Bicycles are the most efficient form of transportation available. On average, a person will burn around 400 to 700 calories in an hour of cycling. Of course, the amount burned depends on a variety of factors like weight, terrain, weather, etc. Furthermore, bicycling is not physically demanding; it does not require any expensive equipment or special skills; and it can be done by people with disabilities. Bicycling also improves cardio-respiratory fitness and strengthens bones and muscles without putting strain on joints like jogging does. Biking is one of the best ways to stay healthy!
Bicycle Health Benefits
Reduces Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
Bicycling is a great cardio-vascular workout. It strengthens your heart and lungs by increasing the supply of oxygen to your heart and muscles. By cycling regularly, you can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol level. Cardiovascular exercise also improves the tone of leg muscles, which lowers your risk for diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar. When you’re cycling, your leg muscles receive a better supply of blood and nutrients. In turn, this helps to lower levels meaning you’re less likely to develop cardiovascular disease. This is especially important for people who are overweight, since extra pounds can lead to high cholesterol and diabetes.
Reduces Risk Of Cancer
Cancer is an illness where cells mutate then increase aggressively resulting in a tumor. The more that your body is exposed to environmental factors that can cause cellular damage, the higher your risk of developing cancer. One such factor is radiation from the sun, which contributes to skin cancer and photoaging. Cycling indoors protects you from these harmful rays, so you can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer. By cycling regularly, you can also reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. Studies have shown that men who cycle at least 3.7 hours a week are less likely to develop this type of cancer than those who don’t engage in regular cycling exercises.
Lowers Blood Pressure
The more people get out and exercise, the more their blood pressure levels go down. Cycling is a great cardiovascular exercise, so it has the ability to lower your blood pressure and reduce stress on your heart. This is especially beneficial for those who have hypertension or other conditions that can cause an increase in blood pressure. When you bike, the amount of work you do increases your heart rate. Regular biking can reduce systolic blood pressure by up to 10 mmHg–that’s about the same decrease achieved by taking medication for hypertension or high blood pressure!
Lowers Risk Of Diabetes
Cycling is one of the best forms of aerobic exercise for people with diabetes. Research involving overweight people has shown that cycling lowers insulin resistance level by 24 percent, which can help to decrease the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Cycling also elevates levels of good cholesterol (HDL), which helps to remove bad cholesterol from your body. By cycling regularly, you can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Reduces Risk Of Stroke
Stroke is a condition in which the flow of blood to your brain is blocked or interrupted. By cycling regularly, you can reduce your risk of having a stroke by strengthening your heart and lungs. Cycling for at least 30 minutes per day reduces the risk of having a stroke by 50 percent, according to research. Researchers have attributed this lowered risk to an increase in HDL cholesterol and decrease in blood pressure. The more you cycle, the greater your defenses against stroke will be. When you’re cycling, the body releases endorphins that can act as natural painkillers and boost your mood.
Reduces Risk Of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become brittle or fragile due to loss of calcium and minerals, usually after menopause. This weakens the skeletal system, which can lead to fractures of the hip, spine or wrist. By getting out and cycling regularly after menopause, you can reduce your risk of osteoporosis substantially. Cycling is a great aerobic exercise that helps to remove plaque buildup in blood vessels around bones. As a result, they become stronger and more resistant to fractures. Cycling for at least 30 minutes per day can help to protect you against this common condition in postmenopausal women.
Improves Strength And Endurance
Riding a bicycle is an excellent way of getting stronger and more fit, while at the same time reducing your risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Cycling helps condition your heart, lungs and muscles for regular exercise. It also elevates energy levels through the release of endorphins found in your brain. Cycling regularly can help to improve blood flow around your body, which will boost athletic performance whether you’re playing a team sport or hitting the gym for a strenuous workout session.
Decreases Stress And Boosts Mood
By getting out and cycling regularly, you can also reduce your stress levels and boost your mood. Exercise is a wonderful way of naturally reducing the body’s level of cortisol, which is a hormone that causes feelings of stress. Cycling for at least 30 minutes per day increases the ability to handle stress. In addition, it helps to release endorphins in your brain that make you feel happier and more relaxed. By getting out and cycling regularly after a long day at work or school, you can also boost energy levels for the rest of the day with a natural “high” from physical activity.
Burns Calories While Reducing Body Fat
Getting out and cycling regularly can help to burn calories while reducing body fat over time. This enhances your overall health and fitness, while also improving strength and endurance. Cycling burns off an average of 500 calories per hour, which is more than enough to shed some unwanted pounds while having fun outside in the sunshine.
Cycling has a wide range of benefits, from reducing the risk of stroke to improving your mood. If you’re looking for an excuse to hop on your bike and go exploring this weekend with family or friends, consider all these biking health benefits! This is one activity that everyone can enjoy together, it’s fun, it builds strength and endurance while burning calories at the same time. Get out there today!
Photo by David Dvořáček on Unsplash