For this alternative vehicle on two wheels goes the well-known saying – You can never forget how to ride a bike
Apart from being an excellent cardio exercise, it burns calories and quickly takes you to the desired destination. Cycling is a very fun activity that will make you really happy. Warm summer days are ideal for cycling and you can do it individually or in company.
In addition, read a few additional reasons why it is desirable to take your bike out from the garage and start using it more often.
1.Burn calories and tones your legs
Cycling is a great way to burn a lot of calories without extreme physical effort. Your weight, the resistance setting of your bicycle, speed of pedaling, as well as the path you have chosen, affect the number of calories burned while cycling.
Example: with one-hour normal cycling a person with 55 kg can burn 220 calories.
In same time you tone your legs and hips, and with proper seating on the bicycle, abdominal muscles are activated. Cycling strengthens your back and with standing up occasionally and turning the pedals you will be able to easily tone your butt.
2.Relieves stress
Everyday worries and problems are exhausting and increase the stress level as well. Your mind and body feel it too. Do yourself a favor, take your bike and start riding it, because it has therapeutic effect. By going out into nature and in fresh air you will feel instant relief and improve your condition.
The more you enjoy during physical activity, the sooner you will get rid of stress. Turning pedals is similar as a meditation. Concentrate on proper and energetic turnings and block all negative thoughts. The bike really works as a magical eraser of stress and anxiety.
3.Controls the appetite
A survey conducted at the University of Surrey found that cycling can help in controlling the appetite. This exercise will tame the desire for more food.
In fact, persons who participated in the study had the same usual breakfast, and then were divided into two groups. While one stayed to rest, others went cycling. It was found that only 60 minute riding a bike is sufficient to activate hormones that reduce the feeling of hunger, which results in consuming significantly less food and calories.
4.It increases energy and feeling of happiness
Only 30 minutes cycling a day is needed to boost your energy without additional supplements to which you are accustomed to, as huge amounts of coffee. You are mistaken if you believe that physical activity will make you exhausted. It actually stimulates you and gives you more energy to survive your day.
Like any other physical activity, cycling makes you feel happy, because the “happy hormones” are released- serotonin and dopamine, which help you stay happy and motivated.
5.Protects the heart
It has been proven that cycling reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. This fun physical activity will reduce the risk of various diseases such as heart complications, type 2 diabetes or cancer. Regulates blood pressure and significantly reduces the chances of a heart attack.
Cycling is a complete “exercise” for your heart, blood vessels and lungs.
6.Keeps your joints healthy
Cycling is a cardiovascular activity that reduces friction and load on joints, unlike physical activities like aerobics or running. The chances of injury are minimal; given the fact that even ordinary walk activates the knees more. If you have problems with your knees, do not doubt that cycling is the right solution for you.
7.It provides better sleep
Cycling provides you with energy during the day and at the same time it helps you to sleep like a baby at night. Quality sleep is one of the key factors for the body and mind to be relaxed, to have fresh appearance and to get rid of excess weight. However, experts advise to look at the time when you ride a bike, or to avoid riding it about 4 hours before bedtime.
8.Increases concentration and stimulates the brain
Morning “fuzziness” of mind immediately after waking up can be easily cleared with cycling for several minutes. The rotation of the pedals significantly improves the blood circulation in the feet and in the brain, improving the brain function and concentration.
While riding your bike, you get a chance to organize your thoughts and to get rid of negative energy
9.Makes you look younger
Cycling will simply make you feel and look younger. Like any other physical activity and regular cycling will make your skin shiny and lift, and your body more attractive. The truth is that you will fully enjoy while riding your bike which will create a sincere smile on your face.
10.Improves sex life
Bringing the body in top shape by cycling will not only make you feel sexy, but also balances the level of so-called sex hormones in the body.
Although most studies suggest that physical activity is directly linked to endorphins, though undoubtedly affects the sex hormones as well like testosterone for example. Women who are in good physical shape have delayed menopause. “What is good for your heart is good for your sex life as well.”
11.An excellent social and family activity
One of the best things about cycling is that you can do it alone, as well as together with your loved ones.
Cycling is a great social activity that will provide you with quality and fun while socializing with friends or family members.
And best of all – it’s free. You do not have to invest a lot of money to spend your free time with friends and have a lot of fun. This is a sport in which the whole family can enjoy.
12.Saves the planet
Replace your car with a bicycle whenever you have a chance. Be an example for your community by using this alternative means of transport. You will help in preserving the environment and you will contribute to reducing the air pollution. In addition, you save time and money and in the same time you avoid traffic jams.