In a world that never stops changing, the use of bicycles as a means of transport is increasing more and more. Whether to avoid traffic jams or to adopt a healthier lifestyle, there are plenty of reasons to start cycling.

In addition to being a cheap and sustainable means of transport, the bicycle is also a tool for those who just want to exercise. And its use, no matter for what purpose, is only good for your health! Do you want to know what benefits you can have when cycling? MetLife has listed 10 for you!

1. Lose weight

Cycling is an exercise that speeds up your metabolism, meaning it makes your body burn calories faster. The result is less fat accumulation in the body and, consequently, a slimmer silhouette.

2. Improves muscle tone

Like all physical exercise, cycling requires muscle strength. Therefore, cycling regularly will help you gain muscle strength and tone, especially in the lower part of your body. Pushing the pedals engages your quadriceps, thigh muscles, and glutes. The arms and shoulders are also used, especially when holding the handlebars on both sides to climb steep hills.

3. Provides well-being

Have you ever seen someone cycling with an expression of anger or sadness? Probably not, since cycling causes your body to release endorphins and serotonin, hormones that cause a feeling of pleasure.

Therefore, in addition to being good for the body, cycling helps fight depression, anxiety and stress.

4. Increases your breath

If you’ve ever seen a cyclist climbing a steep hill, you may have asked yourself: how does he do it? The answer lies in reinforced lungs.

When you pedal, you need more oxygen and end up exercising your breathing more. Over time, you begin to gain strength to handle not only long climbs but pedaling for long distances.

Gaining physical resistance goes beyond cycling and will be useful for all your daily activities, such as playing with your children and climbing stairs.

5. Does not harm joints

Unlike other activities, such as running, in cycling, your contact with the ground is not the responsibility of your legs and feet. This means that the entire impact transmitted to the joints, especially the feet and knees, is small.

So if you have any physical restrictions for activities such as running, playing tennis or football, you already know that the solution is to invest in a bicycle.

6. Reduces cholesterol

Cycling, as you already know, speeds up your metabolism. This causes the substances that generate bad cholesterol (LDL) to be quickly burned by your body.

7. Helps prevent and control diabetes

A diabetic person can and should practice physical exercise and cycling is one of the best for this group of people. Cycling regularly helps keep blood sugar levels stable and reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Anyone who is not diabetic but wants to prevent the disease should also include this activity in their routine!

8. Controls blood pressure

You already know that cycling tones your muscles. What many people don’t know is that cycling also works the veins and arteries. Their contraction and relaxation process becomes faster during activity, which helps lower blood pressure. Your heart thanks you!

9. Improves motor coordination

Cycling is fun and also helps to improve your motor coordination. As the activity involves the entire body (arms, legs, hands), it also makes your reflexes faster.

10. Aids recovery from bone injuries and arthritis

As it is a low-impact exercise, cycling contributes to joint health, preventing falls and fractures. It is an ideal physical exercise to prevent osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Did you see how swapping your car for a bike, at least once in a while, can change your life? This activity, accompanied by a healthy diet and regular visits to the doctor, will greatly improve your quality of life! So let’s pedal!

The post Benefits of cycling for your health first appeared on Blogstudiio.

The post Benefits of cycling for your health appeared first on Blogstudiio.