CYCLING IS EASY, FUN, AND EXTREMELY
GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH:
CYCLING HAS BEEN
SHOWN TO GREATLY REDUCE STRESS
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I look forward to my hour
(or two) in the
saddle (saddle is a fancy name for your
bicycle's seat) each day. My
cycling time is "ME"
time. There's the road, me, and my
bicycle. Cycling is relaxing because it
gives me a chance to be outdoors while doing
something that is healthy for me.
I find it stimulating because I am
constantly working through problems and
finding solutions such as which gear is
going to be best for climbing the hill in
front of me or when do I need to apply my
brakes to slow down as the traffic light in
front of me has started to change. You have to be in
the moment and aware of your surroundings.
This keeps your mind sharp and your body and
mind well connected.
Additionally the health benefits from daily
exercise are well documented; a significant
reduction in your exposure to a number of
life altering diseases such as CAD,
Diabetes, Obesity, Cancer, Arthritis, and
the list goes on... What makes cycling an
ideal fitness activity is that it is low
impact; it doesn't cause the issues with
joints that high impact activities such as
running do; only swimming is considered to
be lower impact. Cycling is an ideal
activity because it works all of your muscle
groups. You may not realize it but
when you are riding a bicycle outdoors you
are constantly using your upper body muscle
groups to keep yourself balanced and to
control your bicycle.
You can often
cycle in the gym or home with a stationary
bike. If the weather permits, you can
utilize cycling to get from point A to point
B without the need for a car. Whether you
have an old bike or new, cycling provides
health benefits that typically cannot be
established with other activities. |
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Here are some of the benefits of
cycling: |
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Cycling increases tone and builds
muscle: Cycling involves
the entire body, contrary to the popular
belief that it’s all about the legs.
Cycling effectively works your upper
legs, buttocks, and lower legs, as well
as your core and upper body muscles.
Almost your entire body works while
cycling.
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Cycling burns calories:
Depending on intensity, duration and the
rider’s weight, cycling for about half
an hour can burn 210-311 calories,
according to Harvard. The screen
shot of my Garmin Cycling Computer
(through Garmin's "Garmin Connect"
software) shows my cycling activities
from August 2nd to August 29th, 2017.
In that period of time I burned through
65,311 calories. Because I use a
Garmin Vector II Power Meter system -
wattage expended and calories used are
very accurate.
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Cycling is a stress-reliving
activity: Cycling can be
meditative and joyful. Getting outside
and cycling brings your closer to
nature, bringing peace to your work out.
The more you cycle the better you’ll get
at it; this increase in confidence can
lift your mood and can heal a stressed
mind.
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Cycling is easy: Cycling
can be one of the easiest and most
relaxing means of physical activity. You
can ride a bike almost anywhere and at
any time. Cycling is relatively cheap
and can be done by people of all ages.
All you need is a bike, a helmet and a
bit of time!
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