The Health Benefits From Cycling

According to many fitness experts, cycling is one of the best forms of exercise available. A bicycle can be an inexpensive tool for the fitness conscious to help keep their bodies fit and healthy. It is a versatile machine that is designed to minimize stress as well as maximize exercise efficiency.

The popularity of cycling in the United States as a form of exercise or as a recreational activity is marginal. This is despite the fact that Americans like Lance Armstrong and Floyd Landis have been immensely successful at major cycling events including the Tour de France.

The bicycle in its present form was first introduced in Europe as late as the nineteenth century and was introduced in the US shortly afterwards. However, over a period of time the Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the American Auto became more popular, especially with the growth of the monoculture suburbs.

The health benefits of cycling

Cycling offers numerous benefits. It gives the body a fast and energetic workout. There is a definite shaping, toning and firming of the thighs, the calf muscles and the pelvis region. Fat melts away and is replaced by muscle. Some studies suggest that cycling is one of the few exercises that can help reduce cellulite from the thigh region. There is relatively less stress on the knees and ankles while cycling as compared to other activities like running and aerobic exercises.

Nonetheless, cycling is not recommended for people with joint problems and arthritic pain, who should try swimming instead for full body weight support. Cycling also helps develop the abs to a certain extent. However, constant cycling can put severe strain on the back, which most often is left unsupported. People with these concerns should select a bike with a backrest rather than a sports or mountain bike.

Another problem with prolonged cycling is that studies have shown it can be a cause of impotency for male cyclists. The continued stress on the lower abdomen results in loss of sensation in the penile region, reducing the sperm count and causing injury to the testes. This is however only relevant to those who cycle professionally, staying on the machine for more than six hours each day.

Cycling improves circulation

Even though bicycles are used more for recreation than for normal day-to-day transport, the health benefits of cycling are being recognized around the world and this simple machine is increasingly being used to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Apart from burning away body fat and getting rid of cellulite, cycling reduces the chances of heart diseases, and also increases the body's protection against various forms of diabetes and high blood pressure.

This is because cycling facilitates blood circulation throughout the body, which carries oxygen-rich blood to all the muscles. The heavy breathing experienced after a few minutes of cycling increase the intake of oxygen, making it an effective aerobic exercise.

Cycling can also be a great stress-buster

Cycling can also be used as a stress-buster activity. A long, leisurely cycle ride along the coast or through other scenic terrain can definitely help reduce stress levels. In fact, all these benefits were an impetus for the invention of the exercise bike, a stationary cycle that can be used to burn calories from the comfort of the home.