5 BENEFITS OF CYCLING FOR HEALTH

To be fit and healthy you need to be physically active. Regular physical activity can help to protect you from serious diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Riding 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 elderly adults. It is also fun and cheap.

IMPROVES MENTAL WELL BEING

Mental health conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety can be reduced by regular cycling. Cycling combines physical exercise with being outdoors and exploring new views. You can ride solo, giving you time to process worries or concerns, or you can ride with a group which broadens your social circle.

PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS

Cycling is a good way to control or reduce weight, as it raises your metabolic rate and burns body fat. If you’re trying to lose weight, cycling must be combined with a healthy eating plan. The simple equation, when it comes to weight loss, is ‘calories out must exceed calories in’. So you need to burn more calories than you consume to lose weight. Cycling burns calories between 400 and 800 an hour, depending on intensity and rider weight.

BUILDS MUSCLE

The resistance element of cycling means that it doesn’t just burn fat it also builds muscle particularly around the legs and thighs. Muscle is leaner than fat, and people with a higher percentage of muscle burn more calories even when sedentary.

SLEEP BETTER

Cycling reduces anxiety and that elevates the ability to sleep. Exercise also protects against weight gain with age, which is another cause of sleep dysfunction.

STRENGTHEN IMMUNE SYSTEM & BONES

Cycling improves strength, balance and coordination. It may also help to prevent falls and fractures. It is an ideal form of exercise if you have osteoarthritis, because it is a low-impact exercise that places little stress on joints. Mild exercise can improve our immune system also by increasing production of essential proteins. Cycling to work can reduce the time of your commute, and free you from the confines of germ infused buses and trains.