Cycling and Health
To maintain a fit and healthy body, people must engage in physical activity regularly. The problem is, that exercise can often feel like a chore. It is very easy to slip into a sedentary lifestyle. Luckily, cycling is not only good exercise but also a fun thing to do.
Riding a bicycle often can protect the body against several dangerous conditions. These include heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Cycling can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is becoming even more popular due to its positive effect on the environment.
Are You Healthy Enough to Cycle?
Despite the popularity of cycling, these vehicles are not for everyone. Those with heart conditions may find that the strenuous physical activity is too much for them. People with limited mobility could struggle to ride bicycles as well.
If you are uncertain of whether cycling is for you, the best thing to do is to consult a medical professional. You can follow the link here to download a medical app called Livi. This allows users to access NHS services from their smartphone. You can book GP appointments, get referrals and sort out prescriptions.
Physical Benefits
Cardio is ideal for stimulating and improving the condition of the heart and lungs. Cycling strengthens the muscles of the heart and lowers the resting pulse. This reduces the risk of riders developing cardiovascular diseases.
Cyclists are also on average exposed to three times less the levels of pollution than car drivers. One study found that people aged between 20 and 90 were regularly protected from heart disease thanks to cycling.
Obesity is becoming a major issue in western countries. There is currently an epidemic of weight gain in the United Kingdom. Fat can be burned, and weight kept under control, with the regular exercise which cycling provides.
As cyclists gain better endurance, they can increase the intensity of their ride and lose more weight. When people combine this activity with a healthy diet, they can watch the pounds drop away.
Type 2 diabetes is also unfortunately on the rise. The most significant risk for developing this condition is a lack of physical activity. A study in Finland concluded that when people cycle for half an hour per day, they lower their risk of diabetes by 40 per cent.
Psychological Benefits
Modern life can be stressful, and this has the potential to cause mental illness in susceptible people. It has been found that cycling reduces the levels of stress in the body, helping to prevent anxiety and depression. This is due to the happiness which comes with enjoying a bike ride. Some cyclists also find that they have more confidence as a result of riding a bike.