by: Kyle Factor
When you think of a great workout, you may think it has to be done formally in a gym. on the treadmill, weight training, or doing yoga or aerobic fitness classes. One type of recreational activity that may not have grabbed your attention is cycling. Getting out there on your bike and taking a ride can have a lot of positive effects on your health. Cycling is also an ageless exercise. The positive effects of cycling can be benefitted by those of every age group and through all stages in life.
The first positive that can be gained from cycling is cardiovascular endurance. This low impact form of exercise can be set to be very strenuous and also can be set to be very light. Riding hills are some of the best interval training methods out there. The next positive about cycling is that it is low impact on the joints. Compared to running and lifting, the pedals of the bike carry the load and the resistance. With this resistance on the lower body muscles it is great for building muscular strength and endurance. The quadriceps take the biggest brunt of the training from cycling. Another positive of this form of exercise is that it helps build the bone density. The pedals pulling on the muscles and the muscles pulling on the bone. The last positive thing about cycling is it helps with activities of daily living. Cycling helps with endurance, strength, balance, and coordination. This is particularly important for older adults.
Health Benefits from Cycling:
- Increased endurance
- Increased Muscular conditioning
- Higher Vo2max
- Healthier ligaments
- Balance
- Coordination
