When it comes to getting fit, you want to make sure that you are doing the right exercises that not only build muscle but also increase your cardiovascular health. Whether you have been riding bikes for years or haven’t since you were a child, you may not realize how good it is for you. Here are the health benefits of cycling and what you need to know.
Cardiovascular Health
When you cycle, you are building your cardiovascular health. When you cycle, your heart, lungs, and blood vessels get a workout. When you start cycling you may find that you aren’t able to go very far or cycle for a very long time. This may be because your heart and lungs aren’t used to working in this manner. Don’t panic though, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Don’t worry if you start breaking a sweat and generating heat, this is perfectly natural, just make sure that you keep hydrated.
Low Impact
Exercise such as running, especially in older age can increase injury on already painful areas such as the knees. The repetitive impact can cause damage and pain and will make you want to stop exercising all together. The good thing about cycling is that it is low impact and is a fluid movement. That fluid movement makes sure that there is no undue strain on any joints and ensures that you are strengthening them rather than damaging them.
Builds Muscle
When it comes to building muscle, don’t start panicking, you’re not going to end up with thighs like tree trunks overnight, but muscle is something that is very good to have. When you build muscle, your body needs more calories to burn and operate, so you’ll find that you may lose weight and look as though you are toning. Increased muscle volume also reduces the chance of injury and the onset of degenerative bone conditions.
Reduces Stress
Exercise gives you many physical health benefits, but it can also do wonders for your mental health and cycling is no different. When you cycle you are increasing your bodily function which also increases and changes your brain function. It releases endorphins which counteract cortisol, the stress hormone, and can make you feel happier and healthier. Over time, you’ll begin to feel happier and more relaxed each time you use your bike as your brain will begin to associate it with a reduction in stress.
Strengthens Your Immune System
When we exercise on a regular basis and get out on our bikes, the increase in cardiovascular activity can help our body wake up some of those white blood cells. It is white blood cells that fight infection in our bodies, so by exercising on a regular basis, you wake these up. Studies have shown that people who cycle on a regular basis decrease the chances of having a cold by up to 40%.
Upper Body Strength
It is a common misconception that cycling regularly only builds the muscles in your legs. In actual fact, cycling is an excellent way to not only build your upper body, such as arms, chest, and shoulders, it is also excellent for building core strength too. Working that wrench when things go wrong doesn’t hurt the muscles either (original: chiave dinamometrica per bici)This is because you have to push against the handlebars to hold yourself up and engage your core. All of this movement works to help you build a stronger core, arms, and shoulders with the peddling motion helping to build your legs.
Stamina
Stamina is something that can take a while to build, but the more you cycle the more you build it. You may not notice the increase at first, but we promise that they will come. This isn’t just positive for your physical health. It is also exceptionally important for your mental health. Building stamina gives you a personal sense of accomplishment, which is a vital component and one that therapists recommend when we are struggling without mental health. So if you feel as though you need a task to make you feel better and quiet your mind, cycling can be a way to do this.
Wrap Up
When it comes to cycling, there really are an amazing number of benefits that you can feel by just getting out on your bike. Even if you aren’t wanting to take part in the Tour De France, just going around the block for a peddle can not only improve your physical health, but it can also improve your mental health and mental well-being. Cycling is an excellent low-impact sport to take part in, that doesn’t damage joints. Furthermore, it can promote a healthier immune system by waking up the white blood cells that fight infection. All you need to do is get on your bike a few times a week to start reaping the rewards.
