There are numerous benefits and reasons why cycling is good. This article presents the seven best arguments to start this new habit in your life today.
Bicycles are often seen as a means of entertainment, even just a childhood game.
But in reality, they can be powerful tools for our physical and mental health.
Cycling daily (or, at least, most days of the week) brings powerful benefits to our lives that relate to and make you live longer and with much more quality.
Yes, after all, when we take care of our body, we also take care of our mind. And now let's explain it!
1. Cycling helps you burn calories
Believe it or not, cycling is one of the most potent aerobic exercises. It overcomes other extremely tiring activities like swimming, walking, and dancing.
Within an hour of cycling, you can lose up to 700 calories! And the best thing is: at the same time, you lose weight, and you also tone your muscles.
It's no wonder that there are exercise bikes in gyms, right? But beware: riding outdoors can bring much more results!
It's not just about the greater sense of freedom we get when we ride unimpeded, outdoors, on the street, or trails. It's a question of energy: we spend up to 50% more energy cycling outdoors.
Of course, this is thanks to some obstacles that we find on the way, such as slopes, corners, and curves, which require an extra effort from our body and, therefore, more energy to be spent on the activity.
But for sure, all the effort is worth it!
After all, you lose weight, gain health and still get much more aesthetic results than if you were training inside the walls of a gym.
But it's not all just about burning calories. There are still other benefits of cycling!
2. Cycling is suitable for mental health
It's nothing new that when we take better care of our body, we also take better care of our mind.
After all, when we have an active, less sedentary life, our body releases hormones that help fight stress, anxiety, discouragement, and even depression.
But cycling is one of the exercises that most help promote positive mental health.
That's because aerobic exercises help reduce anxiety, and, as we said, cycling is one of the most potent aerobic exercises.
In addition, some scientific studies have shown that cycling outdoors (outside a closed environment, such as the gym) promotes our brain's well-being and gives us a feeling that refreshes us with more energy. And even more optimistic.
3. It's a versatile activity
Speaking of routine, cycling is an activity that you can insert into your life in an uncomplicated way. All you need to do is pick a good bike, wear the proper protective gear, and you're good to go!
Depending on the city where you live, cycling can be an option to go to work and avoid the stress and strain of traffic while gaining health.
But not just that.
It only takes 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity to reap tremendous health benefits. Best of all, you don't need a trainer or be enrolled in a gym.
It is an entirely autonomous physical activity. And let's face it, a fascinating one.
Many people do not practice physical activities precisely because of the fear of boredom and effort, such as walking. But when pedaling, your mind becomes so focused on the paths and keeping yourself in balance that it doesn't become an issue, and you enjoy the ride.
And the best thing about all the versatility of cycling is that you dictate precisely the intensity you want, and as your skills and ability increase, the better results you can get. It is an activity for beginners to advance.
Also, it's not an activity you need to do alone, but you can if you want to. You can ride in a group, with friends, or just you and your bike.