4 Unexpected Ways Cycling Will Improve Your Life
Shake it up! You’ve been stuck in that same old routine at the gym for 3 months now. At first, it was grueling, then it became demanding and now it’s a walk in the park for you. Look, I get it. I really do. There’s comfort in that feeling of progression and realizing that what was once cripplingly difficult is now actually kind of easy. But if you stick with a routine that you’ve already mastered, you’re coasting and if you’re coasting there’s no way you’ll get the results you crave. A great exercise regimen is all about variety. We need to keep challenging our bodies and shocking our muscles if we expect to build lean muscle mass and burn fat at peak efficiency. Thus, your routine should take you out of the gym every once in a while. Now that summer is well and truly here, it’s time to take a look at some of the myriad delights of cycling.
Even many fitness enthusiasts haven’t straddled the saddle since they were kids. This is a shame because cycling is not only a physically and psychologically rewarding activity, it’s an awful lot of fun too. Let’s take a closer look at how cycling will improve your life…
It will make you a better road user
When we’re on the road in a car, it can give us an inflated sense of our own importance. Those layers of metal and glass and plastic insulate us from risk and can goad us into a false sense of security. Cyclists are more agile but more vulnerable. Being a cyclist will make you better able to perceive and avoid hazards. If, however, you are injured on your bike by an irresponsible road user you should find a lawyer to help you at GBW.law/personal-injury/bicycle-accident. On the whole, however, cycling will make you a better road user and reduce your chances of mishaps whatever vehicle you happen to be in.
It will relieve stress, anxiety, and depression
All exercise is great for mental health. That dual hit of endorphins and dopamine is what makes exercise so essential for psychological well being. Plus, let’s not forget the feeling of empowerment and self-confidence as we eke ever closer to our body goals. Cycling combines the psychological and neurological effects of exercise with the mental health benefits of being surrounded by nature.
It can improve your posture
Bad posture is the root of a plethora of health problems. It can put undue pressure on our organs leading to difficulty digesting our food and even increasing our risk of heart disease and diabetes. Cycling, however, can improve posture by aiding joint strength and mobility. Not only will you walk taller and with more confidence, you’ll reduce the risk of some potentially serious conditions.
It can even help to prevent cancer
Speaking of serious conditions, there’s even evidence to suggest that cycling can reduce your risk of some forms of cancer. A study published in the British Medical Journal showed that participants who cycled to work saw a reduced incidence of cancer by as much as 45%.
So, if you want to get in shape and improve your life the solution is obvious… Get on your bike!