Constant sitting and lack of exercise are part of our everyday lives. This usually results in back and cardiovascular problems. Regular cycling can help you to stay healthy. It has positive effects on the back, heart and circulation, lungs, respiratory tract as well as the joints and muscles. In addition, regular cycling stimulates fat metabolism and contributes to our well-being.
We'll explain to you with seven facts why cycling is healthy and makes you happy!
Cycling is good for our back
A common cause of back problems is a lack of exercise and constant and incorrect strain on the back. Cycling is a back-friendly activity. It strengthens the back muscles and helps stabilize the spine. By strengthening the small supporting muscles around the individual vertebral bodies, tension can be relieved. If you ride your bike regularly, you can, for example, combine it with other measures such as gymnastics to promote the prevention of serious back problems.
Cycling has a positive effect on the heart and circulation
Cycling can prevent cardiovascular disorders and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, which often occurs in the middle half of life. The WHO recommends exercising for 30 minutes five times a week to prevent lack of exercise and the resulting illnesses.
Of course, you don't have to achieve top athletic performance. A moderate and regular form of exercise is enough to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 50 percent.
Regular cycling also keeps your blood circulation going. This is less stressful and therefore works more economically. Cycling also has a positive effect on blood flow to the heart muscle. If you cycle for more than 30 minutes, you can also improve your heart functions.
The cholesterol level, which is responsible for the calcification of the blood vessels, also decreases. As a result, the veins become more flexible, the cardiovascular system is trained and is more efficient.
Cycling improves lung function
Due to cycling, the lungs are evenly filled with oxygen. In addition, it strengthens the respiratory muscles and promotes better ventilation of the lungs and protection against insects. Sports with cyclic forms of movement are particularly recommended. This includes swimming, walking… and of course cycling! The rule here too is to exercise three to five times a week for around 30 minutes.
Moderate cycling can be recommended, especially for people affected by chronic respiratory diseases.
Cycling is good for the joints
For people who sit a lot in everyday life, cycling can create a balance of movement that is good for the main joints in the knees, hips and shoulders. Even short periods of stress starting at ten minutes can help.
Because of the cyclical movement sequences, cycling is very gentle on the joints. The lower the stress on the joints, the lower the risk of structural problems and muscle, cartilage or tendon diseases. Around 70-80 percent of a cyclist's body weight is stored in the saddle, which is why the knee joints are less stressed when cycling than when jogging, for example.
Cycling strengthens the muscles
Just one week of inactivity reduces muscle strength by 50 percent. Muscle breakdown also begins from the age of 30. Cycling can stop this process. Just 30 minutes of regular cycling is enough.
If you cycle properly, you can train almost your entire body muscles. Cycling puts strain on the leg muscles when pedaling, the abdominal and back muscles that stabilize the body, and the arm and shoulder muscles that support the body on the handlebars.
Regular and moderate endurance training increases the fat-burning capacity of the muscles. New blood vessels grow, resulting in better blood circulation and performance.
Cycling speeds up fat metabolism
Those who sit a lot often have more fat reserves than necessary. Cycling makes it possible to use these reserves as a source of energy. Anyone who is physically active increases their HDL cholesterol level, which protects against cardiovascular diseases. LDL cholesterol, which is responsible for the calcification of blood vessels, is reduced. Light cycling burns up to 5 calories per minute. If you cycle for 45 to 60 minutes, you can support your fat metabolism.
Cycling makes you happy
Our mental well-being is largely influenced by our physical functions and our ability to perform. People who often do endurance sports are psychologically more stable and less susceptible to stress. Being overweight or obese can cause psychological problems.
Cycling is said to have a relaxing effect due to the cyclical and consistent movement it entails. Stressors are reduced, resulting in emotional balance and a positive body feeling. The reason for this is that the two happiness hormones endorphin and adrenaline are released when cycling. You can, so to speak, cycle away any bad mood you may have. It can rightly be said that cycling makes you happy!
