10 reasons why cycling is good for you!

 

It don't matter how fit or not, how young or old you are. Getting on the saddle, pedalling at your own pace, exploring the city/neighbourhood and feeling the wind in your hair releases a burst of endorphins, the feel-good neurotransmitters. 

Cycling is a wonderful activity you can do on your own or with friends. As an avid rider myself, I love riding with friends, makes it so much more fun. 😁

In this blog, I have listed a few key data from numerous studies and research done over the years showing the benefits of cycling and compiled them into easy to read/understand points.

• Healthy Heart - Just 32 km a week and the potential to suffer a heart disease is lowered by a whopping 50% - British Medical Association. Cycling stimulates and gets your heart pumping which strengthens the heart muscles, thereby burn more calories, lower cholesterol levels, reduce risk of stroke by lowering the resting pulse and blood fat levels.

• Reduced Cancer Risk - The University of Glasgow's research of over five years concluded with the results revealing people who regularly cycled had lowered their risk of cancer by 46% and cardiovascular diseases by 45%.

• Improves Brain Health - According to a 2013 study, cycling regularly improves brain health by increasing the blood and oxygen flow to the brain by 28% and remained as much as 40% even after the activity. Also, researchers from the University of Illinois found cycling helps in building new brain cells in the hippocampus region of the brain, resulting in 15% better memory and lowering the risk of Alzheimer's. 

• Better Sex Life -"Will cycling affect Sex Life?" Be relieved! Numerous discussions link cycling to various sexual health problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED), urinary tract infections (UTIs) and perineal numbness. However, new evidence shows that cycling regularly can actually improve your sex life.  One study from Cornell University concluded that male athletes have the sexual prowess of men two to five years younger, with physically fit females delaying menopause by a similar amount of time. A Harvard University research found that men aged over 50, who cycle for at least three hours a week have a 30 per cent lower risk of impotence. 
  

• Weight Management: Habitual cycling is great for weight loss. Being a low impact activity, its safer/easier on the joints when compared with a jog or run, especially if you're on the heavier side of the scale or a senior citizen.  

• Boosts Immunity - Cycling often boosts immunity by activating the cells responsible. In fact, research by the University of North Carolina proves volunteers who cycled for just 30 minutes, 5 days a week took half the sick leaves as their idler colleges.

• Boosts Lung Health - When your cycling, the heart and lungs are the most active organs. When the heart rate increases the lungs absorb oxygen, which allows more oxygen-rich blood to reach your muscles, thus improving lung capacity & functioning. 

• Relives Stress - Studies by the University of Bristol reveals physical activity like cycling helps reduce daily stress, anxiety and depression. Every time we cycle, the feel-good hormones-endorphins are released.

• Builds Muscles - Cycling not only improves your leg strength by working your glutes, hamstrings, quads & calves. Cycling also strengthens the upper body. While success towards this area of the body is least commonly attributed to cycling, there is something to be said about the effect riding can have on the arms (biceps and triceps) and the shoulders (deltoids). Many cyclists change positions while riding. Whether standing, leaning forward, or ducking on trail rides, upper body support is necessary to sustain these movements. These shifts in body movements place pressure on the upper body and help to tone and strengthen the region.

• Better Sleep - A study by the University of Georgia discovered a strong correlation between the decrease in fitness levels and the inability to fall asleep and other general sleep complaints. As you experience exhaustion and soreness after a bike ride, this tiredness will help you sleep better and quickly.

Now I'm sure you have enough reasons to get on your bike and pedal to a healthier self. Get out, explore new trails, make some new friends, break some new records on Strava or just ride at your own pace. Cycling is a fun way to stay healthy. 

Be advised if you have any underlying medical conditions it's wise to always check with your doctor before undertaking any kind of sport. 

Finally for your safety, always follow the traffic rules and wear personal protection gear!

Ride More & Ride Safe! 🚴🏻 🚴🏻‍♀️ 👍🏻

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Nelson John 

Follow The Bangalore Cyclists on Strava

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