Cycling is an excellent form of exercise that provides several benefits to the human body. Regular cycling helps to keep your heart healthy, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enhance your overall fitness. While many people prefer to cycle indoors on a stationary bike, there are significant benefits to cycling outside. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cycling slowly or moderately every day outside instead of cycling intensely like in a spin class.
- Low-impact exercise:
Cycling is a low-impact exercise that puts minimal strain on the joints. When you cycle, your knees, ankles, and hips move in a circular motion, reducing the impact on your joints. This makes cycling an excellent exercise for people with joint pain, arthritis, or other mobility issues. Cycling outside on flat, even terrain is particularly low-impact, making it an ideal exercise for people of all ages.
- Cardiovascular health:
Cycling is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health. When you cycle, your heart rate increases, which improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles. Regular cycling can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Cycling outside in the fresh air and sunlight can further enhance the cardiovascular benefits, as exposure to natural light and fresh air has been shown to have a positive impact on heart health.
- Weight loss:
Cycling is an effective way to lose weight and keep it off. When you cycle, you burn calories and build lean muscle mass, which helps to boost your metabolism. Cycling outside provides additional benefits, as you may encounter hills, wind resistance, and other challenges that require greater exertion than cycling indoors on a stationary bike.
- Mood and mental health:
Cycling has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and mental health. When you cycle, your body releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Cycling outside provides additional mental health benefits, as exposure to natural light and fresh air can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Cycling outside also provides an opportunity to explore new places and connect with nature, which can enhance feelings of well-being and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Improved balance and coordination:
Cycling requires coordination and balance, which are skills that can be improved through regular practice. When you cycle outside, you encounter different terrains, such as hills, curves, and uneven surfaces, which require greater balance and coordination. Regular cycling can help improve your balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and improving your overall mobility.
- Lower risk of chronic diseases:
Regular cycling can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. When you cycle, you increase your heart rate and breathing rate, which helps to improve blood sugar regulation, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure. Cycling outside provides additional benefits, as exposure to natural light and fresh air can further reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar regulation.
- Improved sleep:
Regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration. Cycling can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can interfere with sleep. Cycling outside provides additional benefits, as exposure to natural light and fresh air can help regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm.
Conclusion:
Cycling is an excellent form of exercise that provides several benefits to the human body. Regular cycling can improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, enhance mood and mental health, and improve balance and coordination. While cycling indoors on a stationary bike is a popular form of exercise, cycling outside provides additional benefits, including exposure to natural light and fresh air, and greater challenges that require greater exertion. Cycling slowly or moderately every day outside can provide significant benefits to your overall health and fitness, making it a worthwhile activity to incorporate into your daily routine.
Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay
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