Cycling is much more than a pleasant mode of sociable transportation; it is a low-impact, environmentally friendly, relatively low-cost and accessible form of fitness for all ages.

Enabling one to keep active, cycling has been linked to a reduction in health problems such as cancer, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, depression, cancer and obesity. Among may other health benefits, it also promotes muscle growth, improves fitness, and aids weight loss. Let’s take a more in-depth look into just some of the many health benefits of cycling.

Cardiovascular disease prevention

Regular cycling has been scientifically linked to a reduction in cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack. When engaging in such exercise, the heart, lungs and circulation are all stimulated, active, and strengthened by working as they should and being maintained by the body as they should, keeping them in tip top condition.

Cancer, diabetes, and other illness prevention

Studies have shown that people who cycle more than 30 minutes a day have a 40% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes – a disease that’s linked specifically to inactivity and obesity. There are also scientific linkages between cycling and a reduction in certain types of cancer. Most notably breast, colon and bowel cancer are all statistically less prevalent in those who have cycled regularly as are other afflictions such as arthritis (bones are strengthened) and mental illness. This is but one of the many reasons why companies who allow people to hire bikes (such as pelicancruiser.com) have become so popular in recent times, as people can add a little extra exercise into their travels.

Weight-loss

Because your metabolic rate is raised, and your muscles are burning fat to build new muscles, cycling can be a great way to aid weight loss and lower blood fat levels. In the simplest sense, your body typically stores fat, so how about letting your bike prevent it from storing too much fat?

The workout intensity and the terrain will directly affect how many calories are burnt, and how much fat burning is achieved. An array of related bike accessories can aid you and at the very least ensure you have the provision to fit a water bottle to your bike. Remember weight loss requires an appropriate diet too.

Muscle growth

By using a huge variety of muscles, from virtually every muscle group, you can ensure your entire body is getting a great workout. That burn your feel in your thighs means that the muscles are growing and strengthening whilst your lungs must expand to accommodate this new need for oxygen in the body and so lung capacity will be improved too.

Aerobic fitness

It is not only muscles that experience growth, but as you cover longer distances and time-periods on the bike, so too does your aerobic fitness and stamina increase. Cycling, although low impact, does require physical exertion which means that the lungs, heart and blood systems all get a workout too. Your overall fitness will be improved as your body adjusts to these new needs and, over time, your resting pulse will be lowered and your stamina and fitness will increase.

At first you may not be used to cycling for a long time, which is why you should begin with shorter distances and keep increasing as you become a regular. If you think you could use some help when you start off, buy an electric bike that can offer some help when needed. This way, you enjoy the experience as well as slowly get fitter.

So aside from being a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors and get economically from A to B, regular cycling also prevents diseases, aids weight loss, improves fitness, and builds muscles. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg as there are numerous other health benefits too!