Cycling is one of the best forms of exercise for general all-round health and fitness, as well as aiding in weight loss. There are so many benefits to be gained from cycling that it should be classed as a super sport, in the same way that a really nutritious food is termed a super food. So, if you’re looking to lose weight, here are some great reasons to get on your bike…
It burns calories
Cycling might be much less demanding that jogging or sweating it out at the gym, but you can still burn an incredible amount of calories from your biking sessions. Although running will burn more calories, it’s much harder work and causes greater strain on the body. If you cycle at a swift, even pace, the gap between how many calories you will burn begins to narrow and of course, the average person would be able to cycle for much longer than they would be able to run. If you’re cruising along at a cycling pace of around 14 miles per hour, you can expect to burn over 500 calories in an hour.
It’s low impact
Cycling is a low impact sport, which means that it doesn’t put pressure on your joints. The fantastic thing about this is that no matter how much you weigh at the outset of your cycling sessions, it will be kind to your body - making it suitable for anyone looking to get fit.
It strengthens and tones
If you’re looking to strengthen and tone excess flab, then cycling will work wonders at getting you in shape. It focuses on the biggest muscles in your body, such as your hamstrings, quads and hip muscles, so it will help tone you up, as well as increase your ability to burn fat.
It’s easy to get started
Lots of people looking to lose weight are often put off right from the beginning by the thought of punishing regimes or having to invest in equipment or time-consuming activities. Yet the good aspect about cycling is that it’s easy to get started. Once you’ve got yourself a bike and basic accessories such as a helmet, you’re ready to go - there’s no special training required!
You can start at your own pace, and build up as you get fitter. For time-strapped people, you could even try to fit cycling into your daily routine, such as commuting to work on your bike, or cycling to the shops instead of always taking the car. Research suggests that people looking to lose weight are more likely to stick at an activity that they enjoy and don’t find too daunting.
Appetite suppressant
Exercise can help to suppress your appetite, which is ideal if you’re looking to lose weight - and cycling is no exception to the rule. So, if you normally drive to work and grab a pastry on the way, swap to cycling instead and you’ll probably find you don’t feel the desire for your morning sugar fix any more.
It’s sociable
Cycling is an activity that you can do with other people, so team up with friends who are also looking to get fit, and head out on to a cycle trail. It’s much easier to maintain a weight loss and fitness regime if you have other people taking part alongside you to spur each other on.
This article was written by Amy and the team from 50 Cycles. Cycling is one of Amy’s passions which she enjoys every day of the week. Having seen the benefits of cycling first hand, she likes to share her tips and experience with others interested in taking up the sport.
