Cycling - Pedal Power for Healthy People

Cycling - Great Exercise

There are a number of ways in which your body benefits from cycling, but perhaps most importantly in terms of helping to prolong life are the cardiovascular benefits.

Cycling is what is known as 'aerobic' exercise. It improves the consumption of oxygen in the body. While this in itself may not sound like something special, this really results in real benefits for the heart, cycling can strengthen the heart muscle, which means that it is strong and can pump blood more efficiently. It also strengthens the muscles used for breathing and, therefore, helps the flow of air in and out of the lungs. The whole body circulation is improved, which helps reduce blood pressure, and the number of red blood cells in the body is increased, which helps the flow of oxygen.

All these factors will contribute to an improved heart function and respiratory system, which should in turn reduce your chances of suffering from heart disease.

There are other health benefits too aerobic exercise breaks down glycogens in your body and produce glucose. The glucose is then broken down by oxygen to produce energy. If we go for a longer cycle ride and work ourselves a little more, all the reserves of glucose in the body will be used. When this happens, our bodies start to transform our fat reserves, breaking the fat down to produce energy. Of course we all know that when the excess fat is broken this in turn will result in weight loss.

Probably the most obvious for many people the benefits are muscular, because cycling can tone of many of the muscles of the body. In turn, give you more strength and flexibility, and you're bound to realize that in his everyday life, how many tasks will become easier as you get fitter.

Cycling - Starting Out

The fact is that cycling can be enjoyed by many people for whom other sports are not possible. Jogging or running will have a greater impact on the joints and can not be enjoyed by many people who suffer from arthritis in the knees, for example, while cycling can.

Before you start out cycling check with your doctor and make sure your fit. Always do a few exercises to warm up before you set off and make sure you have some water with you to rehydrate. Start with a trip round the block and slowly build up how far you cycle and how hard you work your body. Keep notes so you can see how well you’re doing and to encourage you to push harder, but never over do it.

A computer monitor to measure the distance you have travelled your speed and how many calories you have burned is a worth wile investment. If you use your computer whenever you ride your bike on a ride you can track all your stats. You can then use this information to monitor the increasing levels of fitness. You should see the numbers improve after several weeks of regular cycling.

Always be prepared take food and water and make sure you’re dressed for what ever the weather may do.