You don't have to dedicate many hours to reap the benefits. Cycling for 20 minutes a day improves endurance and reduces the likelihood of certain diseases.
Along with proper nutrition, physical activity is one of the cornerstones of a healthy life: it keeps weight under control, reduces the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, some types of cancer, and other chronic diseases, and helps improve mood.
However, specific scientific studies on bicycle use have demonstrated health benefits. For example, cycling has been found to improve physical fitness, respiratory health, and heart health. Among older adults, cycling appears to reduce the risk of falls by improving balance and leg function.
Promoting bicycle use goes beyond a trend. It's a proposal that several cities and organizations, such as the Inter-American Development Bank, are promoting to recognize the value this mode of transportation offers in reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere, fostering citizen engagement, promoting equity, reducing traffic congestion, and improving mobility.
In Mexico, it's estimated that nearly 2.2 million people use bicycles as a means of transportation; here are the health benefits of cycling:
1. Improves the cardiovascular system
According to a study published by the journal According to an American Family Physician , cycling is a recommended exercise for strengthening 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 artery disease, hypertension, arteriosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. Plus, it'll give you more energy to get through your day.
2. It's good for mental health
For many people, exercise is synonymous with sacrifice and effort. This is often related to the stress, especially if you have to do a boring exercise routine after a tiring day.
However, You can cycle anywhere and still enjoy the outdoors . That's why this could be the perfect option for you.
One of the benefits of cycling is that helps the brain reduce cortisol levels and keep stress under control.
3. Burn calories
Without a doubt, cycling is one of the safest and most effective ways to lose weight, as it burns approximately 300 calories per hour of riding.
4. Tone your leg muscles
Cycling is an ideal activity for strengthening your leg muscles. The quadriceps and hamstrings are the muscles that work the most. and, therefore, the ones that tone up the most.
The best thing about this sport is that you can do the characteristic strengthening exercises at any time of day and in a variety of ways: on the way to work, at the gym, at home, on a mountain hike, or on a city walk.
5. It helps you live longer
Ultimately, exercise is always positive, but cycling also has social, environmental, and even economic benefits.
People who regularly practice cycling—or, in general, any similar physical activity— They tend to enjoy longer and healthier lives than those who do not .
6. Reduces the likelihood of cancer and diabetes
Multiple studies have shown that riding a bike is so healthy and positive for our body, that reduces the likelihood of suffering from deadly and serious diseases such as cancer and diabetes .
The immune system is strengthened to such an extent that The phagocytes created are capable of eliminating cancer cells that may appear in the cyclist's body .
Obviously, it's not a foolproof remedy, but any help is good for combating ailments as widespread as cancer.
