Cycling and cycling tourism is an industry that is currently developing all over the world. This is not surprising since cycling is well applicable in everyday life for every person, it also benefits the environment and gives physical activity.
In most European countries it is approximately a quarter of the population who use bicycles every day for shopping or daily activities and about 50% use a bicycle as a means of transportation to work or school. In this article we will discuss in detail why you need to start a bike ride and how it will help your health.
Stay Fit
Cycling develops general endurance, trains the cardiovascular system, reduces the risk of heart attacks or high blood pressure. Cycling also strengthens the muscles involved in the breathing process, improves the metabolism of sugar and cholesterol, develops a sense of balance and trains the leg muscles. Calorie consumption during
cycling depends on body weight, age, the degree of difficulty of the trip, and even on the direction of the wind (it blows in the back or in the face).
Typically, cycling at a leisurely pace burns about four to five calories per minute. “You burn fat most efficiently when you constantly drive in low gear,” advises Professor Helmut Lötzerich, deputy director of the Institute for Natural Sports and Ecology at the German Sports University in Cologne.
Feeling better
Experts believe that bike ride has a relaxing effect “due to continuous, uniform repetitive movements.” This neutralizes the action of the so-called stressors – factors that cause irritation. Sometimes even a short cycling distance brings a sense of emotional harmony and a positive attitude. And after 30-40 minutes of an endurance bike
ride, such as a bike ride, the hormones of happiness are produced: endorphin and adrenaline. This is the best protection against depression and other emotional problems.
Reducing stress.
Bike ride is the easiest and fastest way to get your dose of happy hormones. Riding a bike, like other cyclic sports, is a great way to take your mind off your bad thoughts. Try to ride at least a couple of kilometers – everything superfluous will fly out of your head right there. Monotonous movements, measured breathing – all this automatically puts thoughts and feelings in order.
Strengthening the nervous system
Cycling has a beneficial effect on the general emotional state, helps to strengthen the nervous system – your mood and general well-being improve, you get a huge boost of vivacity. Biking is the best way to blow off steam after a day at work.
Improving mental abilities.
Cycling increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, which activates and restores the action of receptors, and promotes the creation of new brain cells in the hippocampus – the area that is responsible for memory.
In addition, writers, musicians, artists, executives and many other professionals use cycling to switch and stimulate creative thinking. Indeed, due to the increased flow of oxygen to the brain, neural activity is activated.
Let’s start right away
We hope all of the above mentioned reasons will convince you to start riding a bike and change your life for the better