5 Reasons Why You Should Start Cycling

Whether it is to go to work in the morning, to run errands or simply as a week-end activity, cycling is a great exercise to incorporate into your life. This sport has so many benefits that they are hard to count. Here are five reasons why you should start cycling now!

It Works Out Your Brain

You don’t realize it now because you learned how to bike when you were a kid. But riding a bicycle demands a lot of work to your brain: Maintaining your balance on two wheels and coordinating your moves is a tough job! Therefore, riding a bike is a workout for your muscles, but also for your brains: It’ll keep it in shape naturally.

It’s A Stress Reliever

All physical exercise relieve stress, that’s right. But there is something about cycling that is just exhilarating. There is something playful and liberating about riding a bike. Perhaps it has to do with the speed and the smooth moves. Nevertheless, cycling is an awesome stress reliever and good spirits booster!

It Tones Your Whole Body

Granted, your legs will work extra hard and, chances hard, after a few weeks of cycling, your thighs and calves will look amazing. But cycle on a regular basis and you’ll soon realize that your upper body is at work too. Your arms are constantly solicited and so are your abs, resulting in a fully toned body.

It’s a Killer Calorie Burner

Being such a complete exercise, cycling will have you burn calories a lot faster and more effectively than other sports – that is, of course, if you don’t do it only leisurely. One hour of cycling at an approximate 15 mph speed will burn close to 1000 calories!

It Is Soft On Your Joints

Jogging and walking will eventually take their toll on your knees, especially if you do it in the city, on hard concrete. Cycling, on the other hand, is smoother: It strengthen the knee muscle, but it doesn’t shock the joint. Be careful, though: To be extra comfy, make sure your ride is right for you. Bicycles come in an infinity of shapes and models: Try out a few and experiment to find the right fit.

Julia Taylor is a writer, globe trotter, nature lover and cycling enthusiast who tries to fully appreciate every single thing life throws her way. She works as a freelance blogger for Le Yeti, a Montreal-based bike dealer that sells a great variety of brands, such as the famous De Vinci bike.