Fall is one of the most enjoyable times to cycle. How could it not? You can escape the extreme weather. You don’t have as many allergens to deal with. And, it gets you out in the fresh air before winter keeps you restricted to the gym. What’s more, it has all sorts of health benefits. Both physical and mental. It engages your legs yet it’s easy on the joints. It really gives you a sense of freedom.
Still need convincing? Here’s a list of reasons why you should cycle.
Enjoy a Nice Day (and Burn the Calories!)
That’s right. There are a lot of ways to enjoy a warm spring afternoon. Do you want to be active? Riding a bike is one of the most active ways to spend your leisure time. A relaxing bike ride (speed less than 10 mph) burns more calories compared to an easy walk (about 2 mph). How much? 281 versus 176 calories per hour. You can challenge yourself by powering your way up hills. Or, speed over 10 mph. If you don’t want that, that’s fine. After all, keeping a leisurely pace is still a great way to supplement an active lifestyle.
You’ll look forward to it
All of us have that exercises we dread working on. However, cycling is different. Even if you ride your bike and take it seriously, that is, pedaling furiously and feeling a deep burn in your quads, chances are you’ll still love it. Yes, despite the difficulty since you’re rewarded with a quick yet exhilarating ride. It can also energize you for other exercises you’re planning to do. Here is a good idea: bike instead of driving to the gym to warm up and cool down from your workouts.
It’s easier on your body than running
Running has the potential to take its toll on your body. Riding a bike, on the other hand, is not. It has lower impact and engages your legs muscles without as much force coming down on the knees. As long as you keep your legs pumping on your bike, cycling will be a lower risk cardio you’ll appreciate. Especially if you’re recovering from an injury.
It’s a good method of Transportation
Are you looking for a free, green form of transportation? Try riding a bike. Instead of slouching in front of the steering wheel in rush hour traffic, you can try to burn additional calorie in your day with cycling.
It’s an activity you can do for the rest of your life
One of the best things about cycling is that you can do it, even as you age. And even as you have to say goodbye to the weight room. A lot of people ran for years yet they ended up too sore or stiff when they ran all the time. And, many of them ended up switched to cycling. Indeed, cycling is an activity you can do it day after day, for the rest of your life.