Are you curious about the best reasons to take up cycling? Cycling is undoubtedly a popular leisure activity and an exercise you can use for transportation.
According to Statista data, about 12.4% of Americans cycle regularly. In addition, cycling has many benefits that make it more than a way to rekindle your favorite childhood pastime.
It is no surprise that it is recommended by several reputable organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Heart Association, and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Below are some excellent reasons you should take up cycling.
Lose weight
A report by Havard Health suggests that cycling at a moderate speed of about 12 miles per hour can burn seven calories per minute for an individual weighing approximately 155 pounds. Therefore, you can burn up to 210 calories in about half an hour from cycling, so it is a faster way to shed extra pounds than walking.
Consistency also helps tone your body, and you will see noticeable differences in your calves, quads, glutes, and hamstrings as they become firmer due to pedaling. The gradual conversion of fat to muscle also increases your metabolism, so you can burn more calories, even when resting.
Explore the great outdoors
Cycling is one of the few workouts that allow you to go on mini-adventures while keeping fit. Therefore, take it up as a great way to explore the great outdoors instead of always being indoors.
You can invest in specialized bicycles to navigate your neighborhood and dirt roads. This exploration can sharpen your natural sense of direction and internal mapping capabilities. Over time, you may develop a sharper sense of which way is West or East, a beneficial skill that will come in handy when you have limited navigation tools.
Great low-impact exercise
Cycling is an excellent alternative to high-impact cardiovascular workouts like running or bodyweight high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes, which typically involve jumping. In addition, it is gentle on your tendons, ligaments, and joints, making it an excellent option for a good workout that doesn’t stress your skeletal system.
This preference could be from injury rehabilitation or a mere desire to introduce more low-impact exercises into your routine. However, it is always best to check with your physician before cycling to ensure it is safe if you have a history of pain or injury.
Help the environment
Cycling can also help you save the planet, besides boosting your physical and mental health. Bicycles don’t use any gas, so they don’t release harmful emissions that pollute the atmosphere or carbon dioxide that worsens climate change.
Indeed, it is estimated that a moderate rise in bicycle use annually can prevent 5 to 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere. In addition, more bicycles mean fewer roads and more bike lanes and paths, which are more sustainable. Finally, cycling reduces noise pollution and can boost the odds of local wildlife staying and thriving in their habitat.
The Last Word on Four Great Reasons You Should Take Up Cycling
Cycling is an excellent option if you’re looking for an enjoyable, low-affected way to get into shape. Cycling can help you lose weight, save the environment, and enjoy time outdoors. So what are you waiting for? Get on your bike and start pedaling! What do you think? Please share your response in the comments below.
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