People who have been peddling their way to fitness for years will tell you that cycling offers a range of health benefits that are unmatched by any other form of exercise. And with the rise in the popularity of cycling as a recreational activity and means of transportation, more and more people are starting to enjoy these benefits for themselves.
Reasons To Cycle Every Day
So, what exactly are the health benefits of cycling?
Cardiovascular health
Cycling is an excellent way to get your heart pumping and blood flowing, and this helps to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. One study found that people who rode a bike for 30 minutes five days per week reduced their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by more than 40%.
Fitness
Cycling is also a great way to stay fit and slim. Because it is a low-impact form of exercise, it is easy on your joints and helps to prevent injuries. And because it is an aerobic activity, it helps to burn calories and promote weight loss. One study found that people who cycled for 30 minutes five days per week lost an average of five pounds over a year.
Mental health
In addition to physical benefits, cycling offers various mental health benefits. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood; cycling is no exception. One study found that people who rode a bike for 30 minutes three times per week improved their mental well-being just as much as people who took an aerobic exercise class three times per week.
Flexibility and muscle strength
Cycling also helps to improve flexibility and muscle strength. Because it is a low-impact form of exercise, it is easy on your joints and helps to prevent injuries. And because it works all of your body’s major muscle groups, it helps improve overall muscle strength and flexibility.
Coordination and posture
We may not notice, but our posture slowly deteriorates with age. Cycling helps improve posture by strengthening your back and shoulder muscles. Additionally, because cycling requires the use of all four limbs, it helps to improve coordination and balance.
Strengthens your bones
Our bones tend to weaken as we age, leading to several health problems. However, cycling helps to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. One study found that people who rode a bike for 30 minutes three times per week improved their bone density by more than five percent.
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Reduces stress
We all know that exercise can help reduce stress, but cycling is particularly effective. One study found that people who rode a bike for 30 minutes three times per week reduced their levels of the stress hormone cortisol by more than 25 percent.
Decrease your fat levels
You will be surprised to know that cycling can help you decrease fat levels. It is true, especially if you are obese. Although the mechanism is not entirely understood, it is speculated that cycling causes your body to use fat as fuel more efficiently.
Joint mobility
When your joint mobility starts to decrease, it can be a real pain. Cycling helps to keep your joints healthy and mobile. One study found that people who rode a bike for 30 minutes three times per week improved their joint mobility by more than 20 percent.
Reduce the risk of cancer
Yes, you read that correctly. Exercise can help to reduce the risk of cancer. And while all forms of exercise are helpful in this regard, cycling is particularly effective at reducing the risk of colon cancer. One study found that people who rode a bike for 30 minutes five days per week reduced their risk of colon cancer by more than 50 percent.
It’s eco-friendly
Cycling is a great way to be eco-friendly. If you ride your bike instead of driving, you will reduce your carbon footprint and help to protect the environment. It’s not only beneficial for us but also future generations.
Can You Cycle Even When You Have a Medical Condition?
Cycling can still provide plenty of health benefits for people who struggle with particular medical conditions. It is a low-impact exercise, which is easy on your joints and muscles. Additionally, because you can control the intensity of your workout, it is easy to tailor your workout to your needs.
For example, if you have a heart condition, you can start with a gentle ride and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness level improves. Or, if you have arthritis, you can choose a bike with a suspension to help reduce the impact on your joints.
Of course, if you have a medical condition, it is always best to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. But for most people, cycling is a safe and effective way to get all the health benefits of exercise.
Final Words
Understanding the pros and cons of cycling can help you make the best decision for your health. Cycling is a great way to get all the benefits of exercise without impacting your joints and muscles. Additionally, tailoring your workout to your needs and fitness level is easy. And best of all, it’s an eco-friendly way to get around.