Cycling is becoming more popular than ever and it’s easy to see why. You don’t need a membership or a lot of equipment. And with a large selection of parks, trails, and paths, you’ve no shortage of places to ride. But there’s much to be said about the benefits of riding a bike. If you need more reasons to shop for a new bike, then keep reading.
Easier on Your Joints
As a low-impact activity, biking is accessible to almost anyone. It doesn’t place extra stress on weight-bearing joints and it’s gentle on your knees, back, hips and ankles. This makes it ideal for people with arthritis and other types of joint pain. You can also control the intensity level and increase it at your own pace. Choosing a bicycle that meets your needs supports your long-term riding goals – one excellent example is the sixthreezero body ease women’s comfort bicycle. It features a low step-through frame, a vertical pedaling position, and a cushioned dual-spring seat to support your back and hips.
Better Mood
Whether you’re a beginner or a champion cyclist, bike riding can seriously boost your mood. Cycling increases your body’s production of several feel-good chemicals – serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine, to name a few. Together, these can reduce pain and stress and improve your wellbeing. And dopamine contributes a lot to physical and mental function. It helps fuel key processes such as memory, executive functioning, focus, and digestion.
Improved Sleep
Did you know that cycling can help you sleep better at night? Biking outdoors exposes you to daylight, so it can synchronize your circadian clock that controls sleep-wake cycles. Physical activity also cuts down stress by reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. Cycling also makes you breathe deeply to intake oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. This deep breathing can help combat anxiety, a contributing factor in insomnia. No matter where you ride outdoors, make sure your bike matches the terrain. Beach riders often choose bikes for sand – some sport larger tires for better traction on harder packed sand.
Stronger Core Muscles
Designing a workout that strengthens your core can be challenging. But bike riding makes it easier. Besides your leg muscles, cycling also works your back and abdominal muscles. And as they grow stronger, you enjoy greater stability and better support for your spine.
Better Heart Health
If your doctor prescribes more exercise for heart health, cycling is a simple solution. It strengthens your heart and lungs, which means they don’t have to work as hard. Your resting pulse lowers and circulation improves. So it’s no surprise that it can also cut your high blood pressure risk by up to 30%. It can also lower blood fat levels, a key factor contributing to heart attacks.
As you’ve now seen, there are so many benefits to cycling. Before you go bike shopping, keep a few things in mind. Selecting a bike that fits your body, riding habits, and the terrain is vital to your enjoyment. If you ride for both leisure and commuting, a women’s 26-inch hybrid bike may suit your needs. Check each model’s specs, including rider height and weight, before you buy.
