Cycling is a fun activity to do with your family, friends, and is a great way to get outside. It’s also beneficial to your health. Hopping on your bike to explore nearby roads and trails can improve your overall health. If you have the time, try cycling every day to reap these amazing benefits!
Building Muscle
Many people have a tough time building muscle, whether it’s genetics, not having the time for strength training, or not having access to a gym. However, cycling is a great way to build up some extra muscle. During the downstroke of pedaling, you’re working the muscles in your buttocks, thighs, and calves. You’re also working your hamstrings and front hip muscles whenever you do a backstroke, up-stroke, or over stroke while pedaling. Other muscles such as your abs get stronger by balancing and staying upright on the bike, as well as your arm and shoulder muscles while holding on to the handlebars and steering.
Improved Heart, Lungs, and Circulation
One of the greatest benefits of cycling on a regular basis is how much it improves your cardiovascular health. Cycling is an excellent activity to stimulate your heart, lungs, and blood circulation. This can also help decrease your chances of developing cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure, and heart attack. By cycling every day, you will strengthen your heart muscles, lower your resting pulse, and reduce blood fat levels.
Increased Bone Density
Because biking is a resistance activity, by pushing on the pedals, you are pulling on the muscles which then pull on the bone. The muscles pulling on the bone helps increase bone density. Biking also requires strength, balance, and coordination, which could potentially help to prevent falls and fractures. It’s also a low-impact exercise that places little stress on joints, which is great for individuals with arthritis or osteoporosis.
Better Mental Health
While cycling is great for your physical health, it’s been found that it can improve your mental health as well. Cycling is perfect for easing feelings of stress, depression, or anxiety. Riding your bike allows you to focus on the road to help develop concentration and awareness of the present moment. It can also help distract you from any anxious mental chatter or stress. While you ride, endorphins are also released and can help make you feel better.
This article was originally published on LachlanSoper.net.au
