Cycling is a very beneficial sport. Aside from allowing you to enjoy the fresh air while you shed pounds, it also has a tremendous impact on the rest of your health. From building muscle to improving the immune system and contributing to mental health, cycling comes with a full spectrum of health benefits. So, if you’ve been thinking about starting to cycle during the weekends and maybe even go on a cycling trip, here are all the reasons why you shouldn’t change your mind but grab your mountain bike and hit the road.
Builds muscle
One of the main benefits of cycling is that it helps you build more lean muscle. After only a month of regular cycling, you’ll notice that your legs and glutes are more defined. Once you make mountain biking a regular part of your routine, it won’t be long before you start noticing the rest of your body looking better than ever. From arms to your core, glutes and legs, your entire body will look slenderer and more athletic just because you started cycling a few hours a week.
Improves immune system
People who practised cycling regularly had experienced reduced instances of the common cold. All it takes is a few days a week of aerobic exercising to knock down sick days by 40 per cent. Low impact exercises such as cycling increase the production of essential proteins and wake up lazy white blood cells, which help our immune system become stronger.
Benefits mental health
Riding a bike regularly can benefit your mind as well. Spending time outdoors will allow you to clear your mind and feel more at ease as you cycle your way through any problem that might be bothering you. Cycling contributes to the release of adrenalin and endorphins responsible for putting us in the good mood. So, if you’ve been feeling down lately, we suggest you grab your mountain bike and hit the trails immediately. Broaden your social circle by cycling in a group, or choose to ride a bike on your own and allow yourself to work through your issues as you enjoy the outdoors.
Controls body weight
Aside from building muscle, cycling will help you prevent obesity by allowing you to shed pounds easily. All you need is to look up premium mountain bicycles and invest in a new one that will allow you to spend your free time exercising and watching that excess weight melt easily. Depending on your weight and the intensity of your training, you can burn between 400 and 1000 calories an hour just by cycling. If losing weight is your goal, then all you need to do is regulate your diet and start eating healthy. That’s the winning combination to getting a fit and healthy body.
Helps with cardiovascular disease
According to statistics, stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack are the number 1 cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. With regular cycling, you will stimulate and improve your heart, lungs and circulation, which will, in turn, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Just moderately cycling to and from work will contribute to your heart health and benefit your lungs too.
Good for your lungs
Speaking of lungs, spending time outdoors and staying physically active on your bike also contributes to your lung health. The fact that you’re breathing in the fresh air instead of being surrounded by busses, cars and other air-polluting vehicles, you’re protecting your lungs from the harmful effects of pollutants. When you cycle, your lungs work harder than when you’re sitting down or just walking. To be more precise, an adult cycling will use 10 times the oxygen than what they’d use when they’re sitting in front of the TV for the same period. With every cycling training, you’re training your lungs to work more efficiently together with your heart and keep you healthy for many years.
Improved sleep
Another health benefit of riding a bike includes better sleeping patterns. Your body and brain heal and reset during sleep, so having between 6 and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep will be invaluable for your overall health. Not to mention that without enough sleep, you can throw off your hormone balance and experience more severe health issues. So, if you’re struggling to get your shut-eye, start cycling regularly. Following this benefit, you’ll also reduce anxiety which will also work towards improving your sleeping patterns.
Reduces cancer risk
According to a study, cycling can also help prevent facing the big C. What’s more, if you start cycling regularly, you will cut the risk of developing heart disease or cancer by fifty per cent. Because of raised heart rate and better blood pumping, your overall health and immune system will improve. That’s why your body will feel and become healthier. Consistent daily exercise at moderate-intensity levels can lower the risk of breast cancer.
Builds stamina
Just like any endurance sport, cycling is one of the best activities that lead to an increase in energy levels. The more often you go out to cycle, the longer you’ll be able to ride eventually. Stamina will also be very beneficial for those who plan to start running too. Your time in the bedroom with your sweetheart can also be more exciting if you build stamina. You won’t have to take a break halfway through just because you’re out of breath. You can enjoy a full night of thrills and excitement without having to worry about your stamina levels.
Improves balance, posture, and coordination
When you start cycling, you will need to stabilize your body and keep your bike upright. That’s one of the reasons you’ll improve your overall balance, coordination, and posture. That is especially beneficial for older people because balance tends to decline as we get older. Therefore, keep your balance game on top, and don’t stop cycling if you still have the strength to do it. Improved balance can also prevent falls and fractures, which older people tend to suffer more from.
Final thoughts
Riding a bike regularly comes with a full spectrum of benefits. Not only will you be able to manage your weight and prevent obesity, but with regular cycling, you can also improve your lung and cardiovascular health. On top of that, you will decrease the risk of cancer, improve your balance, posture, coordination, and immune system. You’ll also sleep much better, build stamina, muscle and improve your mental health. With all those benefits in mind, you should immediately get your mountain bike and hit the road to start feeling all of the benefits this wonderful activity brings.
