Cycle your way to health!
What is it about cycling that makes you feel so good?
Is it the well documented fact that by cycling you are minimising the risk
of coronary heart disease and providing protection from the clutches of
health problems like strokes, diabetes and cancer? Is it because regular
cycling helps keep your blood pressure under control?
There are reams of health reports that tell you that pursuing cycling
helps build your stamina, enabling you to carry out day-to-day activities
more effectively.
I personally think it is all of the above, plus a few more reasons.
Number one - cycling is fun! Not only is it a fantastic workout that
enables you to enjoy the social company of like minded people and the joy
of being in the great outdoors, but it also goes a long way in boosting
your overall fitness.
This is a sport where you can chatter to the girls in the bunch (any male
cyclist who has ridden in a mixed pack will tell you he is amazed women
cyclists can ride and talk at the same time!) without even realising that
your trip has actually done your body some good. Your cardiovascular system
will thank you for its workout.
Number two - cycling helps you lose weight. Cycling is one of the
most effective exercises to help shed that extra weight. Even a small
amount of cycling (minimum 30 minutes or 8km) is good enough to boost your
metabolic level, giving your weight loss program a good kick up. And when
you get serious and tackle some longer (two hour plus) slow rides, the
kilos seem to melt away as your body works at an intensity level that burns
fat.
Number three - cycling is a low impact form of exercise. Low impact
means less likelihood of injuries as the risk of over-exertion or strain to
muscles and joints is reduced. You can improve your muscle tone without
stressing knee and ankle joints.
Cycling is one of the more comfortable forms of physical activity for
those who are new to exercise, allowing most people to get fit easily and
safely without undue physical strain. Though you do have to toughen up your
derriere to cope with some of those longer hours in the saddle!
Number four - cycling is a natural stress buster! Endorphins, which
have been called the body's 'natural' mood enhancers, are released by the
effects of exercise into the bloodstream in quantities up to five times
higher than their resting levels. The effect of this endorphin release has
been compared to opiate drugs. There's a natural high that all forms of
exercise produces and the effect can be felt long after the exercise period
has finished.
Other actions of endorphins include the stimulation of the immune system
by the activation of natural killer cells and the postponement of aging.
Cycling can actually become naturally addictive as your body searches for
its high. Cycling at a reasonable intensity helps you remain positive as it
gives you a sense of achievement, distracts you from the everyday stresses
of life and provides great social interaction.
So what are you waiting for? Get on your bike and be rewarded with the
health benefits of cycling!