Grab your bike and hit that road now. The perks - A fresh mind and a strong body.
They say once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget it. And we all have childhood memories of riding a bike, but did you know riding it as an adult can be a lot of fun too? Apart from all the fun, it also enhances your health and fitness and boosts your mood.
“Declining physical activity is a major reason for several illnesses, and cycling can be a great way for transportation.” – World Health Organization
Go pedal power!
What’s Your Excuse?
If there are bike lanes around your city, you might want to start cycling again. It’s a low impact exercise and is good for your body as well as the environment.
Yes, there are concerns about road safety, but you can reduce risks by wearing cycling-appropriate attire – a helmet, reflective fluorescent gear, and lights on the bike for a nighttime ride. Also, if you have a bike lane near your home, use that lane instead of the main road. Since there are many health and environmental benefits of cycling, you should consider doing it.
Still not convinced? Here are some more reasons to hop on that bike:
You Would WANT To Do It
Cycling makes you happy. Period.
It raises your self-esteem and decreases stress levels1,3. If cycling alone isn’t something you prefer, find a friend or a family member who’ll be interested in pedaling with you and go on bike rides together. It’s also a great way to bond. And it helps you sleep better at night3.
It Torches the Stubborn Fat
Cycling is a low-impact exercise and does not put a lot of strain on your body. It gives a good workout to your muscles and burns calories. It also helps keep your heart healthy and blood pressure in control. Cycling every day reduces your chances of a stroke or diabetes1.
You Start Feeling Energetic
Increase your fitness levels and enhance your stamina with cycling. Daily cycling will make you more energetic and tone up your leg muscles. It’s a better exercise than walking as it needs more effort1.
Here’s a Chance To Go Green
While cycling is good for your health, it is good for the environmental health as well1. While a car will run on money and build your fat, a bicycle will run on fat and save you money. Save the environment from pollution and save your money as well by adopting cycling. Reduce the amount of poisonous gases being released in the environment with the help of cycling.
Why You Should Pedal to Work
Going to work on a bicycle instead of a car is a good way to get exercise, enjoy fresh air, reduce traffic, and save money. While some people are afraid of accidents on bicycles, the truth is that the benefits due to cycling far outweigh the risks. A study conducted in Barcelona in 2011 found that cycling to work increased the life expectancy.
When you cycle to work, even Mondays seem cheerful. Try leaving the car at home today and pedal to work.
Sources
- Healthy and active travel. Sustrans. Visited 17 February 2010. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/assets/files/AT/Publications/Healthy%20and%20active%20travel%20information%20sheet.pdf
- Physical Inactivity: A Global Public Health Problem. WHO. Visited 17 February 2010. http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_inactivity/en/index.html
- Guide to Physical Activity. MIND. Visited 17 February 2010. http://www.mind.org.uk/help/medical_and_alternative_care/mind_guide_to_physical_activity Print article Related Articles