As summer gets into full swing you start seeing more and more cyclists out and about. If you are thinking about joining them, we have good news for you. Not only is cycling a lot of fun, but it’s also great for your health. Here are some of the key reasons we think you should start cycling.
5 Great Reasons to Start Cycling
1. Cycling can help you build muscle.
Riding a bicycle might not be the first exercise you think of when you think about building muscle. That’s understandable. Cycling is far less dramatic than pumping iron in the gym and cyclists certainly don’t look like bodybuilders. But cycling is actually excellent for building muscle, particularly in your legs and glutes. The more muscle you build, the more fat your body will naturally burn. It’s also nice to feel stronger in general.
2. Cycling can help you burn fat.
Although there are a lot of factors that can affect weight loss, the basic concept of calories in versus calories out still holds true in many cases. Depending on the intensity of your cycling session and your current weight, you can burn anywhere between 400 and 1000 calories while riding! Even if you were at the low end, regularly burning 400 extra calories can add up to significant weight loss over time. The nice thing about cycling is that it’s fun, too, so you can enjoy your time spent burning fat.
3. Cycling can improve your mental well being.
There are several reasons why cycling is beneficial for your mental health. The first is the most obvious – you get out of the house and do something that you enjoy. While it may take a little practice to get comfortable on your bike, you are probably going to start enjoying yourself pretty quickly. The second reason cycling helps with your mental health is complex. Studies have shown that physically active people tend to have significantly higher well being than sedentary individuals. Exercise releases endorphins, improves your physical appearance, helps you form relationships with other cyclists, and a variety of other things. All of these combined tend to lead to a better mood and more life satisfaction.
4. Cycling reduces your risk of heart disease and cancer.
Heart disease and cancer are things everyone wants to avoid. Fortunately, regular exercise can help minimize the risk of developing these conditions. Numerous studies show that maintaining a healthy weight and cardiovascular system reduces the risk of developing heart disease and cancer – and cycling will help you maintain a healthy weight.
5. Cycling is fast, efficient and fun.
Riding a bike is such an awesome way to get around. You can run errands, go on adventures and just generally enjoy yourself with a cycling hobby. Even the most mundane trips – like commuting to work – can become more exciting when you are cycling. You tend to see more, notice more and you need to stay more aware for your safety and the safety of others. The extra engagement keeps you focused and gives you a sense of satisfaction when you complete your journey that you just don’t get when you drive. And every trip you take on your bike will yield similar results.
Questions About Your Health? Contact Us
If you are interested in improving your health, we want you to know that we are here to help. Our chiropractic team is passionate about helping patients get the best health outcomes possible. Please contact Nardi Family Chiropractic at 860-677-6401 today to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor!
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