By Bhawna
Being physically active is an essential part of a good routine. Physical activity is something that should be a habit. Physical activity protects you from diseases like obesity, and serious heart conditions. Riding a bicycle is an easy way to keep yourself healthy. It also keeps you joyful. There is a feeling of independence and joy in riding a bicycle. It is something that you should adopt in comparison to a sedentary lifestyle.
Cycling is fun. It is less costly. It is good for the environment too. You can ride to work and shops. These are some of the ways to save time and also combine regular exercise with your everyday routine. There are many people who ride bicycles for recreation and as a transport.
Everyone has a reason to start cycling. It can be to lose weight, improve health, as a hobby, or anything else. There are so many benefits of cycling.
So, let’s take a look at the health benefits of cycling:
For Fitness and Health
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You can cycle two to four hours a week to get the health benefits of cycling. Cycling is low-impact. It causes fewer injuries than exercises. It is a good muscle workout. Cycling uses major muscles as you pedal. It is easy- this is the best part about cycling. Cycling doesn’t require you to have high levels of physical skills. You learn cycling easily. Once you learn, you don’t forget also. It is good for strength and stamina. Cycling increases stamina and physical strength. It can be done as intensely as you want. As a beginner, you can do it with low intensity but as you grow, you can increase the intensity. It can be turned into a high-intensity workout. It is like an adventure. It is better than physical activities done at home. It is time-efficient.
Regular Cycling: Its Benefits
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Cycling is an aerobic activity. It is beneficial for your heart, blood vessels, and lungs. It makes you breathe deeper. You perspire. There is an increased body temperature. It will increase your fitness level. If you regularly cycle, you will reap its benefits. You will have increased cardiovascular fitness. There will be better muscle strength and flexibility. There will be increased joint mobility. There will be improved posture and coordination. Your bones will be strengthened. The body fat will be decreased. There are mental health benefits too like decreased stress levels. There is also reduced anxiety and depression. You feel happier by cycling. It is fun. There is a feeling of joy experienced during cycling.
Specific Health issues
Cycling can reduce the chances of many health issues:
Obesity and weight control
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Cycling is a good way to reduce weight. It increases metabolic rate and builds muscles. It burns body fat. If you are planning to lose weight, cycling should be paired with a proper diet plan. Cycling is a comfortable exercise. You can change the time and intensity as you grow. Cycling reduces the chances of obesity. Cycling burns calories.
Cardiovascular disease
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Examples of cardiovascular diseases are stroke, heart attack, and blood pressure-related problems. Regular cycling improves heart rate, blood circulation, and thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Diabetes
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The rate of type 2 diabetes is increasing these days. Lack of exercise is the major reason behind this disease. Research has shown that those who cycle more are less prone to type 2 diabetes.
Arthritis
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Cycling improves coordination and balance. Riding a bicycle can be good exercise if you have arthritis. This is because it places less stress on joints.
Cancer
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Cycling can help recover from cancer. It can also reduce the risk of many types of cancer like breast cancer. It can improve the overall quality of life if you have cancer.
Mental Health
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Mental health problems like stress, anxiety, and depression can be reduced by cycling. This is because of the effects of cycling. Cycling gives fun. It is an enjoyment in itself. It reduces stress. Cycling can improve mood. There is the release of endorphins, the happiness hormones. There is increased confidence.
There are so many life stresses. Some can be solved with a cup of coffee. But others are worse. But cycling can keep life stresses at bay. Cortisol is the stress hormone that we have in our bodies. It prepares the body for a ‘fight or flight’ response. Having higher cortisol levels can increase sleep issues, obesity, heart disease, and many other problems. Cycling can reduce stress and anxiety. It also reduces the chances of getting anxiety and depression. Cycling helps you practice mindfulness. Mindfulness means the idea of ‘Here and Now’. Mindfulness means being engaged in what you are doing and the awareness of it. While cycling, you are focusing on turning the pedals and not thinking about anything else.
Cycling can improve brain power
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Cycling can help you focus more and improve concentration. It can take you away from the mental chatter of your mind. If you feel lethargic, it is a good idea to cycle for 10 minutes to get back all the energy.
Positive impact on the immune system
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Cycling has benefits for the respiratory system. If you cycle regularly, you can improve your respiratory system. Cycling can improve the immune system by increasing the production of essential proteins. Cycling can wake up white blood cells.
Cycling builds muscles
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Cycling burns fat. And it also builds muscles. It builds muscles around the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves.
Cycling lowers cholesterol
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Cycling can improve cholesterol levels. It can boost cardiovascular health. It can reduce the chances of stroke and heart attack. It can boost HDL, the good cholesterol. It lowers LDL, the bad cholesterol.
Conclusion
So, cycling is an all-rounder exercise that has multiple health benefits. You can get better muscles, better brain power, and a lesser risk of diseases like cardiovascular diseases. Cycling is beneficial for your mental health.
