Bicycling is one form of cardio exercise that’s fun to do whether alone or with some company. Those who know how to bike and enjoy biking long distances can confirm that the activity gives a different kind of fulfillment and freedom.
Cycling has attracted numerous health buffs around the world today from the triathletes to the ordinary folks who simply want to stay fit and travel to great places on two wheels. Indeed, this physical activity brings so many benefits to people.
Helps Lose Weight
Those looking to reduce their weight can turn to cycling. This is because the workout can burn some 300 calories per hour. So for a half hour of cycling, for instance, a person can burn 11 pounds of fat for an entire year.
Unknown to some of you, pedaling regularly boosts a person’s metabolic rate even after your ride.
Improves Strength and Endurance
While the legs do the major workout during cycling, the activity also improves a person’s strength in all parts of his body. Apart from strengthening the leg muscles, it also enhances the mobility of the hip and knee joints thereby reducing your risk of getting arthritis.
Additionally, it builds stamina. In fact, people who enjoy cycling don’t really notice that they have gone long distances as they do the activity regularly.
Improves Heart Condition
Being a low-impact cardio exercise that raises the heart rate, bicycling can lower the risk of heart disease. Specifically, steady cycling for 20 miles each week can reduce a person’s risk by 50 percent, according to a study done by the British Medical Association involving 10,000 civil servants.
Studies have also revealed that pedaling to work can boost cardiovascular fitness by three to seven percent.
Lets You See Beautiful Places
With an opportunity to see beautiful places on a more personal level, cycling outdoors has a huge potential of reducing a person’s stress and depression. An early morning ride to the mountains and hills, for example, is one of the best ways to
commune with nature feel its breeze. It helps improve well being and boosts one’s self-esteem.
It’s definitely okay to start a cycling exercise routine on a regular basis. However, it would be a good idea to consult with your doctor as well to ensure that you’re fit to continue and increase your speed as you go along. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
And another important thing to remember is to always wear your protective gear every time you go out and bring water along to prevent dehydration. Whether you’re traveling for short or long distances, make sure to check your tires, handlebars, brakes, saddle, chains, pedals and reflectors.
Image via richmond.gov.uk
Originally posted on September 2, 2013 @ 5:45 am