Why cycling is good for you, reasons to cycle, Seven healthy reasons why cycling is good for you

It doesn’t matter what kind of bike you have sitting in your shed or your garage, dig it out! It doesn’t matter how long it is since you last rode it, dust it off! Give it a wipe down, check the brakes, the saddle, check the tyres for air and squirt a bit of oil on the chain. Don some padded shorts (you can put them under a pair of your favourite joggers if you’d prefer to keep them hidden) and you’re good to go. Here’s my top seven healthy reasons to get on your bike and pedal this year! Wait until you check out reason number seven…

1. It’s FUN!

This has to be top of my list for healthy reasons to cycle. There’s no better feeling than being outside in the fresh air, closer to nature, cycling downhill. Even the uphills can be fun after a bit of practise! Cycling makes you smile. Which makes you feel happy. Which releases endorphins! Which make you feel great!

2. It improves your sleep

Apparently, the type of physical activity you engage in can make a difference to how well you sleep. Cycling is up there with the best of the ones that you can do to help you to sleep soundly. So next time you’re thinking, ‘I’m too tired to ride‘, it might actually be just what your body needs to improve the quality of your sleep.

3. Non load bearing on your joints

Now, this is the whole reason I got into cycling in the first place. I have a really dodgy back so certain sports are out for me. But cycling is most definitely in! Cycling is a low impact form of exercise which places little stress and pressure on your joints, so it’s easier on your ankles, knees and back than activities like running and aerobics classes.

4. Stress busting

Making time to ride a bike when you’re in the middle of a stressful period of your life may be last on your list of priorities, but trust me, you won’t regret taking twenty minutes out and spending it on two wheels. Riding a bike can be good for your mind and your body – trust me, I know!

5. You’re saving the environment

The only fumes coming from your bike are ones whizzing off the endorphins you’re creating!  Fumes of happiness and enjoyment (and maybe a little bit of smugness).

6. Good cardio and fat burning exercise

It’s not exactly news when I tell you cycling is actually blummin’ good exercise. There’s no getting away from it. The amount of calories you burn per hour cycling far tops those burned doing lots of other aerobic exercise. It tones your legs; take it off road and it will tone your arms too. You’ll even notice your stomach tightening up. And perhaps most importantly, it’s good for your heart.

7. Cycling improves your sex life

Yep! Now, that’s got your attention right! Cycling improves your sex life. Apparently! Riding a bike makes you fit, it tones you up, you feel better about your body image. You’re less stressed, less tired and you feel happier. Boom! There you have it! You’re sexy and you know it!

So, there you go! Seven top healthy reasons to cycle. So, what are you waiting for? Go on! Off you go! Get yourself into the garage and dust off that bike. And get those cycling shorts out of the drawer and put them on. Just remember to leave the underwear off. All that seam rubbing and chafing is definitely not good for you! And won’t help with number seven.

Actually, in all honesty, you don’t really need padded shorts to enjoy cycling, although they’ll certainly make it a more comfortable experience. Whatever you choose to wear, just get out there and do it! Be happy!

 

 

 

33 Comments on Seven healthy reasons to get on your bike and pedal

  1. Suffering from running aches here, have been cycling to and from running club though – maybe it is time to add in more cycling!

    • You’re doing great with your running, Penny. I’m super impressed, but maybe if your joints are suffering a little, maybe it is time to swap some running time for some cycling time. It will keep up your fitness bu give your joints a rest.

    • Family cycling is another brilliant reason to cycle; it keeps the whole family healthy. It’s gets everyone outside into the fresh air enjoying some outdoor activity together. It’s the perfect reason to dig out your bike!

    • Hi Kizzy 🙂 Yes, get another bike! Any bike will do! It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy. I know it can be hard to get the motivation at this time of year but I always feel better after a blast on my bike.

    • Cycling on holiday is a really great way to see an area from a completely different perspective. It’s one of my favourite things to do and there are so many different trips you can do that specifically incorporate sight-seeing on two wheels (I feel a post coming on!). Loads of fun for the whole family!

  2. I would love to get a bike, even a city one to ride into town for a bit of grocery shopping. I have been trying to lose weight and live healthier and I know for a fact that a bike would help massively in reaching my goals.xx

  3. What a super post. Maxi has been doing his bikability in school (it was cycling proficiency back in my day) and is keen for us all two go out together

  4. Great post, it just reminds me why I love cycling! I do however suffer from achey knees which seems to be linked to cycling – funnily enough when I used to run I never had any issues! Wonder if you have any tips? I’ve changed my seat height about a thousand times! 🙂 xxx

    • I definitely would have said seat height was key. I know when I first started cycling I had trouble with my knees too. My patella doesn’t track properly so it would click with every rotation with the pedals and then ache like crazy afterwards. I adjusted my seat height and found this made a big difference. I ride a women’s specific frame which I think helps too as it means I’m not over reaching which I think alters your overall seating position. I’ve found taping my knee when it’s troublesome really helps too. I’d definitely recommend something like Kinesiology tape to give you some relief. I hope it improves for you.

  5. “cycling improves your sex life” ahahahaha! Never would’ve expected that…Maybe it’s time to get my Roux Etape 250 out and start cycing again 😀 It’s been collecting dust for quite some time…

  6. Love all the seven reasons and would add that at 66 and still cycling 40 miles on a day out its great for longevity too.

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