Strap on your helmet and prepare to pedal your way to a healthier, happier you! Welcome to the world of cycling, where every spin of the wheels is a step towards a better life. From boosting your mood to sculpting those quads, the benefits of cycling are as endless as the open road. Join us as we take a joyride through the physical, mental, and environmental perks that come with embracing life on two wheels. Get ready to unlock a world of wellness, one revolution at a time. So, why walk when you can roll into a brighter, fitter future? Let’s dive into the wonders of cycling!
It makes a great lower-body workout.
Our bodies are designed to move, and efficient movement involves numerous muscles and joints working together simultaneously. Cycling is a great low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is time-efficient and easy to fit into your daily routine by riding to the shops, school, park, or work. As a mode of transport, cycling replaces sedentary (sitting) time spent driving motor vehicles, trains, motorbikes, or buses. It makes a great lower-body workout worth a try.
Cycling improves cardiorespiratory endurance.
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, depression, and obesity. Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels, and lungs all get a workout. You will breathe deeper, perspire, and experience increased body temperature, which will improve your overall fitness level. Swimming, rowing, skipping, and jogging or running are also great forms of aerobics movements for cardiorespiratory function.
Being in shape is about more than how much you weigh, how long you can run or survive a class, the size of your biceps or the amount of weight on your bench press. We all need aerobic movements for cardiorespiratory function, weight training for muscular strength and endurance, and stretching for improved flexibility.
Feel Fitness.
Cycling is a fun way to get fit.
Repetition can become boring. No matter how strong your discipline is now, you’ll eventually have trouble sticking with it. Strive to spice it up always. The adventure and buzz of being outdoors make cycling a fun way to stay fit. It means you are more likely to continue doing it regularly compared to other forms of physical activity that will keep you indoors.
Be an environmental champion.
Is it possible for you to commute to work on your bike? If so, you have already found a way to stay fit and green the planet by improving air quality at the same time. You will be taking care of both your body and the environment. Air pollution is another concern if you’re cycling in the city. You may choose to cycle on days when the air is cleaner or ride on less congested roads. Karura forest and the Arboretum are great cycling spaces within Nairobi.
A good bike shop will help you determine the right bike size for your legs, the right forward stretch for your torso, and the best arm and hand positions. Based on your ability and type of cycling you will be doing.
Safety is key.
Even if you think that you’ll never be more than a weekend-only recreational cyclist, you will want to invest in a well-built, reliable bike to really enjoy cycling. Incorrect bike fit is probably the number one cause of excessive fatigue and discomfort when cycling. Wearing well-padded cycling shorts and using the correct riding positions are also crucial for avoiding discomfort. Invest in a quality helmet and any other protective gear you may need.
Feel Fitness.
Obey the traffic rules.
Always follow traffic laws. Use caution while going through intersections and busy areas, even if you have the right of way. If cycling is your mode of transportation, invest in rain and cold weather gear and have a backup transportation plan for when conditions are unsafe for riding. Use bike lights and reflective gear for nighttime cycling or early morning cycling before the sun comes up. With all forms of cycling, be sure to stretch your calves, hamstrings, and quads after each session. Stretch your wrists, forearms, and shoulders as well.