10 Life Changing Benefits of Cycling

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Exercise is a necessity for everyone, but it can be intimidating, as most might not know how to start. Whether you’re interested in taking walks in the evening, or going to the gym in the morning, there are several ways to make sure that your body is getting the movement it needs to stay healthy. One such exercise that is truly beneficial is cycling.

Cycling is one of the best workouts that you can do for yourself, and it has several benefits that you might not be aware of. While lifting weights or jogging might seem like it’s more impactful than cycling, there are actually several reasons why you should include cycling into your routine. Read on to learn more on the benefits of cycling.

Health Benefits of Cycling

There are several benefits of cycling, whether you’re interested in physical or mental health, or overall health for your future self.

10. Environmentally Friendly

A big health benefit to cycling is how it can help the environment, which in turn helps you. Reducing your carbon footprint by commuting on your bike whenever possible is a great way to ensure a better future for everyone.

A 2021 study found that if you cycle to a destination instead of using a car once a day, it can decrease the transportation carbon footprint by a hefty 67%, making it a huge impact on not only the environment’s health, but everyone’s around you.

For those that want to incorporate commuting in a better way for the environment, Trek offers tons of outdoor bikes with the environment in mind. They focus on providing a solution to the complex problems of the world such as congestion, public health, and climate change. They’re working hard to put more people out of vehicles and in bicycles.

9. Strengthens Your Legs

Not only does cycling improve overall function, but it helps tone and strengthen your leg muscles as well without the overstressing your joints. Cycling targets your quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves.

While building muscles might not be your main goal when cycling, it is still a great way to tone up while you’re moving. And if you make sure your core is fully engaged, you also can work out your abs as well.

8. Great for Weight Management

Moving your body in general is a great way to keep your body in shape. Whether you’re interested in losing weight or just maintaining the weight you’re at now, this is a great workout that ensures that you stay fit and healthy.

Cycling with a high intensity is great for burning fat, while cycling at moderate levels is great to just stay fit. A 2020 study that habitual cyclist may have increased metabolism which means you can burn more calories even at a rest.

7. Can Help Lower Cholesterol

A study determined that indoor cycling has a positive effect on total cholesterol. Cycling has a chance at boosting HDL, or good cholesterol, while lowering LDL, or bad cholesterol.

In the Journal of the American Heart Association, studies found that people who biked to work were less likely to develop high cholesterol than those who didn’t.

6. Helps Boost Mental Health and Brain Power

There have been several studies that prove that any form of exercise is a great way to improve your mental health. Adding cycling into the mix, biking outside is not only a great way to exercise but is also a great way to get out into fresh air, which is also a proven benefactor to mental health.

Exercising promotes the release of endorphins into your body, which helps you feel better all while lowering your stress levels.

5. It’s a Great Low Impact Option

Cycling is one of the best beginner friendly exercises that you can do, as it’s incredibly low impact and super easy to pick up. It’s a great way to ease your body into an exercise without the worry of strain on your joints.

Other workouts tend to stress your joints or muscles, which can cause more bad than good, but with cycling, you’re able to work on your lower body with ease.

4. Great for Lung Health

Another benefit of cycling is lung health, as cycling improved cardiorespiratory health. An older study found that a few hours a week can greatly improve your lung health.

Regular cycling can promote lung function in those with a lung condition. However, even for those without a lung condition, improving and staying on top of your lung health is still something that you should focus on.

3. Could Prevent Certain Cancer

Interestingly enough, cycling has been linked with breast cancer prevention. A 2009 study researched that weight management could help reduce the risk of breast cancer and other chronic conditions.

It suggests that obesity and inactivity can be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence. Ensuring that you stay at a healthy weight could help prevent any obesity-related cancer.

2. Improves Balance, Posture and Coordination

Stabilizing your bike constantly is a great way to improve your overall balance and coordination. As you get older, balance tends to decline, so it’s vital to keep up with it to make sure you’re healthy down the road.

Improving your balance can help you prevent falls and fractures, which will help you prevent other injuries.

1. Lower the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

One of the biggest benefits of cycling is that it lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. There have been several studies that prove that cycling improves heart health, saying that 46% lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease when cycling, as well as 52% have a lower risk of dying from the condition.

improving your heart health can help reduce risk of developing certain cancers, like mentioned above. Staying on top of your heart health is one of the best ways to ensure a healthier future.

Benefits of Cycling Daily

Are there really any benefits to cycling every day?

Yes.

Like mentioned above, there are several benefits to cycling, but doing it every day can really bring out those benefits. You’ll end up losing weight instead of maintaining it, and you’ll be able to build muscle quicker, and see the health benefits faster.

While going at it every day is great, there are also some concerns you should be aware of. Make sure that you’re taking care of your body. Taking rest days are important too, or else your body might get burnt out, or you might cause injuries. Make sure you’re listening to your body, and if you’re concerned, speak with a professional trainer to build a special routine just for you.

Electric Bikes are just as beneficial as normal bikes as they offer a better range of travel as well as giving you more ease when traversing through the natural environment, such as hills or riding against the wind. You still get a healthy dose of exercise all while being more stress free when getting in shape. For some amazing, high quality electric bikes, check out Rad Power Bikes.

CHECK OUT: 5-Star Healthy Dinner Recipes to Help Prepare for a Workout

Benefits of Cycling Indoors vs Outdoors

For those that are interested in cycling, but are not sure where to start, there are several different ways that you can go about it. The gym has several stationary bikes that you can use. Or you can purchase your own and cycle outside. But for those wondering if there’s truly a difference, read more to find out.

Cycling Indoors

Indoor cycling is a great way to workout with convenience. Whether that be in a gym or at home, having a stationary bike is just as beneficial as going outside. You can have an intense, fast and stress-free workout inside without the worry of others in your way, uphill climbs, or potential dangers when moving around outside. You can close your eyes or zone out without the worry of others or yourself like you would if you were outdoors, which is pretty great.

Another huge benefit is that a lot of bikes can be adjusted. So, while outdoors you could be stuck getting through a big hill, but indoors you have a way to stop or change your settings whenever you want without the worry of being far from home. Plus, you can cycle at any time of day, during any day, even if it’s snowing.

Cycling Outdoors

One of the best reasons to cycle outdoors is simply because it’s outdoors. Not only are you getting in a great workout, but you’re out in the fresh air soaking up the sun. Being outdoors is a great way to improve your mental health, and so does cycling, making it the perfect combo when exercising.

Outdoor cycling is also a great way to encounter more obstacles. For those that want a harsh workout and don’t mind the climbs and turns of your environment, this is a great option. You can explore the area around you all while picking up a sweat.

Cycling outdoors can also be implemented into your daily routine. If you work close to home, it might be a great chance to change from driving to cycling. Not only do you avoid parking spaces and potential traffic, but it helps you feel more awake and active than just driving a couple of minutes down the road.

And lastly, it is proven that you do burn more calories right outdoors rather than indoors, making it the perfect option for those that are looking to lose more weight.

Another great choice when shopping for bikes is the Electric Bike Company, which combines luxury and leisure while staying conscious of the environment. Not only will you ride in style, but you’ll receive the great benefit of staying in shape.

In Conclusion

There are several benefits of cycling, from mental health, physical health, to long-term effects that could make your future self very happy. And while there are several options when it comes to how you want to cycle, cycling for a few hours a week indoors could be the best solution to those looking for a low-impact, stress-free and enjoyable exercise that is easy to pick up.

10 Life Changing Benefits of Cycling