5 benefits of regular cycling

Home » Blog » 5 benefits of regular cycling

Home » Blog » 5 benefits of regular cycling

5 benefits of regular cycling

cycling fitatu

Imagine sunshine, wind in your hair and a sense of freedom. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Did you know that you can experience it simply… by getting on your bike? Celebrate World Bicycle Day with us on 3 June and discover the benefits of regular cycling.

The sunshine is a great invitation to get out of the house and increase your physical activity. Which discipline you choose is up to you. You can choose from walking, running (or jogging), Nordic walking, rollerblading, functional training in the open air and, of course, cycling. On the occasion of the forthcoming World Bicycle Day, we would like to introduce you to the benefits of regular cycling. 

5 advantages of regular cycling

Supports maintenance of a healthy body weight

Regular cycling, especially at a high intensity, can help reduce body fat levels.

Benefits mental health

Cycling can alleviate feelings of stress, depression or anxiety. Focusing on the road or rhythm while riding can have a calming effect and promote the ability to focus on the present moment. One study found that cycling outdoors improves cognitive functioning and well-being in older people.

Contributes to caring for the environment

By cycling, you reduce your carbon footprint. A recent study in Europe found that commuting to work by bike instead of the car once a day reduces your transport-related carbon footprint by 67%.

Plus, if patience isn’t your strong point and you’ve cursed more than once while standing in traffic, switching from car to bike can help you save a lot of stress.

Strengthens leg muscles

Cycling improves the overall function of your lower body and strengthens your leg muscles without straining your joints.

It is economical

By reducing your car use, you are not only looking after your health or climate but also your finances. Instead of spending several hundred zloty on fuel, you can spend it on a date in the city or a trip with a loved one.

The benefits of year-round cycling – a conversation with Ewelina, Fitatu’s Office Manager

Fitatu: Ewelina, since when have you been cycling all year round? What encouraged you to do so?

Ewelina: I have been cycling all year round for 10 years. The reason I started cycling all year round was because of my lateness. I was permanently late for the tram to work. So I started cycling because it took me a similar amount of time to get there and I didn’t have to freeze at the bus stop. 😉 

F: How do you organize yourself when riding to work, for example? Do you have any patents e.g. a basket, special backpack or other equipment?

E: I ride city bikes that allow me to ride in “normal” clothes – that is, I ride both in jeans and dresses. I put my food for work in a pannier on the luggage rack. Panniers, anyway, are an integral part of me. I often shop after work, so with them, it’s not a problem to carry even a few liters of milk. 

F: How do you prepare for winter cycling?

E: The hardest thing about winter riding is the beginning. After that, the body gets used to it. The most important thing is to have warm socks (up to two pairs in cold weather down to -20 degrees Celsius) and gloves because most heat escapes through the extremities. And, of course, onion clothing, thermal clothes, which I take off at work. But it can’t be too warm, because on the bike we move and after a while, the body warms up naturally. If I’m going on a bike tour in winter, I also take a big thermos of hot tea and sweets. 

F: Do you feel safe on the road?

E: It all depends on where. In the city rather yes, I see a big change in the mentality of drivers. It’s not perfect yet and there are still cases of overtaking with a newspaper (passing far too close even when the left lane is clear) or forcing a priority. Of course, where I can, I use cycle lanes. Sometimes I also ride on pavements, but only in places where drivers disobey the rules and significantly exceed the speed limit. 

F: What would be your advice to someone who wants to start cycling all year round?

E: You just have to start. Seriously. It’s all in the mind. And if you really want it, it’s not that difficult. After a while, it gets into your blood. It’s worth testing your route to work on a day off in reality, not just on a map, and see how long it takes. 

F: What equipment is essential for every cyclist?

E: A working bike. As far as I’m concerned, nothing else is needed. The rest are extras that make life easier but are not necessary. I can’t imagine life without a bike basket into which I can throw my handbag or rucksack, and without panniers, which come in handy for shopping or bike trips. 

F: What do you think are the advantages of cycling all year round?

E: There are really many advantages. By far the biggest one is improved immunity! Now ‘unfortunately’ I have a very close commute to work, so I walk to it. I noticed straight away how my immunity had deteriorated. I used to get sick a lot less and was more immune to the cold. Going all year round has an impact on fitness and fitness. In addition, you have more energy and are more relaxed. Cycling after a stressful day at work is extremely relaxing.

download fitatu app

Fitatu® support group

On Facebook you will find our support and motivation group. Become part of this community and get motivated every day with the members to reach your nutrition goals.

Fitatu® App

Don’t have our app yet? Download the app from the Play Store or Apple Store and start taking care of your health and figure together with Fitatu®!

Looking for something more? Try Fitatu® Premium – we have a discount code for blog readers: BICYCLE6 – go to https://www.fitatu.com/app/order-and-payment and get a 20% discount on a year’s Fitatu® Premium plan.

What will you find in Fitatu® Premium?

  • More than 2,000 recipes plus dozens of new ones every month,
  • additional intermittent fasting plans,
  • the possibility to create shopping lists, 
  • 6 ready-made menus with meals,  
  • filtering of products and recipes, 
  • more synchronization with fit apps, 
  • access to the app in the web version,
  • no ads!

Bibliography:

  1. Andrea Mario Bolla, Amelia Caretto, Andrea Laurenzi, Marina Scavini, Lorenzo Piemonti, Low-Carb and Ketogenic Diets in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, Nutrients. 2019 Apr 26;11(5):962. doi: 10.3390/nu11050962.

Older entries:

Check also

Leave a Comment





Share with friends