If you are tired of the traditional workout plans that seem like they do everything but get you into the best shape of your life, perhaps you should give cycling a chance. Many people find that biking is the exact workout routine they have always been looking for because it gives you the unique opportunity to cover more ground in a lesser amount of time than you could while walking or running, so you will never get bored of looking at the same scenery every day. However, cycling has more benefits than just checking out new scenery, and we have listed the top three of them.
Cardiovascular
The first, and foremost, benefit you will receive from cycling is an improved cardiovascular system. When cycling, you are increasing your heart rate, which also increases your level of blood flow. You will notice a definite increase in endurance after you have stuck with your cycling routine for a while, which will allow you to eventually ride longer distances, and you will also likely notice a decrease in your level of fatigue throughout the day. Also, did you know that cycling, and cardio-based exercise in general, has been proven to lower your risks of heart-related issues?
Building Muscle
While cycling is most well known for improving your cardiovascular health, it can also allow you to build muscle. When you think about it, your legs are overcoming a fair amount of resistance to keep the bike’s wheels rolling down the road, and as you become even more confident and pursue climbing the stepper hills, your legs will start to increase in size. Additionally, the amount of work it takes to ride for extended periods of time will definitely start to define other areas of your body, such as your back, abs and butt.
Balance and Coordination
Finally, cycling will allow you to increase your balance and coordination. You may have learned the basic fundamentals of how to keep your balance on a bike when you were young, but you likely do not realize how much balance and coordination it really takes. Your core is constantly sending subconscious signals to your brain informing it of how to stay on the bike when making turns. You will also develop a great deal of hand-eye coordination as you will be able to have a natural feel for how much you need to turn the handlebars in order to make a turn. You will start to figure out that the faster you are going, the less you will need to turn the handlebars because there will be a lesser amount of resistance between the tires and the road. Of course, your increased level of balance and coordination will also work to provide you with a solid core.
Taking up cycling is one of the best forms of exercise out there. As you now know, you will be improving your cardiovascular health, and you will also have the ability to become stronger, increase your balance and your hand-eye coordination.