The Health Benefits of Cycling - Why You Should Consider Owning a Bicycle

People have been cycling to work since the late 1800’s. While this has changed since the invention of bigger and faster automobiles, there is still a large percentage of people who prefer to use the two-wheeled velocipede. It’s not a surprise, because whether used for sport, transportation, or mere recreation, cycling offers a ton of health benefits.

Cycling Prevents Obesity

One of the main health benefits of cycling is that it helps prevent obesity. Cycling for an hour is enough to burn around 480 calories, and when done regularly, can greatly improve one’s weight. Obesity is a serious problem in many parts of the world. If you are thinking of a low-impact activity that can significantly improve your weight, consider cycling. The key to seeing significant results, however, is to spend at least 45 minutes of cycling each day.

Cycling Increases Cardiovascular Fitness

Another very important benefit of cycling is that it improves cardiovascular health. Regular cycling helps stimulate circulation and strengthens the heart and lungs, reducing the risk of heart problems. Not only does cycling strengthen the heart muscles, it also lowers resting pulse and blood fat levels. In addition, since cyclers are not as exposed to pollution as car commuters, they tend to have stronger hearts and lungs.

Cycling Improves Joint Mobility

As you grow older, the cartilage on your knee joints may start to deteriorate, resulting to knee and joint pain. This is especially true if you are not living an active lifestyle. Cycling can help improve joint mobility by giving your knees the opportunity to exercise and stay mobile. And since cycling is a low-impact activity, it does not have the negative effects that other sports such as basketball or even running can have on the knees.

Cycling Improves Posture

Effective cycling requires correct posturing. By cycling on a regular basis, you can correct bad posture and strengthen your spine as well as your back muscles at the same time. The key, though, is to invest in a good brand of bicycle. Some bicycles are not ergonomically designed and may do more harm to your posture than good.

Cycling Reduces Stress

Just like any other form of physical activity, cycling has the potential to reduce stress. As a form of exercises, cycling promotes the release of endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that reduce the brain’s perception of pain. It also triggers a positive feeling, which is why it is often referred to as a “feel good” chemical. Aside from that, cycling offers the opportunity for you to enjoy new sceneries, a perfect activity when you’re feeling stressed and down.

Cycling Prevents Diseases Including Cancer and Diabetes

A number of studies has already been done to show the relationship between regular physical activity and cancer. For instance, according to one report printed in the British Journal of Cancer, cycling just for thirty minutes a day can reduce the risk of cancer by up to 34 percent. Another study suggests that cycling to work every day is enough to cut your risk of diabetes by up to 40 percent.

There are other health benefits of cycling in addition to these, but it would take a lot of time and space to add everything to the list. However, I believe the benefits listed here should be enough to convince you to invest in a bicycle today and start cycling for life.