Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for most children; offering freedom, independence, and a variety of health benefits. It’s a skill that is never lost, but regularly forgotten, as all too often an active youth gives way to a sedentary adulthood.

Research indicates that 12.5 million people in England failed to achieve 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week within a 28-day period during 2013. Sadly it’s a growing trend, with experts predicting that “If trends continue, by 2030 the average British person will use only 25 per cent more energy than they would have done had they just spent the day in bed.” According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), it’s not just the nation’s health that is suffering as a result of inactivity; it’s also costing England’s national economy £8.2 billion per year.

Women are the with figures suggesting that despite an increase in the number of women playing sport regularly, more men (23.7 per cent) take part regularly in sport women (18.5 per cent).

Fitness equipment manufacturer, Matrix Fitness, is leading the charge to redress this imbalance; not only through the supply of engaging fitness equipment, such as its 7xi range of products that feature a myriad of entertainment options, but also via support for grassroots activity and fitness initiatives that seek to engage the public in physical activity, and promote women in sport.

For the past five years, Matrix Fitness and its parent company, Johnson Health Tech UK (JHT), have been involved with women’s cycling; both as title sponsor of a team, and instigator of a key race in the women’s cycling calendar. While the team name and rider line-up has changed, Matrix’ unwavering support has stood firm.

Matrix Fitness – Vulpine Team Manager, Stefan Wyman, explains the benefits of Matrix’ contribution to cycling: “Matrix Fitness has become synonymous with cycling in the UK, and having spent five years as the title partner for a leading team, backing the biggest race series, and launching products that support effective indoor training for cyclists, it’s easy to see why. With regards to our team, the stability provided by Matrix Fitness has put us in a unique position to be able to plan in advance and believe in our strong foundations. This structure has led to huge success, with two riders taking Olympic gold in London 2012, including Matrix Fitness Ambassador, Dani King. Closer to home and our riders have been working with Matrix and local authorities to provide community outreach – part of an initiative to promote cycling to young people.”

Alastair Grant, Commercial Director for Tour Events adds: “Britain boasts some of the world’s best female cyclists, and interest from teams, spectators and the media since the inaugural women’s Grand Prix event proves that there is definitely an appetite for top-class women’s cycle races in the UK. Our partnership with Matrix Fitness has enabled us to provide a first-class platform for women to compete; offering a great experience for the riders and teams, while also contributing to a rise in awareness and popularity of women’s cycle racing. The Matrix team is also a fantastic ambassador for The Tour Rides – official mass participation events that give amateur cyclists the chance to take on a choice of challenging routes inspired by the UK’s favourite professional race, The Tour of Britain.

There is no better way to engage someone in sport than letting them experience it for themselves, either as a spectator or participant, and thanks to Matrix Fitness, this is possible.”

While outdoor cycling initiatives have certainly led to notoriety for the Matrix brand, as a leading fitness equipment supplier, their credentials in the indoor market are equally revered. From their range of upright, recumbent and hybrid bikes – recently undergoing a complete overhaul to enhance ergonomics and ease-of-use – to the range of indoor cycles produced via collaboration with the Indoor Cycling Group, Matrix ensures there’s something for everyone; whether that’s a professional cyclist seeking a high intensity interval workout, or a keep-fit enthusiast keen to improve their health or lose a few pounds.