believe me when I tell you that you’re probably going to make a bunch of new friends cycling than driving. At first, I had this belief that I was an introvert until I began cycling.
You can easily make friends with other cyclists. They will become your trusted friends because you all have a passion for cycling. These friends can positively influence you.
I’ve been able to join cycling groups thanks to some of the friends I’ve met commuting on my bicycle.
2. Save money
Trust me when I tell you that you’re going to save much more cycling, not only in terms of commuting fare but also your overall expenditure.
Now that my life revolves around cycling, I can’t recall the last time I made use of public transport. When you combine the cost of maintaining a car plus insurance cover, you can expect to spend roughly $3000 per year. But with a decent bike and some nice gear, your annual cost can be between $300-$500.
That’s $2500 in savings.
On the other hand, you’re going to spend roughly $30-$50 a month on a gym membership. I know this isn’t a budget buster and it’s worth the cost if you use it. But according to StatisticBrain.com, more than 67% of gym memberships go unused.
The annual cost of membership can range $360 to $600. This amount is enough to buy a decent new bike that will last you for years to come and save you cash.
Want to know how much you can save cycling?
Try using this calculator.
3. Quench your adventurous soul
Despite spending most of your days behind those closed doors, your adventurous soul will still need some “satisfaction” at the end of the day. I’ve been able to visit some of the places I thought I’d never have.
You’ll also improve your navigation skills since you’ll have to plan the routes to use and how secure the roads are. Thanks to cycling, I’m now able to navigate the streets of Nairobi, and it’s outskirts without having to use any GPS device.
4. Turn your hobby into a money making machine
It’s true; your blog can make you more money than your average bank teller. Below are some of the simplest methods you can turn your website into a wealth making machine
a. Affiliate marketing
That’s right. Turn your hobby into cash. What if I told you that you could earn up to $1000 per month and much more simply thanks to your hobby?
Sounds impossible?
Let me show you how.
Have you ever heard about affiliate marketing? Did you know that you could make double or triple your freelancing income passively without having to spend hours on the keyboard?
Now that you’ll become accustomed to almost every part of your bike, you can start a YouTube channel or a blog and review anything related to cycling.
For every product, you recommend to your audience, and they make a purchase, you will be able to earn a commission. This only applies to products with affiliate offers.
Alternatively, you can start an online store and sell cycling products such as water bottles, branded cycling kits, and other products related to biking.
b. Guest posting services
Would you believe me if I told you that there big brands websites out there willing to pay you to publish their articles on your website?
It’s true — you can make more passive income by utilizing your blog and selling sponsored content. The truth is that you must be willing to invest in high-quality content and your content must drive traffic for you to attract “big fish brands” to pay you to link to their websites.
Because such brands are always scrambling to be on the first page of Google, and to reach their target audiences, they will always have big budgets to invest in their link building strategies and are willing to spend $100-$200 for a sponsored post.
Conclusion
As a freelancer, besides the keyboard, staying fit should be a top priority. While you could advocate for other workouts like yoga, jogging or going to the gym, it’s evident that cycling can offer added benefits.
What type of exercises have you been doing as a writer? Are you ready to try cycling? Share your thoughts in the comment section down below.
I love Jack Siro’s comment
“Cycling runs on your fat and saves you money but driving definitely runs on your money and makes you fat.”
Andrew Matt, thanks for this post. I was doing Karura a few years back consistently (2015/2016). I lost some of the excitement due to time constraints, the commute to Karura, and the costs involved. I think also because I was trying to do it alone. Just me, my wife, and dog.
While the local gym is fun for me and keeps me fit, from your post I can see the additional benefits of joining a cycling club. I’ll be checking out your group with an intention to join.
Walter, thanks for publishing this guest post and highlighting in your Facebook feeds.
Any time, Felix! Andrew did a great job here!
I wish I could stop procrastinating and find myself an ooutdoors hobby. I dont know how to ride a bike and I doubt if I can balance on one, but hey, its never too late to learn something new. This is good article. Health is important
Hello Emma, I’m glad you found this article helpful. Why doubt yourself? In life we all learn everything, from crawling to standing even when our weak legs can’t support bodies. I’m a member of a cycling group “Exra Milers”
You can find it here: google milesandhope kenya
We are good people and I’m sure you can get someone who can train you to ride a bike. Age is not a restriction because we have members as young as 16 and as old as 60 years. Cycling to educate orphans, keep fit and our environment green.
I like this article and I would like to start cycling. May be just some few kilometers. I don’t want to go 100 km and faint on the road. Could you help me choose a good bike that can serve me for a long time.
Hahaha….Victor, you won’t faint, I remember I did 100km on my first ride and it was all fun…because cycling is a sort of “thrilling adventure”
But remember
Getting the right bike for you depends on several factors like your height, weight, age and what you plan to use the bike for.
You can get in touch with me via email or facebook DM.
This is a nice article Andrew, I appreciate the cyclist I have come to know courtesy of you and I want to say we are the cycling nation. As a programmer cycling has kept me fit because of the long hours I spend pushing code and debugging. I will share with my fellow programmers @ Android254 and even @ PythonKE so that they can be physically fit.
I have heard men telling me that I will not have a generation that I ought to marry first before doing this but to me its all bullshit. Cycling runs on your fat and saves you money but driving definitely runs on your money and makes you fat.
A very nice piece. I am a freelance writer and do struggle with exercise a lot, I have gained weight with an ever growing “kitambi” that perturbs me. I know I need exercise but am to damn to decide. there is a time I had problems with knee and shoulder joints so I opted for cycling which helped a lot but I stopped once I felt better. In deed, I need to revisit my health priorities. your articles is awakening call. I love it and have to purpose to change my health priorities. thanks for the share pal
5 pounds in 5 days? That’s crazy
Chunga gallstones
I totally love this. I lost touch with exercise once I started transcription. Last month I did a few rounds of cycling and it was awesome and refreshing. Reminded me of my childhood and I think I should get back to it soonest possible.
