Remember the times when your parents taught you the art of cycling? The innumerable times you fell off the two-wheeled wonder of a machine in your quest to learn? Learn, you did (Everyone does in the end, no big deal!). But, let us drive home the fact that this art of cycling which you learnt( after a lot of pushing and prodding) is an invaluable one. Firstly, it takes you places! Secondly, its health benefits are immense. You would be surprised that a seemingly simple habit of cycling can keep you fit and in the best of health for the entire lifetime. Let us explore a few important health benefits of cycling.

#10-A Regular Cyclist is a Brainy Guy

Studies commissioned in research labs and universities around the world have come to the conclusion that inculcating a regular habit of cycling boosts brain power and enhances memory retention. The exercise done while cycling helps in the synthesis of new brain cells in the Hippocampus- the area of the brain that is responsible for memory. Also, cycling increases blood and oxygen flow into our brain, which in turn activates the neurons and receptors, thereby increasing the mental capacity.

#9-A Healthy Heart- Cardiovascular Fitness

A recent study has established that a person who cycles at least 20 miles a week is at a 50% reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Increased muscle activity requires the heart to pump in blood at a steady rate and hence, enhances cardiovascular fitness. In fact, cycling to work increases cardiovascular fitness by 3-7%.

#8-Stress Reduction

Cycling regularly rids the body of Cortisol, the stress hormone. This exercise, consequently reduces stress and depression substantially and rejuvenates the mind. Mental Stress and lack of sleep are often inter linked. Sleeping even an hour less at night than what is recommended can lead to a significant jump in Cortisol levels. In fact, Stanford University researchers have found out that cyclists are more likely to have a regular and healthy sleep than others and have lesser instances of insomnia.

It is also heartening to note that a German study has found that endurance exercises like cycling and a sustained feeling of well being are inter linked.

#7-Tons of Stamina & Toned Physique

It is worth mentioning that, like swimming, cycling is a wholesome activity which entails the exertion of muscles in different parts of the body, not just the legs. Regular cycling strengthens the leg muscles and enhances the mobility of knee and hip joints. This exercise also leads to increased muscle co-ordination and sustains it over a longer period in our lifetime.

#6-Flab Reduction- Burns the Calories

Cycling increases calorie consumption and raises the metabolic rate (the rate at which fats and calories are burnt), which can help to lose weight. Sports Physiologists have found out that the metabolic rate remains at a higher state even several hours after cycling. Steady cycling burns upto 300 calories an hour. This translates into a loss of 11 pounds of body weight per year (can you believe that?),  if one cycles for up to 30 minutes per day.

#5-Stable Blood Pressure

A Study commissioned by The National Institute of Health, U.S., has found out that aerobic exercises like cycling can reduce the systolic and diastolic components of our blood pressure by an average of 9 points and 11 points respectively. Now that is quite significant, given the fact that a high blood pressure can lead to diabetes. Thus, cultivating this healthy habit of cycling regularly can reduce one’s susceptibility to diabetes.

#4-Cancer? No way!

One can significantly reduce the risk of some forms of cancer by pedaling regularly. Studies have shown that cycling can prevent cancer, especially colon and breast cancer. Chances of bowel cancer also do get reduced. These forms of cancer claim an unacceptably high number of lives every year around the globe. Given this fact, the data released by the New York Department of Transport showing a quantum jump of 289% in the number of bikers in ten years, is a no brainer. When are you joining the bandwagon?

#3-Live LOOOOOOOOONG!

Who doesn’t want to be blessed with longevity? Well, a cyclist wouldn’t! Surprised? Now, thats because this habit of his, itself confers him the chance to live longer than his peers. In fact, a study on 2400 identical twins has found out that those who did three 45-minute rides a week, were 9 years ‘biologically younger’ than those who didn’t, thereby delaying the ageing process. Cool, isn’t it?

#2-A visit to the doctor? No, Not Yet!

An average human being is exposed to several different kinds of undesirable micro-organisms, bacteria and germs, which, if given a free hand would wreak havoc in our body. The fact that the body’s immune cells ward off diseases by fighting these microbes is the reason why we don’t fall ill too often. Now, by cycling, you can be illness-free for a longer period. How? The answer lies in our immunity. Studies have shown that moderate exercises like cycling can enhance the activity of these immune cells, so that they are better equipped to fight infection. Cometh the hour, cometh the phrase, “Cycling few miles a day, keeps the doctor away!”

#1-Eco-friendly is Body-friendly too!

No discussion on the benefits of cycling is complete without a mention of the world of good it does to the environment. Pollution, especially air-pollution is drastically reduced when more number of people shun motor vehicles and take up the healthy habit of cycling. Now, that in turn, reduces the risk of respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, etc. Not just our own health, cycling takes care of planet earth’s health too! So, get your bike ready for the next trip!