10 Cycling Benefits To Pedal Your Way to Good Health

If you're thinking of investing in fitness equipment but can't decide, maybe you need to discover (or re-discover) the several cycling benefits that the humble two-wheeler has on your health. From better posture to enhanced cognition and sex drive – there’s a lot to offer.  Already have one? Don’t wait — oil the chain, pump up the tyres, and hit the cycling track today!

If getting leaner and stronger is your goal, cycling should be your go-to activity. Regular moderate-intensity cycling burns calories, melts fat, builds leg muscles, strengthens bones, and improves heart and lung function, making it a powerful all-in-one workout.

“Cycling, as a form of exercise, has been shown to offer numerous health benefits. Greater calorie expenditure associated with cycling could contribute to improvements in body composition and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Regular cycling can lead to positive changes in your muscles, such as improving blood flow and increasing energy production, which boosts your endurance and muscle strength,” says Dr Mukesh Goel, a senior cardiothoracic & vascular surgery consultant based in Delhi.

An interesting study revealed that people who bike for over 30 minutes daily have a 40% reduced risk of developing diabetes. Regular cycling also protects against heart diseases like stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure, cutting the risk of heart disease by nearly half and helping one live longer.

Physical activity like cycling speeds up the passage of food through your intestines, allowing lesser absorption of water and making the stools soft and easier to pass. Cycling prevents bloating and also protects you from bowel cancer.

Did you know that cycling can protect you from frequent colds? Research shows that aerobic exercise like cycling can reduce sick days by about 40%. Cycling at a moderate intensity boosts the production of essential proteins and white blood cells, helping your immune system stay strong.

Cycling engages your anti-gravity muscles, which help maintain an upright posture and improve your overall form. The skills needed for on-road cycling also sharpen reflexes, enhancing balance and coordination.

Cycling helps relieve stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins — the body's feel-good hormones. This effect is amplified when cycling in nature. Cycling also promotes mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present moment and helping you relax both your body and mind after a hectic day.

Feeling mentally drained? Hop on your bike and go for a ride. Cycling re-energises your brain, as exercise promotes the formation of new connections between the cells in the brain's cortical areas. Studies show that cycling not only boosts executive functions and cognitive performance but also enhances overall well-being.

Health experts suggest that engaging in regular physical activity like cycling enhances vascular health, which can, in turn, boost sex drive. Studies show that men over 50 who cycle for at least three hours a week have a 30% lower risk of impotence compared to those who are less active. For women, staying physically active can delay menopause and prevent a decline in sexual desire and arousal during this stage of life.

It may be surprising, but cyclists are exposed to less pollution than vehicle users. Studies show that cyclists inhale significantly fewer toxic fumes compared to passengers in buses, taxis, and cars. This is likely because cyclists tend to ride at the edge of the road, away from traffic congestion, reducing their exposure to exhaust emissions.

If you're looking to improve your social skills or make new friends, cycling is a great choice. Joining a cycling club allows you to explore new places, meet interesting people, and stay fit in a fun way. Additionally, you can join clubs that engage in social activities or cycle for a good cause, helping you find a deeper sense of purpose in life.

Buying a cycle is one of the best investments you can make for your health. Cycling is a versatile, enjoyable activity that’s as fun as it is good for you. More than just a workout, it’s a path to feeling stronger, living healthier, and staying connected with your surroundings.

Although cycling cannot eliminate an existing heart blockage, it can aid in decreasing bad cholesterol levels, alleviating stress, and keeping a healthy weight — all factors that enhance heart health. But in case you already have a blockage in your coronary arteries you should consult a cardiologist and only then go for any intense exercise like cycling.

If you commit to cycling for only 30 minutes each day, you will be amazed at the positive impact it has on your cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. Along with physical benefits, you'll also notice positive effects on your mental well-being, all while reducing your carbon footprint.

Cycling reduces blood pressure by decreasing blood vessel stiffness, allowing enhanced blood circulation. Health experts suggest breaking down 30-minute exercise sessions into three sessions of 10 minutes each to prevent blood pressure spikes.

Yes, cycling enhances blood flow throughout the body, particularly in the legs. It can also increase the heart's blood volume, improving overall cardiovascular function.

Cycling is a great habit to incorporate into your daily routine. It strengthens your body, relieves stress, and refreshes your mind. Using your bike to commute is a win-win for you and planet Earth.