Dusting off your old bicycle can improve your quality of life more than you may realize. Cycling offers a variety of benefits for your body that include improvements in cardiovascular health, weight reduction and decreased body fat. Understanding how cycling affects the body may motivate you to ride your bike more.
Cardiovascular Health
Cycling provides a method of aerobic exercise that increases overall cardiovascular health. Aerobic exercise refers to activity that provides constant oxygen use for muscles over longer durations. During a cycling trip, your heart rate elevates to supply muscles with oxygen-rich blood for performance. Exercising your heart through cycling lowers your resting heart rate and improves the efficiency of the heart.
Weight Loss
Cycling offers a way to burn calories while enjoying the scenery along your ride. According to the Mayo Clinic, a 240-pound cyclist riding at 10 mph burns 436 calories in one hour. Your calorie burn during cycling depends on your body weight. A 160-pound person riding at 10 mph for an hour burns 292 calories.
Muscle Tone
A regular cycling regimen can aid in developing and toning your quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteal muscles. You target these muscles to pedal your bike. Although you may not experience drastic increases in muscular size compared to weightlifting, you can maintain muscle tone and definition in these larger muscle groups.
Considerations
Consult your health care provider before starting a cycling program. Your physician will determine if cycling poses any risks to your health. When beginning a cycling routine, gradually increase training duration and frequency to help reduce muscle soreness. Schedule rest days between rides to allow for muscle recovery.
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