7 Lesser Known Health Benefits of Cycling

Written by: Joey Foresta

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Time to read 3 min

Cycling is an incredible form of exercise that can benefit your health in ways you may not have expected. It’s a great way to keep fit and stay active, but did you know it can also help reduce pain, strengthen your immune system, and improve your cognitive function? Let’s look at 7 lesser-known health benefits to cycling and how you can get the most out of your rides.

7 health benefits of cycling

Mental Health Benefits of Cycling

Cycling is a great way to unwind and relax after a stressful day. It allows cyclists to explore new places and take their minds off their worries for a few hours. Studies have shown that regular cycling can reduce stress and anxiety while also boosting mood, morale and self-confidence. That's because when you're riding your bike, it releases endorphins which make you feel good and help improve your overall mental health. So if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or anxious, hop on your bike and go for a ride – it’ll help clear your head.

Pain Relief

Cycling can be beneficial for those suffering from chronic pain as it reduces inflammation which helps the body heal itself faster. The rhythmic motion of pedaling helps loosen up sore muscles while strengthening those same muscles at the same time. This is especially helpful for people who suffer from arthritis or other joint health problems as regular cycling strengthens the affected joints and helps relieve pain. Cycling is a great natural solution to dealing with your inflammation and health!

Improved Sleep Quality

We all know how important sleep is for our overall health, but did you know that cycling can actually help improve sleep quality? By reducing the achy pains you are sure to sleep better at night. Plus, regular physical activity increases blood flow throughout the body which in turn helps us fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. So next time you struggle with insomnia or feel too fatigued during the day, try going out for a quick bike ride – it might just do the trick and improve your health.

Stress Relief

In addition to improving mental health, cycling is also an effective way to manage stress levels. Studies have shown that regular physical activity releases endorphins into our bodies which naturally make us feel good about ourselves and reduce stress levels over time. Not only does this make us happier overall, but it also has positive effects on our productivity as well! Make sure to share that info with your boss next time your lunch ride is a little longer than anticipated.

Strengthening The Immune System

Riding regularly helps strengthen our immune health by increasing white blood cells which are responsible for fighting off infections and other illnesses. Studies have found that cyclists tend to have stronger immune systems than non-cyclists due to their frequent exposure to outdoor air which contains natural antibiotics like ozone particles. So if you want to prevent getting sick more often, hopping on your bike could be a fun way to do so.

Improved Cognitive Function

Did you know that cycling can help improve cognitive health? Studies have found that cyclists tend to perform better on cognitive tests than non-cyclists due to increased blood flow in their brains from riding regularly. This increased blood flow leads to improved brain functioning which can result in better decision making skills, problem solving abilities, memory recall, etc. Pretty awesome that jumping on your bike can keep your cognitive health sharp.

Improved Lung Capacity

Cycling improves lung capacity by exercising our respiratory system. As we ride, we breathe deeper than usual which increases oxygen intake into our lungs. This leads to stronger lung muscles which result in improved breathing capacity health over time. Also, increased oxygen intake has been linked with improved energy levels so if you find yourself feeling sluggish during the day, try going out for a ride - it might just give you that extra boost of energy.

There you have it – 7 lesser known health benefits of cycling! Not only is cycling great exercise but it also has numerous other health benefits such as reducing pain, improving sleep quality, relieving stress, strengthening immunity, enhancing cognitive function and improving lung capacity. So what are you waiting for? Hop on your bike today and start reaping these amazing rewards! Doing so will undoubtedly lead you down the path towards better mental and physical wellbeing over time. Happy riding!

Nik Nestoroff Riding