Do you want to regularly exercise, have fun, and feel good, all at the same time? You should start cycling!
Cycling is one of the best forms of exercise because it’s low-impact, meaning there is much less strain on your body than in other workouts. In addition, bike riding is adaptable for different fitness levels and can help you get around, reduce your impact on the environment, and save money.
Whether you’re looking to pick up a bicycle for a weekend bike tour or you’re ready to take it up seriously, there are many health benefits of cycling. Here are the top reasons we think everyone should take up cycling.
Benefits of Bike Riding
Get fit without trying too hard
Many people avoid working out because they feel intimidated by gyms and fancy equipment. Biking is a form of cardio that is easy to do and won’t break the bank. You can cycle at your own pace, take it slow, and build up stamina over time.
In addition, regular cycling is a great way to lose weight and burn more body fat. Studies have shown that your body continues to burn calories for up to 30 minutes after a bike ride.
Save the planet and avoid pollution
Riding your bike to get to work or navigate around town is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
According to the University of Montana, motor vehicles produce more than 30% of US carbon dioxide emissions. Riding your bike reduces the number of cars on the road and the amount of pollution created in your community. Cycling is 100% pollution free!
Improve mental health and brain power
The benefits of cycling are not just physical. Cycling has been shown to boost happiness and improve mental health, too.
Exercising at least three times a week for 30 minutes releases feel-good endorphins that improve mood, decrease stress, and alleviate anxiety. If you do outdoor cycling, your happiness will increase even more.
Cycling also boosts your brain power and increases focus. In addition, cardio increases blood flow to the brain, which helps build new brain cells in the hippocampus. These new cells improve memory and can help stave off Alzheimer’s.
Make more money
A study has shown that exercise and weight loss may help you make more money. According to an Ohio State University study, people who lost weight gained wealth over a 15-year period. Of course, it’s important to remember that correlation does not prove causation, but it’s still an interesting tidbit of information.
Even if cycling doesn’t make you more money, it can definitely help you save. Cycling can save you money on gas, car payments, parking fees, and so much more.
Boost your bowels
Who knew the benefits of riding a bike extended to your gut? An aerobic exercise like cycling increases breathing and heart rate, accelerating the contraction of your intestinal muscles.
Food moves through your intestines faster and smoother because of this muscle stimulation. In addition, exercising decreases the amount of water absorbed back into your body, making it easier to pass stool.
Enjoy healthy family time
Outdoor cycling is something the whole family can enjoy. There are different bikes for people of all ages and abilities so that no one will feel left out.
Collaborate with your kids on how to plan a bike route and spend quality bonding time away from your screens. A leisurely bike ride through the park is a great way to foster a love of the outdoors and cultivate unique experiences with your loved ones.
Improves strength and flexibility
Cycling is an excellent aerobic exercise to improve lower body strength, endurance, and flexibility. Consistently cycle on a standard or stationary bike to build muscle in your:
- Legs
- Glutes
- Quads
- Hamstrings
- Calves
Cycling also loosens the muscles in your lower body, making you more flexible over time. If you want to work out your upper body, incorporate arm exercises into your routine a few times a week.
Helps with conditions like arthritis
Bike riding benefits people with arthritis who want to stay active. Biking is a low-impact activity that doesn’t stress your joints and may help reduce arthritis pain.
Cycling engages your core and straightens your back, reducing back pain and increasing blood flow to your joints. The increased circulation of joint fluid and blood lubricates your joints and can decrease the pain you feel from arthritis.
Improves balance, posture, and coordination
Cycling benefits us as we age by improving and maintaining balance and coordination. Using your body to keep your bike upright as you ride will improve your overall coordination and balance. Cycling also improves posture because your back flattens as you ride.
As we age, our balance and coordination generally decline. Cycling can help maintain these skills to prevent falls, fractures, and severe injury.
Reduce the risk of disease
We all know that a healthy diet and regular exercise help us live healthier, longer lives. Take up cycling regularly to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other health concerns. Studies have shown that biking regularly can reduce heart disease risk by as much as 50 percent!
Cardio workouts can also help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition, your immune cells are more active when you exercise, so your immune system gets a boost. Overall, being active is a great way to live a healthier, happier life.
Develop a positive addiction
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, exercise can help reduce feelings of depression and stress. The release of opiates into your brain during an intense bike ride will make you feel great. Don’t be surprised if you get addicted!
Cycling is excellent for mental health because it releases endorphins in your brain that trigger a pleasure response. The “runner’s high” can also be felt when riding a high-intensity bike.
Great for beginners
You never forget how to ride a bike. Even if you haven’t touched a bike in years, your procedural memory will kick in once you hop on and start pedaling.
If you’re just starting your fitness journey, cycling can be a great starting point because it’s low-intensity and self-paced. You can build up the intensity of your workout as you get more fit and even choose a stationary bike if a standard bicycle is too much.
Spend quality time with friends
Taking up cycling as a hobby has social benefits, too. Joining cycling clubs and connecting with bike friends can strengthen relationships and foster new ones. Socializing with friends by going on a bike ride releases the “happy hormone” oxytocin, which boosts your mood and encourages feelings of trust and empathy.
Studies have shown that people with active social lives are more likely to live longer, have lower blood pressure, and have a more robust immune system. So quality time with friends while biking is not just fun; it’s good for you!
Have a positive start to your morning
Enjoy the benefits of biking right when you wake up. Kicking off the day with a healthy activity like cycling boosts circulation, burns calories, and wakes you up. In addition, working out in the morning will help you face the day with a positive mindset.
Improve your sex life
Regular physical activity and exercise can boost your sex drive because of improved mental health, increased energy, and feeling more physically attractive.
Research and surveys have shown sexual cycling benefits for ladies and men. Women may experience menopause later in life, and older men experience lower rates of impotence.
Enjoy the Benefits of Cycling Today
It takes only 30 minutes a day to reap the benefits of biking. Incorporating a bike ride into your daily routine can be life-changing. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered.
If you’re in New York City and looking to start your cycling journey, check out Fancy Apple’s selection of bike rentals. We have everything you need to take a feel-good trip through Central Park and beyond with your family and friends.