Cycling can improve both physical and mental health, and can reduce the chances of experiencing many health problems. It only takes two to four hours a week to achieve a general improvement to your health. Cycling is a low impact exercise which means that it causes less strain and injuries than most of the other forms of exercise. It is also a good muscle workout, cycling uses all of the major muscle groups as you pedal. It is also an easy form of exercise as 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.
Cardiovascular disease and Cycling
Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels. Cardiovascular diseases include stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack. Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. As with any activity, it’s important to practice safety first. This includes wearing the proper equipment and preparing your body for the exercise itself.
Cycling is an excellent aerobic exercise that helps your heart, blood vessels, and lungs to get a workout. Riders can choose their level of intensity based on their current health status or personal al. By adding hills or distance to your ride, you engage more muscles, burn additional calories, and improve your overall cardiovascular fitness.
A study conducted by the Purdue University, Indiana, United States concluded that regular cycling can cut your risk of heart disease by a whopping 50 percent.
Research also shows that people who cycle to work have two to three times less exposure to pollution than car commuters, so their lung function is improved. A Danish study conducted over 14 years with 30,000 people aged 20 to 93 years found that regular cycling protected people from heart disease
During any cardiovascular workout, people breathe deeper, sweat, and increase body temperature, which improves your overall fitness level.
There are several additional benefits of regular cycling which include:
- Increased muscle strength and flexibility
- Improved joint mobility
- Improved moods
- Improved posture and coordination
- Decreased body fat percentage
- Prevention or management of disease
- Reduced cancer risk
- Reduced anxiety
- Lowered risk of dementia
Fitness trackers and electronic health apps are popular in tracking progress and staying motivated.
In fact, physical inactivity is associated with many of the leading causes of lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac ailments and even some forms of cancer.
- Cycling can help to protect you from serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity and arthritis.
- Riding a bike is healthy, fun and a low-impact form of exercise for all ages.
- Cycling is easy to fit into your daily routine by riding to the shops, park, school or work.
Whatever your goals or level of fitness, Spokeherd encourages you to put the wheels of better health in motion by finding an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your everyday lifestyle.
