You don't have to dedicate many hours to obtain its benefits. Practicing cycling 20 minutes a day improves resistance and reduces the likelihood of suffering from certain diseases.
Along with an adequate diet, physical activity is one of the axes of a healthy life: weight is kept under control, the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, some types of cancer and other chronic diseases decreases, in addition to helping to improve mood.
However, specific scientific studies on cycling have shown health benefits. For example, cycling has been found to improve fitness, respiratory and heart health. Among older adults, cycling appears to reduce the risk of falls by improving balance and leg function.
Promoting the use of bicycles goes beyond a fashion. It is a proposal that several cities and organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank are promoting to rescue the value that this means of transportation has in reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere, favoring citizen meetings, promoting equity, reducing congestion. vehicular and improve mobility.
In Mexico it is estimated that almost 2.2 million people use bicycles as a means of transportation; Here are the benefits that cycling brings to health:
1. Improves the cardiovascular system
According to a study published by the journal American Family Physician , cycling is a recommended exercise to strengthen the heart and lungs. According to this research, this activity Reduces the risk of heart disease by up to 30%.
Having a strong heart helps prevent the development of dangerous cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, arteriosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. Plus, it will give you more energy to continue with your day.
2. It is good for mental health
For many people, exercising is synonymous with sacrifice and effort. This is usually related to the stress, especially if you have to do a boring exercise routine after a tiring day.
However, You can practice cycling wherever you want and also enjoy the outdoors . That's why this could be the perfect option for you.
One of the benefits of cycling is that It helps the brain to lower cortisol levels and keep stress under control.
3. Burn calories
Without a doubt, riding a bicycle is one of the safest and most effective ways to lose weight, since approximately 300 calories are burned every hour of transit.
4. Tone your leg muscles
Riding a bicycle is an ideal activity to strengthen leg muscles. Quadriceps and hamstrings work the most and, therefore, the ones that tone the most.
The best thing about this sport is that the characteristic strengthening can be carried out at any time of the day and in multiple possible ways: going to work, at the gym, at home, on a hike in the mountains or for a walk in the city.
5. Helps you live longer
In short, exercise is always positive, but cycling also has social, environmental and even economic benefits.
People who regularly practice cycling – or, generally speaking, any similar physical activity – They tend to live longer, healthier lives than those who don't .
6. Reduces the likelihood of having cancer and diabetes
Multiple studies have shown that cycling is so healthy and positive for our body that It reduces the probability of suffering from such deadly and serious diseases as cancer and diabetes .
The immune system is enhanced in such a way that The phagocytes created are capable of eliminating cancer cells that arise in the cyclist's body .
Obviously, it is not an infallible remedy, but any help is good to combat evils as widespread as cancer.