Very encouraging piece.
Hi,
Thanks for the article. It really resonates, especially because of breaking the monotony of exercising at the same place, day in day out. I’d love to start cycling, but I guess I’m a bit rusty. Could the stationary bike at the gym work to jump start me? Thanks again.
Awesome piece! I’ve been cycling since last year and I feel a lot better. Very fit at the moment and cut off weight as needed.
Cycling is fun and I’ve been doing it within Karura Forest, accessible either via both Kiambu and Limuru roads. For some reason I am not confident enough to cycle along our roads due to the rogue matatus and motor bikes, thus safety concerns.
One can take their bike along to Karura, or hire one at the rate of sh 500 for 2 hours. Totally worth it!
I cycle at least twice a month.
I installed an app called Sports Tracker. I use it for monitoring my walking each morning after dropping my son to school. Usually, I limit myself to walking around 6kms. However, most days I do 1-2kms of brisk walking.
I also do plenty of situps to strengthen the backbone. It’s the most affected part of the body from the prolonged sitting. Last year, I’d started gaining weight around the waistline. A protruding tummy was fun at first but not when I needed to bend.
Now? It’s all gone. I feel lighter and fitter though consistency can be a challenge.
Thanks for reminding us, Mr. Andrew, of the importance of exercising.
@Walter yep I do. Lemme know when you land
Sure!
This is a nice piece Walter. I am a fitness trainer by profession so I engage in exercise by default training my clients. you should look for something that you enjoy doing like cycling, swimming, hiking, boat riding or even zip lining. You can also go to the gym or work from your house. Exercise needs discipline. I mean DISCIPLINE. You also need to combine it with proper diet. Its meaningless to go for cycling for example, then come back and sit down with a whole plate of chips or bread and sausages.
Anyone who needs a personal trainer or a program to follow? Contact me
Hello Ann,
I am Blessing and would really love to get a programme to follow on keeping fit and staying healthy. Over the past three years I’ve gained so much weight and it affects my joints. I keep on procrastinating on when to start exercising and dieting. I even start sometimes but give up on the way. I will really appreciate your help.
Thanks in advance.
Exercise is important, I hope to join a gym soon. I am so unfit.
Andrew. I once hurt my back so the Dr said I should avoid bikes. I miss the rides though. Nowadays I love walking long distances. It is also quite effective.
You are right. This sitting on the computer for long hours can make your mid-section quite Fat if you are not careful. That is bad for your heart & it brings other complications like inability to bend, etc.
That Dar trip looks like it was fun! Thanks for sharing.
Hello Joyce, I’m sorry that you can no longer cycle.
Long walks can keep you in shape as it’s a form of exercising.
Dar trip was awesome made lots of friends, had fun and helped me keep fit.
Hello Joyce, I’m sorry to hear that you hurt your back and you’re not allowed to get back on the bike. I pray and hope it’s temporary.
I tried walking as a form of exercise but honestly I could barely walk 2kms.
The Dar trip was fun, made lot of friends along the way. I was even surprised that some people driving big cars would often stop, take photo and so much more. Some of these fellas wish they could get a chance and enjoy life the freelance way but they are too occupied in their office job. I think every freelancer out there should appreciate the fact that we set our timetables something that’s not possible for those working 8-5 jobs.
A great article there. Surely, it’s very important to exercise.
It too leads to mental health!
Thanks a lot!
I also work out on a daily basis. T25 is my daily “dosage”, 25 minutes every morning and evening but I bet what’s on your plate is what matters compared to working out. All in all, exercise is very important.
Thanks for the post,Matt.
I hope we’ll connect,next time you’re on the road cycling. Wouldn’t mind joining you.
Hello Christine, your strategy is a good one. Yes I agree with you what’s in your plate is what matters to keep your heath in check.
Sure you can join us, we have a team of cyclist here’s the official website: milesandhope.org/. We normally have weekend rides every Saturday at 8am. The meeting point is International Christian Church (ICC) just next to Nyayo stadium. You can join us whenever you’re ready.
Thank you.
Thanks, Walter for the content. I have been cycling before I become a freelance writer. I do press ups and jog, though not on a daily basis.
Hello James jogging is a good form of exercise.
Hi Walter,
I sit for very long hours at work and have my legs swelling. I always take walks after work to exercise. It is very true our health is our wealth and i would like to do more exercises to improve on my health. Thanks for this informative post.
Hi Walter,
kumbe you came to Dar! Next time stop by my house for breakfast 🙂
Hello Samedi,
You live in Dar es Salaam?
I enjoyed my stay over there and made a couple of friends as well, maybe you know them?
Ooh without forgetting- I enjoyed Mwendo Kasi buses, how I wish our country could adopt same transportation. You guys are good people- I will be back soon for some fun.
Hey Samedi,
It’s Andrew (the author) who came to Dar. If I personally come over I’ll definitely stop by! Thanks for the invite.
I use a jump rope everyday for thirty minutes.I started in February and have already lost five kilos
Seem you’re doing it the right way. You could probably share it with other freelancers or anyone who wants to lose weight.
That’s really important because sitting for extended periods made me have backpains. I began skateboarding last year November and its the best hobby of my life… unfortunately I haven’t met any writers who also skate
I’m happy that skateboarding is working out well for you. I’ve discovered that back pain is common among writers and can be addressed by simple exercises like skating, jogging, rope skipping or cycling. Probably you could try cycling? I’ve met several writers along Thika road when out cycling.