As far as sports and recreational activities go, some are much better than others in terms of their benefits. While extremely contact-heavy sports like rugby or ice hockey have their benefits, the odds that one gets injured are much higher than in other sports or activities with less intense risk factors.
Cycling is an activity which can also be a sport, that is great for our bodies, as well our mental well-being. Here are some of the many benefits that cycling has.
Cycling is Great for Exercising
It is as simple as that. Cycling can be a great exercise. If joyriding is far too easy for you, consider increasing your cadence, or find an uphill route. What was an easy ride will eventually become an exercise. The benefits of cycling as a way to exercise is that you will rarely be bored.
There will be a variety of terrain to traverse, all with their own interesting obstacles, from traffic, potholes, other cyclists, to actually off-road cycling which has challenges of its own.
Cycling As a Stress-Relief Activity
Not many activities can boast that they are both great for exercising and also keeping our mind and body stress-free. While it is difficult to get rid of chronic stress in one go, one can certainly lower their cortisol levels by cycling on an everyday basis. Whether as a part of a commute or a way to burn some calories, cycling can be relaxing and can contribute to our short-term and long-term mental well-being.
Cycling as a Way to Travel
Travelling has always been a fun activity which many people enjoy. However, not everyone wants to board a train or bus and start exploring. Some people prefer to actually use their own bodies to travel rather than using cars or planes.
Touring with a bicycle has been on the rise in the past 40 or so years and more recently, there have been developments when it comes to the technology, which has taken form as trekking bicycles. They are hybrids between city bicycles and mountain bicycles, with the ability to hold bags and go off-road, while also being good on road and comfortable.
Cycling has many benefits, from those that have a positive effect on the body, to those that have a great effect on the mind, not to mention the practical benefits. Try it and see the benefits for yourself.