A lot of people choose cycling as the primary form of keeping themselves fit. Using bikes in Melbourne is a low impact aerobic exercise that anybody can do. It varies in intensity to suit all skill levels. Cycling offers many benefits and has various purposes, too. You can cycle as a mode of transport, for casual activity, or as an intense, competitive activity. Are you still not sure how cycling can enhance your fitness level and well-being? Here are several of the benefits you could reap.
Improves balance and posture
You have to stabilize your body to keep your bike upright. When done regularly, you will improve your overall balance, posture, and coordination. The older you become, the more inactive you tend to be. Because of that, your balance tends to decline more. Proper balance helps prevent falls and fractures.
Builds muscle
Cycling does not only burn fat because of the resistance element. It also builds muscle, especially around the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. Muscle is leaner than fat. That is why people with a higher percentage of muscle burn more calories even when they are not moving. Of course, you will not build muscle with cycling only once. You need to invest more time.
Weight management
Cycling often at a high intensity will help lower your body fat levels. You will be able to manage your weight better that way. You will also increase your metabolism. Since cycling also builds muscle, you can burn more calories even while at rest.
Boosts mental health
Your feelings of stress, depression, or anxiety can be challenging to handle. Cycling helps ease these feelings. You will have better concentration and awareness of the present moment, too. That is because cycling requires you to focus on the road, and doing it a lot of times makes it a natural habit over time. Cycling for at least ten minutes helps most people to feel better.
Prevents and manages medical conditions
Regular exercise prevents any possible future health concerns and manages existing ones. A sedentary lifestyle often causes many health problems. Cycling can also prevent cardiac issues such as heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. It can even help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes.
Better lung health
People who ride a bike get exposed to fewer dangerous fumes than those in a car. That is according to a study done by the Healthy Air Campaign. Cycling also improves the health of your lungs since they have to adjust to the oxygen demand as you cycle.
Cycling is easy to fit into your daily routine. Some people take a lot of opportunities to cycle. Some use their bikes when they go to shops to buy something or go to school or work. Cycling is a healthy, fun way to keep yourself fit. It is even perfect for all ages.