10 Reason Why You should Cycle

Most people would agree that they need to exercise more often. We all need about 30 minutes of activity a day to keep healthy; that's about 10,000 walking paces or 5 miles (8 km) of cycling. Getting around by bike or on foot is a simple way to make your 30 minutes of activity part of your normal day. Cycling or walking wakes you up in the morning, gets you fit, helps you lose weight and can even help to reduce stress.

Cycling can be done for transport, recreation and sport. Riding a bike is enjoyed by people of all ages. Cycling is a great way to escape from worries and stress. You can cycle at anytime, anywhere, on your own or with family and friends. All it takes is a roadworthy bike, a helmet, shoes, comfortable clothes and some pedal power. The simplicity, cost-effectiveness and ease of use of the bicycle have contributed to its worldwide use and popularity.

There are many reasons why it is a good idea to get on your bike:

1. Healthy Immune system: The immune system serves to protect the body from infections and diverse systemic diseases. Studies show that moderate activity, such as cycling, strengthens the immune system and thus contributes to a healthy life. It can also increase activity against tumor cells, assisting the prevention of related illnesses.

2. Strong Muscles: During cycling, most of the body's muscles are activated. The leg muscles are responsible for the pedaling movement; the abdomen and back muscles stabilize the body on the cycle and cushion external influences; and the shoulder-arm muscular system supports the body at the handlebars. All this trains and tightens up the muscular system, making it stronger and able to function efficiently.

3. Strengthens the skeletal system: Exercise and the accompanying strain on the skeletal system strengthens it and increases mobility. Cycling has a positive effect on bone density and strength. Moreover, a muscular system strengthened by cycling supports and protects the skeletal system.

4. Prevents spinal diseases and back pains: Posture when cycling is optimum and the cyclic movement of the legs stimulates muscles in the lower back, where slipped discs are most likely to occur. In this way the spine is strengthened and secured against external stresses. In particular cycling can stimulate the small muscles of the vertebrae which are difficult to affect through other exercise. This can help reduce the likelihood of back pains and other problems.

5. Reduces Mental stress: Cycling has a considerable relaxing effect due to its uniform cyclic movement which stabilizes the physical and emotional functions of the body. This counteracts anxiety, depression and other psychological problems. The exercise also controls hormonal balance.

6. Prevents Heart and cardiovascular diseases: The heart is one of the most important organs for a healthy life but can be damaged by inactivity. Cycling is ideal for training the heart to be stronger which results in less stress of the heart. All the risk factors that lead to a heart attack are reduced and regular cycling reduces the likelihood of heart attack by more than 50%.

7. Reduces Blood pressure: Moderate cycling can prevent, or at least reduce high blood pressure and so help to avoid stroke or damage to the organs. Blood pressure is also reduced by a lower heart rate, which is a result of regular cycling.

8. Stamina: Cycling is especially good for aerobic exercise as the strain on the body is less than in other endurance sports. Improved stamina reduces tiredness and fatigue and promotes a sense of well-being.

9. Low impact exercise: It is easy on your joints because it is a non weight-bearing form of exercise. It can be done at any level of intensity, which makes it suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness.

10. Saves the Planet: Increasing bicycle trips in preference to car trips will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce road maintenance costs, as bicycles produce only insignificant wear and tear on roads. Cycle for 25 minutes every day instead of driving, you'll save around 165kg of carbon dioxide emissions within a year.

Riding on local roads can be a great way to familiarize yourself with riding on the road and gaining confidence in cycling. Once you are more confident, you may want to use bicycle lanes on main roads. Remember to maintain your safety and the safety of others at all times.

Ride safe!