Cycling is a popular activity that has a seemingly endless list of benefits. It’s an ideal way to get out of the house, enjoy the fresh air, and even socialise with others who are passionate about using their bike to traverse the land.
As the rest of the article will show you, it’s particularly advantageous for your health.
Let’s take a look at five ways your wellbeing can be enhanced by cycling.
1. Keep the pounds off
If you’re trying to keep your weight down, one of the most effective ways is to cycle. Even though it’s a low impact form of exercise, cycling can burn over 1,000 calories in just an hour. Admittedly this type of calorie loss requires a particularly high level of intensity, but one that is achievable by someone that sticks to a regular cycling schedule.
2. A full core workout
Along with losing weight, cycling also supplies a full core workout. This means you build muscle throughout your body. It’s especially effective with enhancing your legs, abdominals, and back.
When you strengthen your back muscles and abdominals, these supply added support for your spine. It also increases stability – two points that ultimately grow comfort levels when cycling and moving around in general. The more you can get out and use your bike, the better its impact on your body. Therefore, when looking to get the ideal bike, consider one that you can use every day. For example, if you’ll only be hitting the road, a bike built for this surface is recommended. Specialist unisex and mens road bikes are available, covering all budgets and skill levels.
3. Improve mental health
Cycling is a fantastic way to give your mental health a boost. In fact, it can help enhance your mental wellbeing in many different ways. Due to the release of endorphins and adrenaline, jumping on your bike can instantly make you feel better. This, in turn, helps to ease feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.
You also don’t have to commit too much of your time for these benefits. Even just cycling for ten-to-fifteen minutes a day can do the job.
4. Helps lower the chances of serious diseases
When cycling, one of the main benefits that comes along for the ride is the reduced possibility of suffering from a major disease. As you reduce the chance of being overweight and help to get the blood pumping through your body, it naturally battles against serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
In addition, due to it helping you to circumvent a sedentary lifestyle, it can even assist with managing conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
5. Get a good night’s sleep
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the more you tire yourself out from cycling, the more likely you’re going to fall asleep without issue once you hit the sack. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it reduces anxiety and protects against weight gain – two other aspects that can lead to sleep dysfunction.