Cycling: The Benefits of Getting on That Bike

There are many obstacles that can get in the way of exercise as part of a weight loss plan; cycling could be the answer.

Avoiding high weight-bearing activity, and boosting mental wellbeing, have you thought about getting on a bike as the weather continues to suggest a warm, sunny summer ahead?

Below are three reasons to get that bike out of the garage and jump on it on a regular basis:

Cycling promotes weight loss

By taking up cycling, you are losing between 400 and 1,000 calories per hour, depending on the intensity of the exercise and the weight of the rider. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week and this is an ideal way to bank minutes; by going on three one-hour bike rides a week, you pass that weekly milestone and then some, with four days to spare!

It's low impact

In contrast to running, cycling is not a weight-bearing exercise, meaning a reduction in the chances of getting injured as a result. A study highlighted in Cycling Weekly, when comparing a group of long-distance runners and cyclists, found that runners suffered 133-144% more muscle damage and 256% more inflammation than the cyclists.

Cycling improves wellbeing

Going on a bike ride gets you out of the house and into different environments. There are the obvious benefits of exercising but in terms of wellbeing it also provides you with time to yourself, giving you the opportunity to process the day’s events and get your thoughts right in your mind.

If you are looking for new ways to exercise and boost weight loss, check out our YouTube channel and see a range of exercises led by our physiotherapists.