Cycling! Remember those childhood days when we had learnt this most exciting skill of that time. However, cycling was mere a play-time and a source of joy when we were kids, isn’t it? Fast forward to adulthood, now we look at cycling just as an exercise! Nevertheless, cycling has been proven as a wonderful exercise offering plethora of health benefits.
On World Cycling Day 2020, Rachit Dua – an advanced online fitness coach – is sharing some deeper insights about cycling.
Cycling As An Exercise:
Cycling is a low impact cardio exercise that is suitable for the majority of people, irrespective of age group. It is a non-weight bearing form of cardio which means it has less impact on joints in comparison to other cardio exercises like walking or running.
Health Benefits Of Cycling: Cycling has been proven to offer several health benefits. Here are some solid reasons to add cycling in your daily workout routine:
It Improves Cardio Respiratory Health:
Cardio respiratory health refers to your heart and lungs. Cycling improves the functioning of these vital organs and allows better circulation of oxygenated blood in the body.
Supports Fat Loss:
This is probably the most favorite benefit for most people. Cycling is a great way to burn calories. Even if we perform it at a low intensity, cycling can help you burn body fat in a much healthier way (If supported with an adequate diet). An hour of cycling at a moderate intensity can burn up to 300-600 Calories depending upon the bodyweight of a person. A heavier person will burn more calories.
ALSO READ | World Bicycle Day: Cycles Can Be Best Alternative To Public Transport In Post COVID-19 World
Improves Brain Health And Helps To Fight Anxiety/Depression:
Like any other exercise, cycling releases feel-good hormones in the brain. This further helps to bring down the anxiety levels of an individual. No wonder, cycling improves mental health!
Strengthen Lower Body Muscles:
Cycling improves muscle endurance and strengthens muscles like quadriceps (thigh muscle), calf muscles, and hamstring muscles.
A few Important Precautions:
Although, cycling is a safe exercise for the majority of the people, there are some medical cases where you might have to avoid outdoor cycling! People with these common conditions should try to stay away from it.
- People suffering from hypertension
- People suffering from epilepsy
- People suffering from vertigo or any other balancing issue
- People with severe breathing issues
Remember, it is always a smart idea to first ask your doctor before starting any exercise in such cases.
However, people with these medical conditions too can enjoy cycling (with doctor’s permission). Wondering how? Well, just get a stationary bike at home and enjoy the benefits of cycling within your house. This way you will be able to exercise in the presence of your family for safety purposes.
