When it comes to indulging yourself in physical activity, cycling plays a very vital role along with other exercises. To stay fit and healthy you need to be physically active. Regular physical activity can help protect you from serious diseases such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, diabetes and arthritis. However, to prevent these diseases, apart from exercising, riding a bicycle regularly is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Cycling is a healthy, low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to older adults. It is also fun, cheap and good for the environment. With the help of this article, we will try to figure out the necessity of cycling and why it is good for your health.
Performing cycling has wealth of benefits as far as our health is concerned. To those already engrossed in the cycling world, the benefits of cycling will already be abundantly clear, but for anyone who needs a reason to get out on the bike here is a list of some of the biggest perks. No matter where you perform cycling, either on roads or in the gym, the bonuses to cycling include physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and an almost guaranteed broadening of your social circle are as numerous as the beautiful roads you can find.
Cycling is a wonderful workout that keeps you active. It can help shape a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. It is highly recommended for individuals starting from kids to the elderly since it is one of the best as well as an affordable form of exercise that can help them remain fit and healthy. There are many routine activities that individuals undertake during the day, such as going to work, shops or schools, etc. Individuals can practice taking up cycling for such daily activities that deliver health benefits to them such as the burning of calories, apart from helping to decrease the chances of being affected by diseases such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease and a few more.
Why Cycling Should be Considered for Fitness?
- Low impact – It causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise.
- Provides a good muscle workout– Cycling uses all of the major muscle groups as you pedal.
- Easy – Unlike some other sports, cycling does not require high levels of physical skill. Most people know how to ride a bike and, once you learn, you don’t forget.
- Good for strength and stamina– Cycling increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness.
- Flexible to Make it Challenging– Cycling can be done at very low intensity, to begin with, if recovering from injury or illness, but can be built up to a demanding physical workout.
- A fun way to get fit– The adventure and buzz you get from coasting down hills and being outdoors mean you are more likely to continue to cycle regularly, compared to other physical activities that keep you indoors or require special times or places.
- Time-efficient – As a mode of transport, cycling replaces sedentary i.e., sitting time spent driving motor vehicles or using trams, trains or buses with healthy exercise.
Proven Health Benefits of Cycling
1.) Great for Obesity and Weight Control – Obesity and weight control are one of the proven health benefits of cycling. Cycling is a good way to control or reduce weight, as it raises your metabolic rate, builds muscle and burns body fat. If you are planning to lose weight, cycling must be combined with a healthy eating plan. Cycling is a comfortable form of exercise and you can change the time and intensity it can be built up slowly and varied to suit you. Cycling burns calories: between 400 and 1000 an hour, depending on intensity and rider weight.
2.) Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases – Prevention of cardiovascular diseases are one of the proven health benefits of cycling. Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack. Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels. Studies have confirmed that people who cycle to work have two to three times less exposure to pollution than car commuters, so their lung function is improved.
3.) Prevents Bone Injuries, and Arthritis – Prevention of bone injuries and arthritis are one of the proven health benefits of cycling. Cycling improves strength, balance and coordination. It may also help to prevent falls and fractures. Riding a bike is an ideal form of exercise if you have osteoarthritis because it is a low-impact exercise that places little stress on joints. Cycling does not specifically help osteoporosis, which is a bone-thinning disease because it is not a weight-bearing exercise.
4.) Boosts Aerobic Fitness – Having perfect aerobic fitness is one of the proven health benefits of cycling. Cardiovascular or aerobic activity is an important part of physical fitness, and here is where cycling comes in to boost aerobic fitness. For people who are facing joint issues, or who want to prevent the same in future, for them, cycling provides an excellent choice. Cycling is considered to be low impact, which means it puts less stress on the lower extremity joints. With a proper bike setup, cycling can challenge a person’s overall system without excessive load or adverse forces through the joints.
5.) Improves Strength and Flexibility – Strength and flexibility go hand to hand and are one of the proven health benefits of cycling. Like other aerobic exercises, cycling can build up your muscular strength and endurance. Many research stated that indoor cycling helps build muscle in various parts of our lower body. Cycling helps with loosening our quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and hips. This way, our lower body is becoming more flexible over time. Plus, our core and arm muscles get a good workout.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
