2023-08-26 00:06:56
The bicycle has become a very popular option among people who seek to have a healthy lifestyle, thus contributing to physical and mental improvement.
On the other hand, riding a bike also fulfills the function of an ecological means of transport where it not only contributes to the planet and mobility, but it is also a way of staying active before and following completing daily tasks.
According to the Mapfre health portal, these are some of the benefits that riding a bicycle has for your body and mind.
By performing this exercise we increase our aerobic capacity and our lung capacity, making our lungs carry out a very efficient gas exchange (O2 / CO2), just as it happens with crossfit.
According to studies carried out by experts, riding a bike makes oxygenation of the brain easier and the creation of some hormones that, together with the experience of physical activity, help combat stress (nervous system fatigue) and improve our health. thus avoiding states of anxiety, sadness and depression.
Some of the hormones generated through exercise are:
Endorphins: induce the feeling of happiness.
Dopamine: generates the sensation of pleasure.
Serotonin: facilitates sleep.
Also read: How much exercise should we do a week?
tones the back
The muscles that are toned when we ride a bike are the quadriceps and hamstrings, which are worked quickly when we pedal a bike. Other muscles involved, although with less impact, are the twins and the gluteus maximus.
Likewise, riding a bicycle frequently strengthens the back, because when we lean towards the handlebars the muscles of the lower back tense, stabilizing the trunk and protecting the spine from vibrations and shocks.
Somehow this inclination reduces back pain caused by a sedentary lifestyle, as well as the possibility of hernias appearing.
Strengthen your heart and reduce bad cholesterol
If we engage in constant bicycling and gradually intensify our activity, we will make the heart pump the blood with greater force, which will favor the distribution of oxygen throughout the body. This, in turn, will have an indirect effect on the flexibility of the blood vessels.
This practice will contribute to the strengthening of the circulatory system and the heart, which will result in a reduction of the resting heart rate. As a result, we will become more efficient in all of our daily activities.
An additional benefit is that the main process of burning calories will be directed towards fat (through aerobic capacity), which will translate into a decrease in LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) and an increase in HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol). “).
It may interest you: Benefits of physical activity for health
Healthier and stronger knees and joints
Unlike activities such as running, the development of leg muscles in cycling leads to improved support and stability, particularly in the knees.
This advantage is reinforced by the fact that a large part of the weight is supported on the seat, thus avoiding impacts on the joints.
In addition, the continuous and repetitive movement of pedaling has a positive effect on the distribution of nutrients through the cartilage, contributing to healthier, more resistant and protected joints.
Bicycling is not recommended for individuals with spinal deviations or knee injuries such as chondromalacia patellae, patellar tendonitis, or ITB syndrome.
Goodbye orange peel
Cellulite is a problem that attacks women, there are creams and treatments that improve this condition. However, one of the benefits of riding a bicycle is that it effectively combats cellulite. The massage that is done on the skin as a result of pedaling actively mobilizes water and toxins from the body, preventing the accumulation of fat by burning it to produce energy. .
Strengthens the immune system
A featured study in the journal Aging Cell revealed that cycling might counteract the effects of aging and revitalize the immune system. The findings of this research indicate that cyclists manage to maintain both their muscle mass and their strength as they age. In addition, in the case of men, it is observed that their testosterone levels remain in relatively high ranges.
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