Between the years 2000 and 2017, the number of people who commute to work by bicycle in the United States increased by 70%. There are many different reasons for this, but one of the most significant is the many health benefits of biking.
Many people find it difficult to work the CDC-recommended 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week or 150 minutes of moderate activity into their busy schedule, but commuting to work by bicycle makes it easier to meet or exceed these goals.
Specific Ways That Biking To Work Can Improve Your Health
1. Joint Health
Cycling is a low-impact exercise because other than when you come to a stop, your feet never touch the ground. Because riding ebikes for women doesn't put pressure on the joints, it is often recommended for people with arthritis or who are recovering from an injury.
2. Weight Loss
Depending on the intensity, riding a bike for an hour can burn up to 1,000 calories. Cycling consistently is an excellent way to lose weight without making dramatic changes to your daily diet, and if you commute to work on your bike, that helps you to stay consistent. Your body may even become more efficient at burning calories while at rest because cycling can boost your metabolism.
3. Disease Prevention And Management
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are associated with numerous medical conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Daily exercise and weight management from commuting to work by bicycle can help reduce the risk for these conditions and perhaps prevent them completely.
Even if you already have an underlying medical condition, cycling can help you keep it under control. For example, exercise and weight loss can help decrease blood pressure.
4. Leg Strength
Cycling can strengthen the muscles in your lower body, including the calves, gluteals, hamstrings, and quadriceps, without over stressing them. It can improve your lower body's overall function.
5. Core Workout
The core muscles are those of your abdominal and back. These muscles are responsible for supporting your spine so you can sit and stand up straight. Keeping the bike upright helps to increase core strength.
6. Improved Balance
Inactivity and age can cause your balance to decline, which puts you at greater risk for falls. Cycling helps to improve your overall balance because of the stabilization needed to keep the bike upright.
7. Better Mental Health
The health benefits of commuting to work are not only physical. Exercise stimulates the brain to release chemicals called endorphins that help relieve stress and elevate mood. When you get to work, you can benefit from the increased concentration that results from focusing on the road during your ride.
If you are feeling symptoms of anxiety or depression, cycling can help improve these. It can encourage you to become more mindful of the present moment rather than dwelling on the stresses you face at work and in other areas of your life.
While there are some minor health risks associated with commuting to work by bicycle, the potential benefits far outweigh them. Start shopping for your 24 inch beach cruiser from an online retailer.
