Cycling is a fun activity that doubles as an amazing exercise. Cycling can be a hobby, a mode of transportation and a form of exercise.

Bike riding is also a fun activity that anyone of any age can enjoy which makes it an excellent family activity. There are also many benefits of bicycle riding, such as the ability to help you combat the development of diabetes, stroke, depression, and arthritis.

Do you want to learn about all the benefits of bicycle riding? Here are the top 8 best benefits of bicycle riding:

Benefit #1: Cycling is an excellent low impact exercise.

Low impact exercises are perfect for people who are overweight or working their way back from an injury. With low impact exercises, you don’t have to worry about putting unnecessary strain on your joints which will cause inflammation and pain.

One of the most significant benefits of bicycle riding is that it causes much less strain than other forms of exercise. Going for a quick bike ride is an excellent way to increase your strengthen and improve the circulation of blood throughout your body, without stressing your joints.

Benefit #2: Cycling can be intense or casual

Although cycling is a great low impact exercise, it can also be very intense. One of the best benefits of bicycle riding is that you can control the intensity by the effort you put in. You can even get more challenging workouts by choosing difficult terrain such as biking uphill or through a forest. An intense bike ride can be a very demanding physical workout.

At the same time, cycling is an excellent way to slowly build up your strength. You can challenge yourself by taking longer rides every time you go out, which will build your stamina over time. Try and find courses that you enjoy that will encourage to stick to your cycling routine.

Benefit #3: Biking is often a more time efficient mode of transport.

If you’re just going to make a quick run to the store, it’s kind of a waste of gas to use your car. Driving your car short distances also puts unnecessary strain on your car battery as the alternator doesn’t have enough time to charge the battery during short trips. With cycling, you can avoid sitting around in traffic which is just as bad as sitting on the couch. You can take shortcuts that aren’t accessible in a car, and you can make your quick trips to the store a great way to get healthy.

Benefit #4: Cycling is a great way to maintain a healthy weight.

If you’re having trouble with your weight fluctuating up and down, cycling is a great activity to pick up. Riding your bicycle on a regular basis will build muscle which encourages your metabolism to rise which will burn excess body fat for energy. Combined with healthy eating habits, cycling is a great way to encourage your body to shed some weight. When you cycle on a regular basis, you’ll notice your bodyweight will remain stable.

Benefit #5: Regular cardio helps keeps cardiovascular disease under control.

One of the most important benefits of bicycle riding is it can help you combat cardiovascular diseases from developing. Cycling is a great way to stimulate your lungs and heart which builds strength and reduces your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Cycling is also great for strengthening your heart muscles which will lower your resting pulse rate. These are all important factors for leading a long healthy life.

Benefit #6: Cycling helps you build muscle.

When most people think of cycling, they think of building cardio, but cycling is also a great way to pack on some extra lean muscle. Biking activates your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves which will start to tone up the more you bike. Having more muscle is great for burning excess body fat, even when you’re sitting around doing nothing. Combining cycling with a small strength training routine is an excellent way to keep your body healthy.

Benefit #7: Biking will improve your navigational skills.

Biking around your neighborhood is a great way to improve your navigational skills. Cycling forces you to rely on your own wits and remember where you came from, especially if you decide to explore new bicycle paths. Going for a casual bike ride in new areas of your neighborhood hood is a great way to test your natural sense of direction. Getting lost sometimes is also part of the fun!

Benefit #8: Cycling will improve your immune system.

Aerobic exercise is notoriously effective at strengthening our immune system. Cycling is the type of exercise that will increase the production of essential hormones and proteins which help your body stay healthy. Cycling on a regular basis will also help wake up dormant white blood cells. In order to reap the full benefits of cycling, you have to take the time to recover. Getting enough sleep and filling your body healthy foods will help your body make the most out of your bike riding efforts.