Here are 15 different benefits of cycling. This is what I found useful based on my personal experience as a hardcore cycling fan.
During 2 years of regular bike riding, I noticed multiple improvements in my health. Based on those improvements, I did online research to prove my findings and facts.
Most articles online about this topic lack clear scientific references. I set out to fix that.
All points below are backed up with legitimate references from well-known sources. I believe that those benefits give good inspiration for all individuals, regardless of their physical level.
Here are the benefits of cycling:
#1 – Mental health
#2 – Weight lose
#3 – Low impact
#4 – Builds muscle
#5 – Strengthens your heart
#6 – You can eat more
#7 – Better sleep
#8 – Brain power
#9 – Better lung health
#10 – Stronger immune system
#11 – Socializing through cycling
#12 – Improves your sexual life
#13 – Slows aging
#14 – Great for active recovery
#15 – Caring for environment
The information provided in this article should not be used for treating health problems or diseases. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.
Keep reading to find out what are the health benefits of bike riding.
#1 – Mental health
Have you ever heard a quote by Thomas Jefferson: “A strong body makes the mind strong.”? The quote has true meaning and here is why. According to the research people who exercise have fewer bad days in comparison to non-physically active people.
Many cyclists claim to feel happier and accomplished after their cycling workouts. This is due to endorphins that are released into the body. Based on Harvard Medical School studies prolonged exercise like cycling or walking is the best way for releasing endorphins.
#2 – Weight lose
Cycling is a great way to lose weight by burning some fat. Bike riding can be done either alone or in the company of beloved ones. While pedaling towards your destination, countless miles will be covered in no time and lots of calories burned.
In case you prefer indoor cycling then Peloton is a great choice. It provides personal and interactive cycling exercise done in classes. Peloton power zone weight loss classes are great way to lose weight, stay consistent and have fun.
#3 – Low impact
Bike riding is a low-impact type of exercise. For example, excessive walking or running might overload knees or other joints while biking is the opposite.
The pedals take all the pressure, therefore, it makes cycling perfect for beginners, the elderly and the ones who have issues with their knees or joints.
#4 – Builds muscle
Cycling is fun, but also good for your muscles. Through constant pedaling, your legs and glutes will become stronger and toned.
Even though cycling is mainly about the legs, your core muscles will get enough workload. In the long term, it will boost your overall balance and stability.
#5 – Strengthens your heart
Cycling is an aerobic exercise and it is known that it is one of the best ways to improve your cardiovascular health. Based on this research bike riding significantly lowers the chances of various heart and blood vessels related diseases. A healthier heart improves heart rate, decreases the possibility of sudden death and prolongs lifespan.
#6 – You can eat more
Riding a bike is an activity that burns calories. It is hard to tell how much exactly you will burn, but Healthline provided some averages. An individual who is 155 pounds will burn approximately 298 calories cycling at a moderate pace for 30 minutes.
Based on this information, after a 30-minute long cycling workout you can treat yourself without any guilt.
#7 – Better sleep
Aerobic exercises such as cycling have been proven as contributing factor toward better sleep at night. Based on this research, a workout routine that ends at least two hours before sleep helps fall asleep faster and sleep deeper.
#8 – Brainpower
Sounds insane, but it was proven that regular physical exercise such as biking improves cognitive function for both healthy and patients with schizophrenia.
Based on this research, individuals who were pedaling for over six months showed huge differences in their brain scans. All subjects who were participating in the research showed enhanced integrity of white matter fibers.
#9 – Better lung health
Have you ever got breathless during your workout? This is fine and nothing to worry about, but cycling can improve this aspect. While exercising your body is using oxygen to provide energy to your muscles.
Cycling actively will improve your cardiovascular health and your muscles will get stronger. In the long term, it means that your body will consume less oxygen to manage the same energy levels. As a result, you will not go that easily out of breath during your exercise sessions.
#10 – Stronger immune system
Based on research results moderate-to-vigorous intensity training that lasts up to 60 minutes is a great tool to boost your immune system. Improved blood circulation due to training stimulates an exchange of immune cells across circulation and tissues.
For those who train almost every day, such a process will keep accumulating and enhance your immune system altogether with metabolic health.
#11 – Socializing through cycling
Bike riding is fun, but it can get even more fun when you do it with your friends or family. Cycling is suitable for all age groups, from very young to the elderly. There are plenty of different clubs and social events for that matter.
USA Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the United States. On their webpage, you can search for a club near where you live or take a look at local events.
#12 – Improves your sexual life
Cycling improves your cardiovascular system and makes your muscles stronger. Based on this information we can assume (and I can assure you) that thanks to better endurance intercourse can last longer at a higher intensity and stronger muscles only back it up.
#13 – Slows aging
Cycling won’t make you 10 years younger, but it can slow down the aging process. Based on research findings, individuals who exercise regularly maintain higher levels of muscle tissue. With higher muscle mass comes lower fat percentage and healthy cholesterol levels.
Due to healthy cholesterol levels altogether with fat percentage risk of heart diseases, cancer and diabetes are considerably lower.
#14 – Great for active recovery
Doing already lots of sports, but do you wish your recovery to be faster? Active recovery might do the trick for you. Active recovery is a workout that is done with low-intensity such as walking or cycling.
Active recovery helps you with reducing soreness and keeping your muscles flexible. Another good thing about cycling is that it is low impact, so it also reduces stress on your joints.
#15 – Caring for the environment
Riding a bike is probably one of the simplest ways to help save our environment. Cycling won’t only save you money on gas or transportation, but also help decrease noise levels and reduce air pollution.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency biking whenever you can is a great way to reduce air pollution. Imagine what could be achieved if more people will switch from car driving to cycling.
people would start cycling instead of commuting to work by car?
What to do next?
Now you are aware of what health benefits you can gain when you start cycling. Check out my article about different bike types to understand which one is suitable for you.
