The Health & Safety Considerations of Cycling
When it comes to getting back into old habits or hobbies, we’ve all heard that old saying, “it’s just like riding a bike.” Well, whether you haven’t been on one since you were a kid or have never even mastered the two-wheeler, it’s never too late to dive right into this pastime. The benefits of cycling are numerous, but here are just a few that may convince you to start riding.
Cycling Promotes Weight Loss
We don’t have to tell you that any exercise improves your likelihood of losing weight, but you might be surprised at just how beneficial cycling can be for weight loss. When you get your heart rate rising and blood pumping, you burn calories, which contributes to weight loss. Experienced riders can burn up to 1000 calories in just one hour of cycling, depending on the intensity of the ride!
Cycling Can Mitigate Health Risks
Weight loss alone can lead to a healthier body, but there are even greater benefits that can arise from consistent riding. Healthline reported that bike riding can assist with pain management, mental health, and cardiac health. Cycling can even lead to better lung health.
Cycling Can Strengthen Your Immune Health
Mild exercise increases your production of essential proteins in your body and invigorates white blood cells that work to strengthen your immune system. Additionally, cycling has immense benefits on your upper respiratory system, which will help reduce your chances of getting the common cold.
Cycling Can Improve Your Mental Health
For many, this just may be the most influential reason that gets you cycling. Any exercise is positively linked to brain health and a lowered risk for dementia, but cycling, in particular, has been proven to get your blood flow pumping in the brain by about 30% more. Studies recommend hopping on a bike for about an hour, four times a week to get the full benefits. All these benefits tend to culminate in a reduction in anxiety that can ultimately help you sleep better, too!
Before you head out for a ride, here are some important safety tips.
With all these amazing health benefits, we can understand if you’re ready to go out and buy a bike today. But it’s important to think about all the safety precautions you need to take first.
Obviously, we all know to wear a helmet when riding. You may even consider knee braces or other pads depending on your personal needs. A padded seat cover can even help improve seat comfort and posture.
If riding at night, always wear bright and reflective clothing. If you plan to ride on the road or even dimly lit paths, we recommend an investment in a bike equipped with Aurora Illumination handlebars. With lights built directly into your handlebars, you can be confident that you will be seen by other drivers on the road. The handlebars are even equipped to flash an arrow on the road to indicate which direction you are turning. Twenty-nine percent of cycling injuries are the result of car accidents. Feel safe while you ride with the Aurora Illumination.
Safety you can trust. Visibility you can see.
I wrote this article as a guest blog for Aurora Illumination. It was originally published at https://entrepreneursbreak.com on September 30, 2020.
