Health Benefits Of Cycling: 3 Big Reasons Why Riding A Bike Is Good For You

Cycling is an incredibly effective way to maintain and improve your health. Whether you do it for leisure or as part of a daily routine, the health benefits of cycling are numerous. From reducing the risk of several chronic diseases, to improving mental health, and even promotinge better sleep.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how exactly cycling can improve your health.

Improved cardiovascular health

One of the most significant health benefits of cycling is its impact on cardiovascular health.

Cycling is a low-impact form of exercise that gets your heart pumping and improves circulation. Regular cycling can help to mitigate high blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It also helps to lower levels of bad cholesterol, which can further reduce your risk of heart disease.

In addition to improving cardiovascular health, cycling can also help you maintain a healthy weight. It burns calories and can help you lose weight, especially when combined with a healthy diet. This, in turn, can further reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and certain types of cancer.

However, to see these benefits, athletes require volume or – as they say – ‘time in the saddle’. If regular cycling is too difficult (or you live in a mountaneous region), you can use turn your old bike into an eBike. These eBike conversion kits are great for that purpose.

Improved mental health

Cycling is not only great for physical health but also for mental health. It releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. This can help you feel more relaxed, happier, and more positive overall, as well as help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Cycling also provides an opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature. Being outside in the nature has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, with studies showing that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress and improve mood.

The Resilient Athlete

A Self-Coaching Guide to Next Level Performance in Sports & Life

Are you aiming to become a resilient athlete who is able to withstand any pressure? Be able to jump on any opportunity? Take any challenge life throws at you head on?

Then this book is for you.

Learn more

Improved sleep – one of the key health benefits of cycling

In addition to the physical and mental health benefits of cycling, regular exercise can also promote better sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, regular exercise can help improve the quality of your sleep and help you fall asleep faster.

In particular, one study published in the journal Sleep Medicine found that moderate-intensity exercise, like cycling, helped improve sleep quality in adults with chronic insomnia.

The study found that participants who cycled for 30 minutes, three times a week, experienced improvements in both sleep quality and duration.

The participants also reported feeling more alert during the day and experiencing less daytime sleepiness.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that cycling can also help improve sleep quality in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study found that children who cycled for 30 minutes, three times a week, experienced improvements in both sleep duration and quality. The participants also showed improvements in ADHD symptoms and overall behavior.

Read also: Restorative Sleep And The Science Behind Athlete’s Best Kept Secret

It’s worth noting that the benefits of cycling for sleep are likely due to a combination of factors. Regular exercise can help regulate your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can interfere with sleep. Finally, regular exercise can help tire out your body, making it easier to fall asleep at night.

How to use cycling to improve your sleep

If you want to improve your sleep with cycling, there are a few things you can do to maximize your results. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Exercise regularly: to get the biggest impact of sleep quality, you need to make exercise a regular habit. Aim to cycle for at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week.
• Time your exercise: if possible, try to time your cycling sessions so that they finish a few hours before bedtime. This will give your body enough time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
• Comfortable mattress: make sure you sleep on a comfortable surface to help your body recover after training. See what goes into a good quality mattress.

Anil Baswal

With educational background in the technical field and business studies, Anil tackles topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development and digital marketing.