Pedaling is not only synonymous with health and fun, it’s also a way to get to work fast or protect the environment. These are some of the main advantages of getting around on two wheels.
Help control your weight
According to experts, it is one of the best activities to. fat burning and therefore to reduce cholesterol, one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease.
- It is enough to go out for an hour a day on a bicycle to burn around 500 kcal.
2 / 8Reduces stress levels
Taking the bike, especially at the weekend, for a ride in the mountains is not an activity that requires a high level of concentration and allows you to dedicate some time for yourself, which increases self-esteem and makes us feel good.
- Stress in small doses is healthy, as it keeps us alert. However, when it is elevated and prolonged over time, it can lead to serious health problems.
3 / 8Strengthens the knees
One of the most complicated joints and that make us suffer the most are the knees. Cycling is a way to strengthen your muscles. without the impact of the weight of our body.
- Specialists include within the sports that are beneficial to the functioning of the knee cycling and the elliptical trainer. Remember to always wear the raised saddle.
4 / 8Tones legs
Mind you. You have to be constant. If we take the bike once every three months and have a marathon session, the only thing we will get are some painful stiffness.
- Yes, for example, you go to work every day by bike or go out for half an hour in the afternoons, you will notice how quads and hamstrings are taking shape.
5 / 8Improve your immune system
Your immune system will also notice the benefits. So says a study conducted by the University of Birmingham, which states that cycling can help your immune system. slow down the effects of ageing and rejuvenate the immune system.
- The key is in the thymus, the primary lymphoid system a specialized part of the immune system. The thymus produces immune cells called T cells, the production of which declines after the age of 20. However, researchers discovered that the thymuses of older cyclists generated as many T cells as those of the young.
6 / 8Strengthens the back
When we ride a bike, we stimulate small muscles in the back and the back. dorsal vertebrae and strengthen the lower back. (which prevents the occurrence of herniated discs).
- Be sure to keep a correct position on your bike at all times.
7 / 8Reduces cellulite
Riding a bike is one of the most effective exercises to fight against orange peel skin. The movement not only prevents the accumulation of fat by burning them to produce energy, it also performs a massaging action on the skin which actively mobilizes water and toxins.
- Don’t forget to accompany your exercise with a proper nutrition rich in fruits and vegetables, and above all, by drinking at least 2 liters of water a day.
8 / 8Protects the environment
Ditching the car in favor of the bicycle doesn’t just benefit. your health also that of the planet. The bike is the most environmentally friendly means of transport you can use in the city.
- For every 3 kilometres you cycle you save 1 kilo of CO².
According to the Barometer of cycling in Spain, prepared by the Red de Ciudades por la Bicicleta and the Dirección General de Tráfico and published at the end of 2017, a. 48% of the Spanish population is a bicycle user.. However, not everyone uses it with the same intensity. Only 7% of the population uses it daily and 16% use it at least once a week.
Percentages that, without a doubt, we can improve. In the gallery you just saw we give you 8 reasons to be part of that percentage of the population that gets on the bike at least once a week.
From improvements in the cardiovascular health to a visible reduction of cellulite or as a measure of environmental protection? Cycling has so many benefits that it should not be reduced to an extra activity for special occasions.
Is cycling harmful to the pelvic floor?
If you are not recovering from any condition in this area, in principle, there is no reason to rule out cycling. However, to ensure that this does not change, it would be advisable to follow these tips:
- Try not to pedal standing this is when you put the most pressure on your pelvic floor.
- Use a saddle adapted to women. The “old-fashioned” saddles cause women to put all their weight on the perineal muscle, causing it to become overloaded. The right saddles are designed in such a way that your weight rests on the ischia, or pelvic bones.
- Check that your posture is correct. It is important that the back is straight and slightly tilted forward, in line with the pelvis. The head should be up and the handlebars high.