5 Reasons Why Cycling Is Good For Your Health
If you want to be fit and healthy, you must be ready to be physically active. Doing so can protect you from developing serious diseases or conditions like cancer, obesity, diabetes, and mental illness. One of the best ways to reduce these diseases from affecting you in the future is to take up cycling, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle. Nearly 3.4 million Australians ride their bicycles for transportation or recreation weekly. It is a fun way to get around, and it is environmentally friendly. It is also a form of low-impact exercise enjoyed by all age groups. Plus, it is easy to include into your daily routines. Here are a few reasons why you should get into cycling right away.
- Reduces your risk of getting a lifestyle disease
Regular cycling improves your mental and physical health and lessens your risk of developing health problems as you grow. Physically, it is a good way to control or reduce your weight. That’s because cycling helps boost your metabolism rate, which helps you build your muscles and burn fat. Steady cycling can burn 300 calories per hour on average. It also helps reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Cycling can also play a major role in your mental health. Conditions like stress and depression can be reduced by regular cycling, making it a fun hobby or exercise to get into. Exercise releases hormones called endorphins from your brain, which can help you feel better and reduce your stress levels.
- Low-impact exercise
Cycling is an excellent alternative to other high-impact exercises like running or cardio, which involve a lot of movement and jumping. Unlike those other exercises, cycling is much gentler on your muscles and joints, making it a safer exercise for people who cannot participate in high-impact exercises due to an illness or injury. That doesn’t mean you’re not capable of overusing or sustaining a new injury through cycling. It can still happen no matter how low the risk is. That’s why it’s good to invest in professional cycling gear like sportswear tights, cycling shoes, and helmets to further minimize risk.
- Builds your muscles
Cycling is an excellent way to build your muscles, especially in your glutes, calves, and hamstrings. It also tones your muscles for a leaner look making it a great form of exercise for people looking to firm up their muscles and reduce the elasticity in the skin after losing weight.
Cycling also supports both your upper and lower body. While it might not look like it, regular cycling can help strengthen your arms and shoulders. For the lower body, cycling improves your gluteal muscles and your abs. As your abs develop, you will start to pedal faster and with more finesse. They also work with your back muscles to support your spine and make cycling comfortable for you.
- Improves your posture and balance
Many people struggle with their posture and coordination. Cycling involves balancing yourself and keeping your bicycle upright that, when done regularly, can improve your posture and overall bodily coordination. As you age, your ability to balance properly begins to decline. That’s why cycling is a good form of exercise for older people. You will be less susceptible to avoidable falls and fractures that can seriously injure you by improving your balance. Cycling is also a better exercise option for people with lower back pains because it doesn’t place a lot of stress on the spine like aerobics or running. You must also ensure that you are riding a correctly-sized bicycle. If it is too big or too small, you will be uncomfortable, affecting your posture.
- It is eco-friendly
Through cycling, you would be able to achieve two goals in one! You will be keeping your body in shape and protecting the environment. Bicycles do not require fuel to operate, so they do not emit harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It also helps reduce noise pollution. Make it a habit to use your bicycle to carry out errands within short distances to give the planet a break. Cycling has many amazing benefits that positively affect your vital organs and your back, stomach, and leg muscles. Ensure that you include it in your workout routine, and you will see an improvement in your physical and mental health.
No doubt, it’s easy to get started. All you need is a good bike and a few protective items. You can also research bike trails, especially if you live in a city or congested area.