Cycling is healthy and good for fitness!
At Netherlands live around 17 million people, but collectively we have as many as 25 million bicycles. Globally, we are therefore labelled as a true cycling people. Through all weathers or only when the weather is nice, for fun or to work; almost all of us cycle! And cycling is healthy! Cycling helps to lose weight, improve fitness and resistance, prevent various diseases and also sleep better. And it can be done anytime, anywhere and at your own pace! Do you know all the benefits of cycling?
1. Cycling helps against obesity
Do you want to lose weight? Then cycling is a good and responsible way to achieve this goal. Cycling for half an hour a day at an average pace (i.e. not too slow) will start burning fat. Do not cycle too fast, as you will burn more carbohydrates than fat. The beauty of cycling: fat burning does not stop after cycling! Thanks to the increase in active muscle tissue, fat burning continues even after cycling. And especially if you are a bit heavier, cycling is ideal. Because you sit on a saddle while moving, your knees and ankles do not have to bear your weight.
2. Cycling leads to better muscle building and fitness
Cycling is good for your whole body. You don't just use your legs and feet to pedal. You also use muscles to balance, steer and apply power. If you cycle regularly, you will work on your muscle structure. This will increase your endurance, allowing you to cycle longer and longer distances with less effort. And the risk of injury is minimal. Other sports, such as running, put much more strain on your muscles and joints, while cycling is just as good.
3. Cycling reduces stress and is good for the mind
Cycling is great for relaxation. After all, you can move and look around you at the same time. This gives a wonderful sense of freedom. Cycling reduces stress and creates more space in your mind. You create space in your head that might otherwise have been full of thoughts, stress and fretting. In fact, it is almost a form of meditation, especially if you cycle outside. Only with extra exercise. A positive boost for your mental health!
4. Cycling helps prevent diseases
Cycling is good for your immune system. Through exercise, your blood starts flowing better and various waste products are removed from your body. It will also make your body stronger and more resilient to various diseases and disorders. Cycling for 30 min to 1 hour a day five or more days a week will make your body stronger and better able to ward off viruses and flu. In addition, cycling reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also makes your blood vessels more flexible and stronger and less likely to clog up.
5. Cycling lowers excessive cholesterol
Do you suffer from excessively high cholesterol? This means that your LDL cholesterol is too high and your HDL possibly too low. Are you taking medication for this? Then exercising and cycling more is highly recommended. Your LDL cholesterol will shoot down, while your HDL will be raised.
6. Cycling is good for the brain
Cycling not only offers positive effects on your body, it is also good for your brain. When you exercise, your heart starts pumping harder and blood flow to the brain is boosted. Your brain gets more oxygen and therefore more sharpness, clarity and a better memory!
7. Cycling makes you sleep deeper and better
Do you often suffer from restless nights, or have trouble falling asleep? Then go cycling: the way to better, deeper and more pleasant sleep. If you cycle for half an hour every day, you will need less time to fall asleep and sleep longer. This is also because you cycle in the open air. The fresh air provides your brain with the oxygen it needs. In addition, you can relax in nature. And because you are outside and see a lot of daylight, your body will develop a better biorhythm. Your body will tire faster in the evening when it gets dark. As a result, you will fall asleep better and will also sleep more peacefully.
Grab a bike and head out!
Are you practised or inexperienced? It doesn't matter. Cycling allows a very diverse group of people with different fitness levels to get out and about together. So grab your bike today and get going at your own pace. Because cycling makes you fit, strong, healthy and happy!
Do you have complaints when cycling? Then contact FriskFysio
Do you suffer from an injury or physical disability, but still want to cycle? We will gladly help you determine what is possible to get moving, stay moving and work on your fitness in a responsible way. Would you like to make an appointment to discuss the possibilities? Then please call 085-5000333, please email info@friskfysio.nl or fill in the contact form on our website. We will contact you as soon as possible.
