Though wearing skin-tight Lycra and hitting the pavement might not seem like the path to Shangri-La, cycling may hold the secret to graceful aging. Studies have found that cyclists of all ages show less signs of ageing compared with non-cyclists.
Cycling offers many benefits. Here are just a few:
1. It’s a Low-Impact Form of Exercise
Cycling is a low impact exercise that puts less strain on joints than running or basketball, making it suitable for individuals suffering from arthritis or who are at higher risk of orthopedic injury.
Cycling can also help increase heart and muscle strength. Cycling provides an effective cardio workout suitable for all fitness levels; unlike running, however, cycling allows longer cardio workouts which build endurance.
Other health advantages of cycling include decreasing your risk of type 2 diabetes, lowering blood pressure and strengthening bones. Regular cycling also boosts energy levels while encouraging better restful sleep compared to taking public transit or driving your own car. Finally, cycling significantly decreases pollution compared to these methods of travel.
2. It’s Easy to Do
Start cycling without needing expensive gear or bikes–good-quality wheels and a helmet will do. Once you start riding regularly, add more elaborate components as your cycling ability progresses.
Cycling strengthens muscles and builds endurance, and its low impact nature helps protect joints.
Increase your mileage or experiment with changing speed and resistance settings on your bike to build endurance. Be wary not to overdo it as your body may require time to recover after each workout session.
Cycling can even help to enhance your balance, strengthening glute muscles and stabilising your core – two valuable assets as we age; it could even lower the risk of falling (5).
3. It’s Fun
Cycling can be one of the easiest sports to start up; once you own a bike, it can be enjoyed anytime on either roads or trails.
Cycling is both enjoyable and effective – not only as a sociable activity but as an excellent form of exercise that burns calories, tones muscles, increases cardiovascular endurance and promotes coordination – plus it makes an efficient commute! Bike riding offers an alternative form of transportation between work or grocery store locations while saving gas and money!
And for the more competitive among us, there’s always the option of racing or other more intense forms of cycling. Racing or other more intense forms can offer adrenaline rushes or release natural endorphins; both provide unforgettable cycling highs!
4. It’s Social
Cycling provides many social benefits. From riding with colleagues or meeting new people at your local cycling club to socialising releases oxytocin which lowers stress.
Cities with high bike mode shares are home to bustling sidewalk cafes that draw crowds of people who chat and relax while the cars pass silently by. Such experiences not only boost an economy’s bottom line, but they foster community pride as well.
Cycling’s social nature may help explain why those who ride are often more educated than their non-cycling peers. One study conducted using data compiled from 800,000 journeys made by 55,000 individuals revealed that those who cycle to work tend to possess higher educational levels compared to non-riders.
5. It’s Healthy
Cycling is an aerobic or cardiovascular exercise with many health advantages, ranging from transportation, recreation and competitive sport to an enjoyable form of recreation for any age and ability. Studies have shown that 90 per cent of bicycle commuters meet recommended physical activity guidelines for healthy adults.
Cycling engages not only your quadriceps and hamstring muscles, but also core, shoulder, arm, and arm muscles as well as improving balance for preventing falls and injuries.
Be sure to drink lots of water after each ride, and always consult with a healthcare professional prior to beginning an exercise regimen, especially if you suffer from heart or joint conditions.https://www.youtube.com/embed/ITfsLyZqXVc