Health Benefits of Cycling

This article will focus on the health benefits of riding a bike rather than looking at the benefits to the environment and cutting costs with respect to using public transport. So what are the health benefits of riding a bike?

Cycling is right up there with swimming and running as one of the best cardiovascular fat burning exercises. As long as you cycle for more than 30 minutes without stopping, your metabolism will be burning fat and calories for several hours afterwards as it’s an aerobic exercise. Obesity affects 1 in 10 of our children and an even higher proportion of adults, cycling is a great family activity so get the whole family outdoors regularly for a bike ride.

If you do have joint problems or arthritic pain, swimming is probably best for you.

As children, we are greatly influenced by our parents. If our parents cycle, swim etc., and bring the children along too, the kids are likely to grow up maintaining a good level of activity.

If you are starting out on your weight loss journey, cycling is ideal if you are overweight and don’t want to start running yet. Consider cycling first to lose some weight before starting a running program, as cycling will be kinder to your body whilst you shift some excess pounds. Cycling will be a lot easier on your joints.

Getting outside into the sun is great for all of us. Exposure to sunlight gives us Vitamin D. Vitamin D is not present in many foods, so getting outdoors is very important for us. This vitamin is important for calcium consumption and is also needed for bone growth. Sunlight will also increase your levels of serotonin. Low levels of serotonin may mean you are irritable, depressed, and anxious. So fix it and get happy with a bike ride in the sun, just wear lots of sun screen. As your stress levels reduce through increased serotonin, you will have a much better night’s sleep and feel more relaxed.

With a steady amount of exercise, your immunity will increase as your immune cells become more active, and hence, fight off infection. You will have a lower risk of getting cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, and you lessen the risk of getting type 2 diabetes and various forms of cancer.

Fact – according to the British Heart Foundation, cycling for just 20 miles a week, will reduce your chances of getting heart disease by half, compared to those who take no exercise at all. Sure that alone is worthwhile?

As you get fitter, blood flow and oxygen to the brain is boosted which regenerates your receptors, and hence your brain power. So it’s a way of warding off Alzheimer’s disease as well.

So there are enormous health benefits to cycling. Cycling will also tone your body, developing muscle in your pelvis region, your thighs and calves and generally toning your entire body.

Now surely you can fit this activity into your daily routine without upsetting it too much? Why don’t you cycle to and from work? It’s probably quicker than driving if you live in the City and you’ll save money on transport costs at the same time. If you cannot do that, try and cycle two to three times a week, with a good ride at the weekends. Your body will love you for it.

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About the Author:
Lana Soko is passionate about Health and writes for http://www.lose-weight-with-us.com
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