Cycling to your way to fitness

To gain benefits from cycling you don't have to be super fit, an athlete or anything of the sort. The benefits of bicycling are great and it is a fun way to get that much needed exercise.

Weight loss and bicycling

If you are trying to shed a few pounds, dieting alone very rarely works out in the long term, however doing more exercise on a regular basis works wonders. If you cycle on a daily basis then it will not only help you burn a large number of calories during your workout but it will also raise your metabolism and help you burn more calories throughout the day. Cycling along a flat road or path at 12 mph will help you to burn off roughly 450 calories an hour, and even when you stop your metabolism is still speeding ahead, helping to you burn calories quicker.

Not only can cycling help you to lose weight and keep it off, it is also beneficial health wise. By cycling at least 20 miles per week you can help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease by half compared to those who don't cycle.

Health benefits of bicycling

Cycling is classed as an aerobic form of exercise; this is a type of exercise that is particularly beneficial to the lungs and heart. Your lungs expand with the effort of pedaling, which allows you to get more oxygen into your body; this in turn makes your heart beat faster to send the oxygen throughout your body. If you develop powerful lungs and a strong heart then you are well and truly on your way to fitness.

Just by cycling a few miles per day you will soon begin to feel fitter and healthier, you will see your muscles beginning to tone. You thigh, backside and calf muscles will gain the biggest benefit from cycling, as these are the muscles that you will use the most, but overall you will find yourself in much better shape. Perhaps you will find that you no longer get winded walking up a flight of stairs. However, the best part is, that the more you bicycle, the more you will enjoy it and look forward to your next outing.

Bicycling can also be beneficial when we are feeling down or if we suffer from stress, anxiety or depression. When we exercise we release what are known as endorphins into our bloodstream, endorphins bring about a feeling of happiness and contentment and are a great way to combat stress and depression. Cycling can be done almost anywhere by anyone, if you live in towns or the countryside there is always somewhere to bicycle. It doesn't have to be expensive and is a relatively safe sport, when you follow the few simple guidelines and can be enjoyed as a family.

Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of cycling

* Always carry a puncture repair kit
* Make sure you take a water bottle with you especially on long rides in the countryside
* Keep your tires pumped up to the required level to make cycling easier
* For safety always make sure you wear a bicycle helmet
* Always have lights and reflectors on your bike to make sure you are seen
* When cycling at night wear bright colors or preferably some sort of reflective material

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