Seven Good Reasons to Start Road Cycling...
...as well as Saving the Planet.
If you are yet to climb back on the saddle and start cycling, here are good reasons to do so. There are few negative points about cycling, and lots and lots of good ones. It is low impact, strengthens your heart, and it is easy to get up and running.
This post, shows you why cycling is one of the fastest growing sports at the moment, and why you should be making an effort to cycle.
Good for your Heart Good for your Knees
Like running cycling offers a good aerobic workout and strengthens the heart. Unlike running cycling is a low impact sport. As such, your ankle and knees do not come under the same amount of stress. As well as protecting your joints from impact injury, the muscles around your joints develop. This gives your joints additional protection.
You'll Lose Weight
We recently published a post about losing weight through cycling and it is a good idea to read it. As you're working out every time you ride you'll be burning calories. Even if you only cycle to the shops once per week it is better for you than driving or taking the bus.
Tone your legs and butt!
As well as your joints your lower body also starts to become muscular. Hamstrings, quads, calves and buttocks all benefit from pedalling.
Lift your Mood and Reduce Anxiety
Exercise has been shown to lift your mood through the production of endorphins which are your body's natural pain killers. Also, a study published in the British Journal of Medicine in 2008 showed that twenty minutes of cycling a day, reduced anxiety.
In addition exercise generally is good for the mind as well as the body. Regular exercise has been shown to prevent cognitive decline.
Upper Body Core Strength
As well as your lower body, cycling demands good core strength as well. If you develop good core strength you relieve strain on other areas of your body like your back. If you have a job where you sit for most of the day, this can be a real boost to holding your body in the correct position.
Sleep
Providing you do not ride late at night, cycling as with other forms of exercise will give you a better night's sleep. Sleep is important for mind and body, and the better sleep you have the healthier you are.
Accessible
Cycling is a very accessible sport. Once you have a bike and a helmet, you can climb on the saddle and start putting in the miles. You do not need to spend too much on equipment or apply for membership like other sports. And those other sports may not offer the same benefits as cycling.
If you are new to cycling, why not join us in Mallorca. Our beginner cycling school will have you back on the saddle in no time, and you'll learn the correct way to ride, avoiding the mistakes most people make.
submitted on 29/5/2015