Remember when you were a kid and you’d hop on your two-wheeler every chance you got? Fast-forward 10 years and the rat race has got you stressed, tired, drained, and longing for a break. Our solution? Hop on that cycle again. Not to race to the nearest ice cream store, but to get rid of the stress, tuck in that stomach, and tone up those leg muscles. Cycling is a great exercise option for those look to fire up those brain cells and beat those blues while burning calories in a fun way.
Biking helps tone and strengthen the muscles in the lower half of your body. It works out your calf, butt, and hip muscles—all problem areas for Indian women. If you’re climbing uphill, then you’ll also be working out your upper body, especially shoulders and arms, as you stand up to pedal. Added bonus? You’ll also be working your abdominal muscles to maintain your balance and stay in the saddle.
2. Keeps your waistline in check
When you ride, your body’s metabolic rate increases, which means you’re burning calories and fat at a faster, more efficient rate. In fact, research shows you continue to burn a higher amount of calories even a few hours after you’ve gotten off the bike! That’s a bonus we’ll happily say yes to.
3. It’s great for your heart
Cycling is a cardio-aerobic exercise, which means it revs up your metabolism, improves cardiovascular fitness, and improves endurance. Regular cardio exercise is know to keep coronary heart diseases like high blood pressure at bay, help prevent heart attacks, and regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
4. It’s easier on your joints
When you’re walking, running, etc you’re putting all your weight on your legs. So your leg joints bear the brunt of the impact. However, when cycling the majority of the weight rests on your pelvic bones, helping you take it easy on your knees, ankles, and feet. Biking is a low impact exercise, which means it engages all the leg muscles without as much pounding on the knees. This makes it a good cardio exercise for those recovering from an injury or dealing with knee/foot pain.
5. It’s a natural mood enhancer
Ever heard of the ‘runner’s high’? You get a similar mood-enhancing rush while cycling thanks to the release of endorphins triggered by the aerobic exercise. Endorphins are feel-good hormones that make you feel euphoric and young, helping lower stress levels and anxiety. So even if you’re not in a good mood while getting on the bike, you definitely will be when you get off!
6. It makes you smarter
We’re not making this up! Studies have shown that pedalling a bike maintains blood flow to the brain and fires up the nerve cells, improving brain health and helping you build a better thinking organ. According to a recent study, cycling boosts the production of BDNF, a protein that helps the brain retain information and wards off neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Do you need another reason to hop on?
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