Riding a bicycle, either outdoors or indoors, provides an excellent and affordable workout for people of all ages. Like other physical activities, cycling also has certain health benefits. Here are the four reasons why cycling is beneficial to your body.
1. Improves overall mental health
Those who are riding a bicycle going to work have been reported to be the happiest during their commute, compared to those who are driving or taking the public transit. The activity may also help to alleviate the symptoms of mental illnesses. The MRI scans of schizophrenia patients revealed a link between regular cycling and improved brain connectivity, according to the 2015 sturdy.
"For me, cycling soothes my anxiety," said Kym Perfetto, a celebrity trainer and master instructor at SoulCycle. "I feel in-tune with my body and my surroundings. But I also use cycling for exercise, which is scientifically proven to improve mood, as cardio increases serotonin in the body."
2. Workout for arthritis patients
Cycling may be beneficial to those who are suffering from arthritis since it is a good cardiovascular workout without adding stress to their joints.
"People with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis who become inactive because of pain often develop balance problems, so they are less likely to injure themselves on a stationary bike," said physical therapist Matthew Goodemote from Community Physical Therapy & Wellness, New York.
3. Provides a brainpower boost
According to a 2012 study, regular cycling could improve memory and problem-solving skills in the elderly by 15 to 20 percent.
"While we know that [cycling] can have positive effects on cardiovascular disease and diabetes, we have found it can bring about improvements in cognition, brain function, and brain structure," said Dr. Art Kramer from the University of Illinois.
4. Builds muscle and bone
Cycling activates muscles in your shoulders, gluteus muscles in the buttocks, the quadriceps in the thighs, and more during the power phase. The activation of several muscles can, in turn, also help with building healthy bones and preventing bone loss.
"Resistance activities, such as pushing pedals, pull on the muscles, and then the muscles pull on the bone, which increases bone density," said Dr. Clare Safran-Norton, a physical therapist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston.