CYCLING - CHILDHOOD FUN NOW ADULTHOOD HEALTH
For many people who are working today, cycling is something they did during their childhood. As a kid, we had so much fun when we pedaled our way down the streets.
But how many of us know the story behind the cycle? How has it evolved over time?
Bicycling was first set in motion sometime around 1800. It didn't take much time to get popular. However, the initial design for a cycle can be traced back to 1493. Gian Giacomo Caprotti was the person who sketched the basic plan. But after various ideas and plans around the world, the first cycle was invented by Karl Von Drais.
The bicycle has undergone many improvements from the basic design of Karl Von. Globally various clubs have been set up to encourage like-minded people to come together and cycle to different destinations. By the late 19th century, the bicycle has evolved so much into what we have today.
Recently with the introduction of E-cycle concept, we have dynamically changed the way we look at cycling.
What are the benefits of cycling? Is it time to switch gears?
Cycling is a low-impact aerobic exercise performed to improve a person’s health. It is a useful exercise that almost anyone can incorporate into their daily lives.
Cycling can be used as a casual mode of transport or competitive mode of sport to improve fitness.
The key benefits of cycling are as follows:
1. Lowers cholesterol
One reason why many fitness enthusiasts prefer cycling is that it may help lower cholesterol. Cycling may help reduce the level of LDL cholesterol in the body. LDL cholesterol is harmful to health as it accumulates in the arteries blocking the smooth flow of blood.
Cycling can help reduce the formation of LDL cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health. It reduces the chances of getting a stroke or a heart attack.
2. Help lose weight
Habitual cycling at a moderate to high frequency can help a person shed body fat. This in turn promotes healthy weight management. Cycling is a great exercise as it has a low impact on the knees, reducing the chances of damaging it.
If a person is trying to lose weight, cycling gets a big thumbs up. It temporarily improves metabolism, which helps in weight loss.
3. Low impact exercise
Cycling goes easy on the body. This means that it is a good low-impact option for people who are older and also for people who try intense workouts. It is an effective exercise for people with muscle stiffness or joint problems.
4. Great for new entrants
Riding a bicycle is simple. Anyone can learn to ride a bike easily. Balance and a bit of focus are all they require. If a person has difficulty with a regular bicycle, they may even opt for a stationary bike.
5. Cycling and recovery
People, especially athletes, turn towards cycling to recover from their injuries. After their rehabilitation cycle, cycling is a great way for such people to bounce back from illness and improve fitness without putting the body under more stress.
After full recovery, the person is free to increase the intensity to improve his/her fitness levels or continue to ride at a moderate speed and maintain their fitness level.
6. Improves leg strength
Cycling has proven to improve the functionality of the lower body. It strengthens the legs. Cycling targets hamstrings, quads, glutes, and calves. Athletes perform intense cycling to improve their leg strength. Normal people can gradually increase their intensity as they improve their strength.
7. Improves posture
As a person bikes around with an upright body, it improves their posture. As the body stabilises, balance and coordination improve. When balance is improved, it reduces the risk of falls and fractures.
Some of the other benefits of cycling include:
- Reduces air pollution
- Saves space for greener development
- Reduces noise pollution
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and much more
What are the risks and drawbacks of cycling? Keeping the fingers ready to apply the brake.
Cycling with a few medical conditions may be bad for a person. For people having certain health concerns, cycling may lead to excessive fatigue and cause accidents. Outdoor cycling may be dangerous for such people. Indoor cycling or a stationary bike can be a useful option, but proper medical supervision is required.
When people cycle at crowded places, there is a risk of filtering or overtaking which may be dangerous for the rider. This increases the chances of accidents.
Also, another reason to consider is the tightness that happens to the lower body after cycling. It is important to stretch your muscles before and after cycling to avoid tightness and improve muscle recovery.
Inclement weather can be a hindrance to cycling. It is not possible to go out cycling in between a storm or a snowfall. If cycling is the main source of transport, then the person will have a hard time commuting.
Existing air pollution is also a major concern. Outdoor riding in a busy city would make a person inhale air that is polluted. However, people can choose less polluted places to ride their bikes, or go cycling in non-peak hours when the traffic is less.
To sum up
Cycling every day is possible. It is an easy way to improve a person’s health. Cycling must be avoided if a person suffers from an injury. But sometimes, cycling can be a great way to recover from certain injuries.
It is an enjoyable way to remain healthy. Riding the bike cautiously with proper safety gear is encouraged. When the weather is not supportive, consider indoor cycling as it offers similar health benefits.
Cycling offers numerous benefits both to an individual and the environment. We need to appreciate the satisfaction of improving our health with minimum impact and saving the environment.
