 |
| Image via Wikipedia |
To
gain benefits from cycling you don’t have to be super fit, an
athlete or anything of the sort. The benefits of bicycling are great
and it is a fun way to get that much needed exercise.
Weight
loss and bicycling
If
you are trying to shed a few pounds, dieting alone very rarely works
out in the long term, however doing more exercise on a regular basis
works wonders. If you cycle on a daily basis then it will not only
help you burn a large number of calories during your workout but it
will also raise your metabolism and help you burn more calories
throughout the day. Cycling along a flat road or path at 12 mph will
help you to burn off roughly 450 calories an hour, and even when you
stop your metabolism is still speeding ahead, helping to you burn
calories quicker.
Not
only can cycling help you to lose weight and keep it off, it is also
beneficial health wise. By cycling at least 20 miles per week you can
help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease by half compared
to those who don’t cycle.
Health
benefits of bicycling
Cycling
is classed as an aerobic form of exercise; this is a type of exercise
that is particularly beneficial to the lungs and heart. Your lungs
expand with the effort of pedaling, which allows you to get more
oxygen into your body; this in turn makes your heart beat faster to
send the oxygen throughout your body. If you develop powerful lungs
and a strong heart then you are well and truly on your way to
fitness.
Just
by cycling a few miles per day you will soon begin to feel fitter and
healthier, you will see your muscles beginning to tone. You thigh,
backside and calf muscles will gain the biggest benefit from cycling,
as these are the muscles that you will use the most, but overall you
will find yourself in much better shape. Perhaps you will find that
you no longer get winded walking up a flight of stairs. However, the
best part is, that the more you bicycle, the more you will enjoy it
and look forward to your next outing.
Bicycling
can also be beneficial when we are feeling down or if we suffer from
stress, anxiety or depression. When we exercise we release what are
known as endorphins into our bloodstream, endorphins bring about a
feeling of happiness and contentment and are a great way to combat
stress and depression. Cycling can be done almost anywhere by anyone,
if you live in towns or the countryside there is always somewhere to
bicycle. It doesn’t have to be expensive and is a relatively safe
sport, when you follow the few simple guidelines and can be enjoyed
as a family.
Here
are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of cycling
Always
carry a puncture repair kit
Make
sure you take a water bottle with you especially on long rides in the
countryside
Keep
your tires pumped up to the required level to make cycling easier
For
safety always make sure you wear a bicycle helmet
Always
have lights and reflectors on your bike to make sure you are seen
When
cycling at night wear bright colors or preferably some sort of
reflective material.
No comments:
Post a Comment