Anahita Hirani, founder of cycle renting start-up CYC-it-UP, tells us about the benefits of gearing up the bicycle to stay fit and fine in these times
Coronavirus has been a daunting experience for each of us. The citizens of Mumbai were definitely umbrageous because it’s the most happening city, a city that never sleeps. With a little ease in the lockdown curfews in June, Anahita began cycling and just loved how unobtrusive the roads were. It struck her that there would be so many people out there who would love to enjoy their wearisome morning or evenings to the fullest too.
“Realizing that there was a void in the rental market for bicycles around my vicinity, it led me to take up the challenge to help give the best to other people to stay fit while also maintaining social distancing. However, cycles are expensive, and just one or two wouldn’t suffice. So, I came up with an initiative of using cycles from people who have left theirs to rust so they could get a little something out of nothing,” she tells us.
Sitting in front of the screen for long hours, working and making your children do their homework can lead to lethargy and feeling out of shape. Cycling is a great recreational exercise that has been approved by the government to maintain social distancing when outdoors. It can help shape a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. It is a terrific way to lose weight and stay fit. During these times, one must be hale and hearty to keep up their immunity.
Going back to our usual lives is going to be difficult for now. Times are always challenging, and especially right now, but the way we perceive it matters the most. We must try to be as optimistic as we can in our approach. We must do all we can to stay fit, safe and healthy. “At CYC-it-UP, we care about your safety and are one hundred per cent trustworthy. We sanitize our bikes regularly because people are our priority,” she adds.
This initiative has been receiving rave reviews: “The start-up offers people the opportunity to cycle their way through mundane routines, Anahita firmly believes that one is just a bicycle away from a good mood. She often tells her customers, bicycles may change, but cycling is timeless and priceless.” And another testimonial that says, “CYC-it-UP is a different concept altogether, Anahita Hirani has come up with a concept of renting out cycles on an hourly and daily basis. Riding helps you ease your stress and helps you lose weight faster the best outdoor activity since the gyms are shut.”
CYC-it-UP gives people in Bandra, Khar and Santacruz the opportunity to engage in a low impact aerobic exercise that offers a wealth of benefits. You can cycle as a mode of transport to pick up essentials, which also helps conserve the earth’s resources such as fuel. This is the perfect time to make some changes, not just for ourselves, but for the world around us. CYC-it-UP provides an enjoyable way to stay healthy. Beating the feeling of boredom that can come from repetitive workouts, appreciate the satisfaction that comes from improving your fitness while having fun. Anahita has always believed in doing good for people, as she quotes Mother Teresa, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Let your drop make a difference – rent your cycle and ride away!
