Feel and look better by making time to ride your bike. Get motivated by learning more about the benefits of cycling today!
Cycling may have been pedaling under the radar for the past few decades, but it has made quite a comeback since the pandemic. Because this low-impact outdoor activity is accessible to both the young and the old, it makes it the perfect exercise.
There are many obvious benefits of cycling, such as weight loss and toning those leg muscles, but there are many surprising benefits as well. Let’s go over the top five unexpected advantages of cycling.
1. Stronger Heart
Your heart is a muscle that needs to be worked as much as any other muscle. As an aerobic cardio workout, cycling helps get your heart pumping to distribute oxygen throughout your body.
Cycling multiple times a week can decrease your risk of heart disease and increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin. This means your body can better manage its blood sugar and combat diabetes or the risk of developing diabetes.
2. Improved Brain Function
As you pedal hard up that hill, your heart pumps more oxygenated blood up to your brain. This exercise stimulates parts of the brain that increase brain cell division and growth. When this occurs, it results in improving your memory recall, logical reasoning, and problem-solving.
3. Greater Sense of Direction and Spacial Awareness
It shouldn’t be a surprise that one of the benefits of cycling is better awareness of your surroundings. Cycling is fast enough to give you that great breeze but slow enough to make you pay attention to the world around you.
Cycling gives you a better sense of where you are and improves your ability to navigate. It also helps you gain better balance and awareness of the space your own body occupies.
4. Easier Digestion
There’s a reason pediatricians recommend bicycling a baby’s legs to help with constipation or gas. As long as you stay hydrated while cycling, this activity helps your body quickly move food where it needs to go. Cycling can reduce the water reabsorbed by your body, which means less constipation.
5. Better Sleep
A solid workout session means a solid sleep session as well. Cycling improves your body’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. This will put you in a better, well-rested mood to start your day.
Cycling Tips for Beginners
If you’re ready to make cycling part of your routine but don’t know how to start, find your local bicycle rental shop, like Electric Adventures to try one out and see if it’s right for you.
If cycling is a winner, buy your bicycle from a small business bicycle shop to receive one-on-one bicycle fitting. When you have an expert helping you, you’re sure to find the right bicycle for your needs.
Know the Benefits of Cycling=No Excuse
No matter your age or your capability, cycling is a great option. If you have concerns, it’s always wise to consult your doctor before beginning a new workout routine.
Now that you know all the surprising benefits of cycling, it’s time to get on that bicycle and experience them for yourself.
If you are interested in learning more about staying healthy, check out our Health section
