The benefits of cycling are almost as endless as the country lanes you could soon be exploring. Many lagosians have recently taken up this sport and for good reason. The benefits are endless. If you’re considering taking up cycling and weighing it up against other potential activities, then we’re here to tell you that cycling is hands down the best option:
Cycling improves mental well-being
There are so many ways that exercise can boost your mood: there’s the basic release of adrenalin and endorphins, and the improved confidence that comes from achieving new things. Getting out and riding will help people suffering from depression.
Cycling promotes weight loss
The simple equation, when it comes to weight loss, is ‘calories out must exceed calories in’. So you need to burn more calories than you consume to lose weight. Cycling burns calories: between 400 and 1000 an hour, depending on intensity and rider weight. Of course, there are other factors: the make-up of the calories you consume affects the frequency of your refuelling, as does the quality of your sleep and of course the amount of time you spend burning calories will be influenced by how much you enjoy your chosen activity.
Cycling builds muscle
The resistance element of cycling means that it doesn’t just burn fat: it also builds muscle – particularly around the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. Muscle is leaner than fat, and people with a higher percentage of muscle burn more calories even when sedentary. To be clear – you won’t end up with quads like a track sprinter unless you invest a serious amount of time at the squat rack. But you will develop a nice toned derriere.
Better lung health
You won’t be alone if this point seems contradictory to common sense. But a recent study suggests that people who ride a bike are actually exposed to fewer dangerous fumes than those who travel by car. Hence, it cycling your lung health
Cuts heart disease and cancer risk
Cycling raises your heart rate and gets the blood pumping around your body, and it burns calories, limiting the chance of your being overweight. It is a healthy way to cut your risk of developing major illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.
Cycling is low impact
Running is weight bearing – and therefore injury rates are higher. Cycling, by contrast to running, is not weight bearing.
By Damilola Faustino
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