How Cycling Makes Your Life Better
In my 30 years of riding bikes, cycling has improved the quality of my life immeasurably. It’s allowed me the opportunity to meet lots of interesting people, and see things that I never would have, make more money because I can think clearer and work harder and longer.
Below is a breakdown of how cycling makes your life better.
Cycling makes you look better.
Vain, yes guilty as charged. Cycling when you are makes you look younger than you actually are and that just doesn’t suck. In fact, cycling can help build and tone the muscles in your legs, calves, and glutes, giving you a more toned and athletic appearance. And there is a positive effect of cycling on body shape. Also, regular cycling can improve posture by strengthening the muscles that support the spine, reducing slouching and hunching over.
The effect of cycling on body shape.
The big thing is that cycling changes your body shape for the better. Cycling regularly will give you toned arms, larger legs, and a flat stomach. Cycling affects females and males differently, here is a link to an article in HealthReporter that explains this in detail.
Cycling is good for weight loss.
Cycling is an effective way to lose weight because it is a low-impact, cardiovascular exercise that burns calories. The average person burns between 450 to 750 calories per hour cycling. Cycling also has a higher calorie burn per minute compared to many other forms of exercise, making it an efficient way to lose weight. Additionally, cycling can increase muscle mass in the legs, which can help boost the metabolism, making it easier to lose weight. Regular cycling can help develop a healthy relationship with physical activity and exercise, making it easier to maintain weight loss in the long-term.
You Drink Less.
At least I do. There is nothing worse than doing a bike ride when you are hungover, trust me I have tried it. Having a ride the next day will make it easier to shut down the drinking the night before. According to experts, There is some evidence to suggest that cycling may be associated with decreased alcohol consumption. Studies have found that individuals who engage in regular physical activity, such as cycling, tend to have lower levels of alcohol intake compared to those who are less active. Additionally, engaging in physical activity can also lead to an improved sense of well-being and a healthier lifestyle, which can contribute to decreased alcohol consumption.
You Don’t Have to go to the Gym.
I don’t know about you but I HATE going to the gym. Riding a bike, you can get in great shape without ever hitting the gym.
You’ll have more brainpower.
According to research cited by AARP, cyclists showed improvement in Executive Function, even those who rode e-bikes!
Improve your heart health.
It sounds logical that cycling will reduce your probability of getting heart disease and now we have proof. According to a study in the European Heart Journal, among older adults, cycling was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
You’ll have more self-esteem.
The feeling of finishing a great ride just makes you feel more confident in life. It’s like if I can do that, I can do anything. According to researchers, cycling have a positive impact on self-esteem by promoting feelings of accomplishment and confidence.
Cycling will probably make you live longer.
According to Men’s Health, cyclists had a 23% better chance of avoiding premature death.
Cycling slows the aging Process.
According to Men’s Journal, cycling for more than 1 hour a week slows the aging process. Cycling has been shown to promote healthy aging by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving overall health. Cycling can help maintain cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, improve muscle strength, and support bone health, all of which can decline with age. Additionally, cycling has been associated with a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline and improved mental well-being, which can also contribute to a slower aging process
Cycling reduces stress and improves your mood.
According to Psychology Today, cycling can sharpen your thinking and improve your mood. I know from personal experience, a good bike ride, (even a just Ok bike ride puts me in a better mood).
Cycling is a Low Impact Exercise.
As we age, high-impact sports like running and tennis become more difficult (AKA painful). Cycling gives you all the advantages of exercising without the wear and tear on your body.
Cycling is Good for your Sex Life.
According to The Mayo Clinic, cycling puts the spark back into your sex life. Nice! Cycling can improve cardiovascular health, which is important for sexual health, and reduce stress and improve mood, which can also positively impact sexual function and desire. Cycling can also help maintain a healthy weight and body composition, which can improve physical appearance and increase self-confidence, both of which can have a positive impact on sexual well-being. Additionally, cycling has been associated with increased energy levels, which can also contribute to a healthy sex life.
Cycling keeps your immune system young.
According to research published in Time, older cyclists in the study had the immune systems of 20-year-olds. In fact, cycling can help increase the circulation of immune cells and reduce inflammation, both of which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Additionally, cycling can also help to reduce stress and improve overall health, which can support the functioning of the immune system. Cycling can also help improve sleep quality and promote healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight, both of which can also positively impact the immune system.
Cycling allows you to see more of the world.
You have access to many more roads/trails on a bike as compared to an automobile. Try riding your bike down a familiar street. I guarantee you will see things you drive your car by all the time you never knew existed.
You Sleep Better
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, cycling improves your sleep significantly as long as you don’t exercise too late in the day. Cycling has been associated with improved sleep efficiency and a reduction in the time it takes to fall asleep. Additionally, cycling can also reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can contribute to better sleep. Cycling can also help regulate circadian rhythms and promote healthy sleep habits, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule.
How has cycling Improved Your Life? Please leave a comment below.
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