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Many exercises can get the blood flowing and reduce stress, but recently, cycling has started becoming one of the people’s favorite pastimes. A low-impact aerobic exercise, it provides many benefits that make it impossible to overlook. While often associated with physical benefits, cycling also provides mental health benefits and can widen your social circle on the road and at bike stops. Below are some of the reasons cycling should become part of your lifestyle:
Mental Health Benefits
Staying home throughout the pandemic has brought a lot of mental health issues to light, but with the restrictions slowly loosening, it’s the perfect time to get a bike and hit the road.
While other physical activities can reduce stress and anxiety, cycling can give you the chance to do the same and explore new places, creating new memories away from past troubles. Time on the road is also suitable as your focus shifts to the road and surroundings, putting distance between you and your negative thoughts.
Physical Benefits
One of the biggest takeaways from cycling is how it can help shed the weight that makes you feel insecure. Although diet plays a prominent role in the weight loss journey, the intensity of how you cycle can burn plenty of calories (depending on how long you plan to bike too). Cycling can also build muscles around the legs, adding more strength for athletes and improving mobility for non-athletes.
With blood pumping around your body and burning calories, cycling has also been tipped to lower the risk of illnesses like heart disease and cancer. Survivors can also take up the exercise when they’re recovering. Because cycling requires mobility, it can also improve your balance, especially since balance declines with age and inactivity.
Social Benefits
Have you ever been on the road and seen groups of bikers lined up? That’s because cycling is a social sport. Beginners who are unsure about routes can join cycling clubs or groups to help navigate the road. You’ll also get the chance to learn more about maintenance and other advice to help improve your biking experience.
