Cycling is a healthy and fun activity that can be enjoyed by anyone, from very young children to old adults. It is also cheap and very good for the environment. Are you wondering whether you should start cycling? Below I have listed the main benefits of cycling and by the time you get to the bottom of this page, I am certain that you will be desperate to go out there and buy yourself a bike.
It Will Improve Your Cardiovascular Health
You will receive the same cardiovascular health benefits from getting on a bike that you would from any other type of aerobic exercise. When you are cycling, your heart will beat a lot faster than it usually does, which is something that promotes good heart health. A number of studies have shown positive improvements in cardiovascular health among those who walk, cycle, and run regularly. Those who cycle a lot of less likely to suffer from heart attacks or have a stroke. If this is not enough to get you on a bike, then we do not really know what will.
It Will Help You Lose Weight
If you want to burn off those extra calories, then cycling is a great way to do so. Cycling is a fantastic way to control or reduce your weight as it increases your metabolic rate, which in turn burns body fat. A person that cycles at a speed of 10mph for an hour will burn around 260 calories. However, just because you are cycling, it does not allow you to eat whatever you like - if you are trying to lose weight, then you must have a healthy eating plan too.
It Will Strengthen and Tone Your Muscles
Working out regularly will help you to keep a lean body. Cycling is an activity that involves a lot of pedaling. When you are cycling you are not only exercising the muscles in the front of your legs, but also in your back, arms, and core. It really is a total body workout. There have been a number of studies that have shown that the more someone cycles, the healthier their muscles are. Furthermore, cycling is an activity that is gentle on the joints and helps to preserve cartilage.
Improves Your Brain Power
Cycling is an activity that helps with the formation of brain cells in your hippocampus, the area of your brain that is used for memory and starts to decline once you pass 30. Researchers have found that just a 5% increase in cardiorespiratory fitness from jumping on a bike can lead to a 15% increase in mental tests. Charles Hillman conducted a study back in 2007 and he found that cycling improves brain power and helps to decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s in the elderly.
Helps to Reduce Stress
There is a lot of scientific research out there that supports the idea that exercising helps to decrease stress levels. Experts claim that doing any type of exercises can help to lower stress and increase your self-esteem. Neil Shah, from the Stress Management Society, said that cycling is one of the best treatments for stress. Therefore, if you find that you are getting stressed too often, then you should consider purchasing a bike and going for a cycle two to three times a week.
Improves Your Sex Drive
According to American health experts, taking part in physical activities such as cycling helps to better your vascular health, which has a knock-on effect of increasing your sex drive. So, if you think that your sex drive is lacking a bit, why don’t you do your spouse or partner a favour and purchase a bicycle?