To stay healthy and fit, one needs to be physically active. Regular exercise can help protect you from many diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, mental illness, diabetes, and arthritis. Cycling is one of the best exercises to reduce your risk of health problems related to a sedentary lifestyle. It is a low-impact workout that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to older adults.
Additionally, cycling is also fun, good for the environment, and makes an affordable mode of transportation. Around one billion people ride bicycles daily for transport, sport, or recreational purposes.
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Health Benefits of Outdoor Riding
Whether you ride outdoors for transportation, exercise, or just want to enjoy fresh air, there are many reasons to use a bike. Below, you will learn about the several potential health benefits of outdoor cycling!
Builds Muscular Endurance
Outdoor cycling addresses the muscles in your legs, including hamstrings, quads, and calves, as well as glutes, back, and abdominals. It helps strengthen bones, increases muscle strength and flexibility, and improves joint mobility.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular diseases include high blood pressure and heart strokes. The health-enhancing effects of regular cycling improve blood circulation, thus reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Also, it may help improve cholesterol levels and lower your chances of a heart attack.
Boosts Mental Health
The combination of physical activity and spending time outdoors leads to better mental health. Outdoor riding is a form of exercise that improves cognitive abilities and mental well-being.
Furthermore, mental health conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety can be reduced by bike riding.
Increases Functional Fitness
Outdoor riding needs a substantial amount of strength, balance, and stability. Research suggests that regular outdoor cycling can elevate your balance and coordination, thus improving functional fitness levels. Besides this, it strengthens your muscles without overstressing your joints.
Controls Obesity & Weight Gain
Cycling is an excellent way to control or reduce weight. It enhances your metabolic rate, builds muscle strength, and lowers body fat. If you’re looking for ways to lose weight, outdoor riding is a perfect option. However, cycling must be combined with a healthy diet plan. Overall, cycling at a high intensity can help burn calories, which promotes healthy weight management.
What You’ll Need For Outdoor Riding
To start with your outdoor riding, you’ll need to carry some essentials for a safe and comfortable ride. Of course, you’ll need a bike that can handle outdoor terrain well based on the places you’ll want to ride. As road bikes and mountain bikes differ, consider the type of cycling you’ll be doing before making a purchase decision.
You’ll also need a helmet that can save your life, even in the smallest mishaps. It is advised to always wear a helmet for safety measures while cycling outdoors. Mountain bike helmets feature more coverage, along with an adjustable visor. On the contrary, road bike helmets have more ventilation and are lightweight. Select the one that best suits your cycling needs.
Other gear you need for outdoor cycling is cycling shoes or athletic shoes, padded bike shorts, wind-proof jackets, sunglasses, sweat-wicking tops & shorts, biking gloves, hydration, and more.
It is worth noting that riding outdoors comes with risks of accidents. Also, traffic can be an issue if you are cycling on the streets. Be sure to follow the traffic guidelines, especially those that apply to cyclists.
Final words
Outdoor cycling is a great way to work out and gets fresh air at the same time. This combination is beneficial in improving both physical and mental health. You will be able to improve your heart health, brain functioning, muscle mass, and endurance while cycling. However, it is recommended to opt for the best equipment to keep you safe while enjoying cycling.
Additionally, if you are a beginner, consult your healthcare provider before going out for a ride. They can assess your fitness level and make recommendations based on your medical history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Is outdoor riding a good workout?
Yes, of course! Outdoor cycling is a top-notch cardiovascular exercise that burns calories and targets your lower body muscles. And because it is low-impact, cycling is also gentle on the joints.
Q) Is outdoor riding harder?
Outdoor cycling can be challenging depending on the type of speed, training, and terrain. Mountain biking is an extremely challenging form of exercise and works on your anaerobic system and muscles intensely.
Q) Can I lose weight by outdoor cycling?
Outdoor riding can help improve heart and lung health, boost blood flow, build muscle strength, and, most importantly, lower your stress levels. On top of that, cycling can also help you burn fat, shed calories, and eventually lose weight.
