Cycling is the single biggest contributor to better health and fitness that you can do on a daily basis.
Cycling, unlike other modes of transportation such as walking and driving a car, provides additional health benefits because it helps you maintain a healthy weight and boosts cardiovascular fitness. Cycling lowers your risk for many diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. When compared with walking or driving a car daily, cycling can also lower your risk for certain cancers such as colon cancer.
The American Medical Association (AMA) recommends that all adults should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week. The AMA defines this level of activity as equivalent to a brisk walk fast enough so that you cannot sing while doing so.
Cycling Not Only Prevents Disease, It Also Improves Health in General
Cycling, like many other aerobic activities, burns calories. Cycling may help you lose or maintain weight because it builds muscle and decreases fat in the abdominal area. This, in turn, improves your body’s ability to metabolize sugars and fats. Cycling can also provide an effective cardio workout without stressing your joints too much (which running does). If you are recovering from an injury or suffer from joint pain, cycling might be a great alternative for you.
Not only does cycling build muscle strength but it has even been known to aid in building stronger bones. Whether you cycle indoors on a stationary bike or outdoors on real terrain , this activity increases bone density which leads to lower risk of osteoporosis (bone loss that occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough new bone cells to replace old ones).
Other Benefits of Cycling You May Not Have Realized
Cycling is also known to improve balance and coordination . If you are looking for a sport or activity that will improve your sense of equilibrium, cycling might be the answer.
Another benefit of bike riding is how it can lead to time outside in nature. When you are focused on biking you get so caught up in being active that you forget about other worldly concerns. For many people, just being outdoors has health benefits such as lower blood pressure, increased mindfulness, better mental alertness, stronger immune system, improved moods, decreased stress levels, faster recovery after surgery/injuries, and reduced anxiety.
It’s Also Really Fun
You don’t have to think about how to ride a bike, as it is a natural skill that you learned as a child. Jumping on a bike and riding around your neighborhood can be just as fun now as it was when you were eight years old.
You can take your kids with you so they can learn, too.
You Can Do It Alone or With Others
If you want to go by yourself, that’s fine. You don’t have to join a club or anything like that unless you really feel the need to. If you do decide to join a group of other cyclists, however, there are many benefits such as social connections and help navigating new roads/areas. Biking is also a low-impact form of exercise so it doesn’t put strain on your joints and lower body like running and other sports might. This means that there is less risk for injuries and that cycling isn’t hard on your body in the same way as running would be.
There Are Many Bikes to Choose From
From simple street bikes to mountain bikes and even to electric bicycles, you can find the bike that’s ideal for your fitness level and desired cycling activity fairly easily. You also have the choice between two-wheeled bikes and three-wheeled ones like tandems.
Cycling Can Be Social
If you’re looking for a pastime that your whole family could enjoy, biking is it. Cycling as a form of exercise can be social as well as enjoyable because there are various cycling clubs for enthusiasts to join together. In some areas, these clubs even offer lessons so that those who want to learn more can do so from those with more experience.
In general, if you live in an area where the weather permits outdoor activities, cycling is a fun way to stay fit and build endurance while enjoying nature and fresh air. There’s no better feeling than getting on a bike after a long day at work or simply to blow off some steam.
So why not take it up today? Get out there and have some fun!
