Research has shown that the benefits of cycling to work helps to reduce absenteeism and help us to feel relaxed and motivated!
One of the main benefits of cycling is that it doesn’t matter if you haven’t ridden a bike for years or if you are a complete beginner! Cycling is mostly easy, fun and invigorating. It is a sport or activity that can be carried out by most abilities and is a great way to be more active.
10 benefits of cycling to encourage and inspire you to hop on a bike and get pedalling!
- 1Builds muscle – The resistance element of cycling helps to build muscle strength. Cycling works all the major muscle groups and helps to improve core stability. It also works the heart muscle too!
- 2Easy on joints – Cycling is a low impact exercise which means that it is easier on our joints than other high impact aerobic activities, such as running.
- 3Aerobic exercise – Riding a bike briskly is a form of aerobic exercise! It raises the heart rate, gets the blood pumping around the body, reduces blood pressure, regulates blood sugar, and so reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- 4Improves balance, posture and coordination – Riding a bike requires coordination and balance. Cycling up and down hills, going round corners, regulating speed and so on, develops core strength and in turn improves posture, balance and coordination.
- 5Burns calories – Cycling at a steady pace burns around 300 calories per hour. Accompanied with a healthy diet, regular cycling could help with weight loss, if this is one of your goals!
- 6Assists cardiac fitness - Lack of physical activity has been shown to increase the risk of chronic illness and mortality. Regular cycling is a healthy way to cut the risk of developing serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and certain cancers.
- 7Relieves stress and improves mental health - A great benefit of cycling is that it is not only good for our physical health but is also great for mental health too! It triggers the release of the body’s feel good hormones, endorphins, which make us feel good. It is not just physical exercise that promotes mental wellbeing. Research shows that it is also being outside in the fresh air that can lift spirits and help us to feel mentally energised.
- 8Easy to fit into daily routine - There is no preparation, no travelling to a gym, no equipment assembly – getting onto your bicycle and pedalling any time of day can be as simple as that! And incurs little or no cost (other than initial purchase and maybe a puncture repair outfit!) Whether you chose to use cycling as a method of transport, recreation or a workout, it is an accessible form of exercise for the majority of people.
- 9Fun, social and competitive- Cycling can be a solo activity but it can also widen your social circle by bringing people together. Engaging in a physical activity with other people is a great motivator and can encourage a bit of healthy competition too.
- 10A sport for all abilities - Whatever your age, gender and ability, most people can reap the health benefits of cycling. For example, the hand cycle enables people recovering from certain injuries or health conditions, such as stroke, to exercise. Bicycles are available for almost every type of disability. It can often act as a mobility aid and a mode of transport for people who have difficulty walking or cannot walk at all.
Debunking the CYCLING myths
Purchasing a bicycle doesn’t have to be expensive. Obviously, depending on what type of bike you choose and how many gadgets you wish to add, there are bicycles to suit most budgets. Much to contrary belief, you don’t pay road tax for riding a bike on the streets and you can’t get points added to your licence! However, you can be fined if riding recklessly or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs!
And finally, the best benefit of cycling is that you don’t have to be superfit but as discussed above, hopping on a bike is a great way to improve your overall health and wellbeing!
Your bike is a discovery; your bike is freedom. It doesn’t matter where you are when you’re on the saddle; you’re taken away - Doug Donaldson
Further reading and research
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/cycling-for-beginners/
https://www.whycycle.co.uk/buying-a-bike/
https://www.whycycle.co.uk/cycling-advice/
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