CYCLING IS GOOD FOR YOU!
by Daniel Brousseau
*http://www.bikeforall.net/content/cycling_good_for_you.php*
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Don't pound the pavements, cycle your way to fitness.*
Competition cyclists are arguably the fittest athletes in the world.
Former Tour de France winner Miguel lndurain had an at-rest pulse of
just 28 beats per minute, an incredible level of fitness. And sports
scientists were always in awe of the seven times Tour winner -- and
physiological wonder -- Lance Armstrong.
But you don't have to be as super-fit as this to enjoy cycling. All it
takes is a few gentle rides of about five miles, ridden at a moderate
pace, and you'll soon be strong enough to tackle ten mile jaunts with
ease, or even long distance charity rides.
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*Free riding
*All forms of regular exercise are of benefit to the body but cycling is
especially good because the bicycle acts as a supportive platform,
reducing the risk of impact injuries such as 'shin splints', common in
sports such as running.
When runners are out of puff they have to stop, they cannot stand the
constant pounding. But when a cyclist runs out of puff, the bicycle as a
supportive platform means the rider can still ride, albeit slower. The
cyclist also has the advantage of being able to stop pedalling when
tired, and freewheeling instead, resting the muscles in the process.
And, of course, when going downhill the forward motion is totally free
... speed without taxing the muscles at all.
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*Lose a decade
*Riding a bike helps improve muscular fitness and blood circulation and
can be a valuable part of a weightloss programme. According to the
British Heart Foundation, cycling at least 20 miles per week reduces the
risk of coronary heart disease to less than half that for non-cyclists.
Cycling also makes you feel younger and reduces stress. According to
Sharp - the National Forum for Coronary Heart Disease Prevention -
regular cyclists typically enjoy a fitness level equivalent to being 10
years younger.
Bike it, you'll like it
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BENEFITS
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*Heart & Lungs* Cycling is chiefly an aerobic activity, i.e. one that
uses great gulps of oxygen. This is beneficial to the heart and lungs.
The heart and lungs work together to bring oxygen and nutrients to the
muscles: the lungs expand to bring as much oxygen into the body as
possible; the heart beats faster to transport this oxygen around the
body. A strong heart and powerful lungs are the building blocks of
general fitness.
*Muscular fitness *Even if you only cycle a few miles per day your
muscles will feel and look stronger. The main muscle groups used when
cycling are the upper thigh muscles (quadriceps); the backside muscles
(gluteus maximus), and, to a lesser extent, the calf muscles
(gastrocnemius and soleus). Contrary to popular belief, cycling does not
necessarily lead to bulging leg muscles. What most people find is that
their leg!s become trimmer and more toned, in other words, shapelier.
Cycle together, stay together
*Weight loss *Cycling increases energy levels. This helps the body to
burn fat when you're exercising but will also help your body burn lots
of calories even when sedentary. A period of 20 minutes cycling at
moderate speed, five days per week, will also significantly increase
your energy levels.
*Stress reduction *Exercising releases endorphins into the bloodstream -
substances produced in the brain which create a feeling of contentment
and happiness. Aerobic exercise therefore can help to reduce stress.
16 years
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