The benefits of cycling are not only for recreation or as a means of transportation, but also good for the health of the body. By cycling regularly, you can avoid various health problems, from stress to heart attacks.
Cycling is one of the most practical and easy-to-do sports options. This is what makes bicycles a favorite sport for various groups, from children to adults.
This sport also does not burden the muscles or joints, so it is safe to do. By cycling for at least 30 minutes every day, you can get various benefits that are good for your health.
Some of the Benefits of Cycling
The following are some of the benefits of cycling when done regularly:
1. Maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels
Cycling can optimize the performance of the cardiovascular system, namely the heart and blood vessels, by strengthening the heart muscle and increasing blood circulation throughout the body.
With good cardiovascular system performance, the risk of stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure can be reduced.
2. Maintain healthy muscles and joints
Cycling can strengthen the muscles of the legs, buttocks, thighs, calves, hips, stomach, arms and shoulders. Not only that, cycling is also good for joints and has been shown to be beneficial for people with osteoarthritis.
3. Maintain weight
Cycling can maintain ideal body weight, because it can burn fat and increase the body's metabolic rate. Cycling for 1 hour alone can burn at least 600 calories.
To get these benefits optimally, you can combine the habit of cycling regularly with a balanced nutritious diet to prevent and overcome obesity.
4. Lower stress levels
When cycling, the body will reduce levels of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, in the body. Not only that, seeing and enjoying the scenery while cycling can also reduce the stress experienced.
5. Reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer
One of the other benefits of cycling is reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because cycling can maintain the stability of insulin hormone production in the body.
Cycling can also reduce the risk of cancer, including colon cancer and breast cancer.
Ensure Cycling Safely
So that you can get the various benefits of cycling, there are several things you need to consider before starting cycling. One of them is the safety factor. Well, here are some safe tips when cycling that you need to know:
Check the condition of the bike before use
Before cycling, check all the components of the bicycle, from the brakes to the condition of the tires. Leaving any part of the bike inoperative can increase your risk of injury.
Wear head, elbow and knee protection
The head, elbows, and knees are the parts of the body that are prone to injury when you fall off a bicycle. Make sure the three parts of the body are well protected to prevent a fatal effect if a fall.
Make sure you are easily seen by other drivers
When cycling at night or on busy roads, make sure you are easily visible to other riders. You can wear light colored clothes or put on a bicycle light.
Take care when driving
Cycling must still pay attention to other road users, both motorized vehicle users or pedestrians. If the street does not provide a dedicated track for bicycles, do not take away pedestrian rights by riding a bicycle on the sidewalk.
Also, make sure you always signal other road users when they are about to turn or stop. Do not do it suddenly, because it can endanger you and other road users. The important thing that you need to always remember, obey the traffic signs that apply.
In order not to be thirsty and dehydrated, you also need to bring a drink when cycling. The drink can be water, or isotonic drinks that contain electrolytes.
You can get various benefits of cycling by doing it regularly. If you have certain medical conditions that limit your movement, consult your doctor first before starting to cycle regularly.