Cycling For Fun, Fitness & Wellbeing
Thank goodness we are enjoying lighter mornings, especially long days and temperatures that really seem like summer! What better time than to get outside, increase your activity levels and get on your bike!
If you haven’t already, you could use this opportunity to have your bike properly serviced, checked over and prepared in readiness for the roads and cycle routes.
Cycling has risen hugely in popularity as many people find it an easy activity to start or join in with, as well as being very sociable as an activity and even better it is suitable and great for all age groups – hence why so many of us and our families own a bicycle!
One of the best things about cycling is that once you have dusted off the bike and probably pumped up a tyre or two, you are pretty much ready to go. It is such an advantage not to have to make too many complicated arrangements, you can just get your cycle helmet on, choose a suitable route and off you go.
Cycling is the perfect way to steadily kick start your summer fitness regime into action or continue to stay fit if you are already a seasoned cyclist. Cycling obviously provides a whole host of benefits to your physical wellbeing and can contribute as well to your mental health wellbeing, as it is a great way to let off steam and de-stress.
Each of us will have different goals and objectives for our cycle rides & routine, but whatever your reasons, these are the best benefits that we can all take advantage of and enjoy:
- Inclusion: this is an activity that crosses any age and gender divide. We can all join in, participate, get fit, have fun together! You can cycle with children/family, friends or a cycling club
- Strengthening: cycling will significantly improve your lower body muscle function by strengthening your leg muscles without overstressing the joints. The good news is, you will specifically be strengthening and targeting your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves
- Lowering Cholesterol: cycling can help to improve overall cholesterol levels, which can in turn have a good impact and boost on cardiovascular health. This is good news for helping towards lowering your chance of a heart attack or a stroke
- Joint Support: as cycling is a low impact form of exercise, it is much kinder on the joints and is less likely to cause injuries (make sure you stretch well though both before & after!)
- Improves Mood/Feelings of Wellbeing: cycling can be a really effective way to de-stress and manage anxiety. When you cycle a number of elements come into play to boost endorphins which help us feel better, such as: focusing on the road/route ahead can channel your thought processes elsewhere which provides some relief from negative & stressful thoughts; being ‘present’ and aware of your surroundings is a good change, especially so if you are in the countryside and can enjoy some uplifting scenery; physical activity and exercise can make you feel pleased and content with yourself (which is where we all need to be sometimes)
- Socialise/Make Friends: cycling can bring people together – it’s up to you! If you cycle a regular route, you may continually see the same riders which could lead to chat/ interaction and the same if you have a regular pit-stop for coffee (and cake!). Joining a cycling club is also an excellent addition to the social circle
- Weight Loss: if this is one of your goals, then cycling at a slightly higher intensity regularly can contribute to lowering your body fat levels which will promote healthy weight management
The positive benefits of cycling are clear and numerous. Whether you are cycling solo, with friends, with your children/family or with a cycling club, you know without a doubt that there are definitely plenty of good rewards to be reaped!
Good weather of course, will definitely help as well, so please keep everything crossed for a good summer.
Good luck & happy cycling!
