Riding a bicycle is fun, environmentally friendly and healthy. It is also a tried and true way to both connect with nature and your childhood. Cycling short distances is often quicker than driving too, as a bike rider can zip through traffic. The best part? Anyone looking to get started in cycling can do so without investing a lot of money. A basic bike to get around town will cost you less than $200 (when purchased used). Besides, a lot of people get into cycling for the health benefits, which pays for itself. Here are five health benefits of regular exercise using a bicycle that you should know about!
Low Impact
Many joggers end up with a lot of knee and back problems because the constant pounding of jogging on the pavement causes many problems for runners. In effect, more and more people are seeking out cardio exercise that is more gentle on the body. Cycling still offers the cardiovascular benefits of running, without the wear and tear that comes with it. Really, low impact exercises should be incorporated into everyone’s routine, because injuries are less likely to occur.
Muscle Mass
Cycling improves muscle tone and function all over your legs. Cycling regularly strengthens muscles in the legs, as well as the rest of the body. Intense riders will gain muscle at a fast rate. Riding a bike requires stability, which helps build muscles throughout the body. Anyone aiming for increased overall muscle tone needs to ride a bike on a regular basis.
Cardiovascular Strength
Never forget that riding a bike builds cardiovascular endurance too. However, it is crucial for a bike rider to ride with at least some intensity every time they hop on. This is because cycling along at a slow rate may not work the heart enough, though this is acceptable if you’re new to exercise. It’s good to establish a routine though. A forty minute bike ride 3 days a week will build up your cardio endurance at a healthy rate.
Fun
Most would agree that cycling is much more enjoyable than jogging or other cardiovascular workouts. The great thing about cycling is that one can go through city streets, up mountains or down trails. The landscape can constantly change on a bike. Regardless, after a long bike ride, any cyclist will feel rewarded and look forward to the next ride! This is so different from running, which can get old so easily. Remember that the more you enjoy yourself, the more likely you are to repeat the exercise.
Calories
Cycling burns roughly 300 calories per hour. Therefore, cycling 30 minutes daily (without changing your appetite) would burn 11 pounds of fat in a year. Imagine how much you would then burn if you also ate well or less than you do now. Also, remember that your metabolic rate after cycling increases long after the ride finishes.
Cycling is a terrific exercise to get in shape and build muscle, for people of any age. It is a perfect supplement to an exercise plan and most people who frequently ride a bike will sing its praises for years to come. Safety needs to be taken into consideration though, and this includes buying reflectors and lights, as well as a helmet. Stock up and you’re ready to go!
Sam Hardin writes about exercise, beauty & more at www.healthinsurancequotes.org.
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