Investing in a bicycle offers you a fun new hobby that also has plenty of benefits. Cycling is a great way to explore South Africa’s beautiful scenery, and it also helps to promote emotional and physical health. You can find bicycles for sale on Junk Mail.
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1. Cycling promotes emotional health
Cycling helps to improve your emotional well-being. Not only is cycling fun, but it’s also a great form of exercise. The endorphins that are released during this activity help to improve your mood. Reaching new goals as your abilities improve is a great confidence booster too.
2. It helps to expand your social circle
Joining cycling groups is an opportunity to meet new people. Not only will you have the opportunity to explore new destinations, you can also make new friends along the way. Belonging to a group fosters a sense of connection that contributes to emotional well-being.
3. Cycling improves your cognitive capacity
Riding a bicycle elevates your cardio-respiratory fitness, which has a positive impact on your cognitive capabilities. Cycling plays a role in the development of new cells in the part of the brain that is responsible for memory. Exercise can also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
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4. You help to protect the environment
You can do your bit for the environment by using your bicycle as an alternative method of transport. Cycle to work or around town and you’ll be helping to reduce pollution. As the roads become more congested, many people are choosing to cycle rather than travel by car when it’s possible.
5. It helps you lose weight
Cycling is a great way of burning calories. The number of calories that you burn depends on how difficult the route is as well as the amount of time that you spend riding your bike. If you enjoy cycling, you’ll find yourself working out more often, which will speed up weight loss.
6. Cycling helps you to get stronger
Riding a bike builds muscle and burns fat. This activity helps to develop your glutes and hamstrings as well as your quads. It also builds your calf muscles. While you won’t end up looking like a bodybuilder, you’ll gain a toned physique if you exercise regularly.
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7. It reduces your exposure to pollution
Research shows that people who cycle are exposed to less pollution than those who travel by car or bus. Travelling in a vehicle increases your exposure to ultra-fine particles, which increases your risk of lung disease. Taking up cycling can help to improve your lung health.
8. Getting on a bicycle improves your cardiovascular health
Becoming a cyclist helps to improve your cardiovascular health. Research shows that cycling decreases your risk for high blood pressure. Cycling burns fat which reduces the risk of obesity and, therefore, lowers your chances of having a heart attack.
9. Cycling is a low-impact exercise
Cycling is a low-impact activity as it’s not weight bearing. When compared to long-distance runners, cyclists have a lower risk of muscle damage and inflammation. However, you’ll need to add some strength training to your exercise regime as cycling doesn’t help to improve bone density.
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10. It improves your productivity levels
Regular exercise improves your productivity at work and it promotes better time management. Exercising before work will help you cope with stress and assist you when it comes to dealing with the demands that are placed on you in the office environment.
11. Cycling develops your sense of direction
Cycling plays a role in the development of your navigational capabilities. You’ll need to know how to find your way to your destination when you’re travelling by bike. If you don’t have a cycling GPS computer, you’ll learn how to navigate back home by relying on your own sense of direction.
12. It helps you to get a good night’s rest
Riding your bicycle is tiring, which makes it easier for you to get a good night’s rest. Research shows that there is a link between fitness levels and sleep. Cycling helps you to relax, reducing anxiety and making it easier to sleep. Being overweight has a negative impact on sleep quality, so cycling also contributes to improved sleep by helping to burn fat.
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13. It saves time
If you need to travel short distances in heavy traffic, cycling can save you time. In areas where there is limited parking, you can also avoid delays by travelling by bike. Getting a workout while travelling from point A to point B can also save you some time.
14. You save money
While buying a bicycle requires an initial investment, you’ll save money on petrol in the long run. The rising fuel prices are encouraging people to seek out alternative methods of transport. If you’re looking for an affordable option, you can find bicycles for sale on Junk Mail.
15. Cycling improves your physical health
Cycling boosts your immune system, which helps your body to fight off diseases. Exercise promotes respiratory health which reduces your risk of contracting a cold. Physical activity can also stimulate the production of important proteins.
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While riding a bicycle has plenty of benefits, it’s important that you know how to stay safe while you’re cycling. This is particularly true if you’re travelling by road. If you want to experience the benefits of cycling for yourself, you can find bicycles for sale on Junk Mail.
I ride mainly for reason #8.
The rest of it all comes automatically.