Each week in our tech Q&A series, we tackle your most intriguing cycling queries with insights from the BikeRadar team and trusted industry experts. This time, we investigate the many ways in which cycling can improve your mental and physical well-being.
What are the physical and mental health benefits of cycling? Seermysticboar via email
Regular cycling lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and even some cancers. Plus, it keeps your body agile and builds a healthier, more resilient physique as you age – not to mention the mental health benefits of cycling.
As with all physical exercise, cycling raises your heart rate, which in turn improves your cardiovascular health. You'll also be strengthening your leg muscles, improving your joint health and mobility, and burning a few calories, all while being low-impact on the knees and hips.
Increasingly, studies are showing that even as little as five minutes of exercise can be beneficial, and the great thing about cycling is it can be very easy to work into your everyday life, be that commuting, picking up your kids from school or popping to the shops.
You certainly don't need to spend all day on your bike to start experiencing physical benefits, and the rise of electric bikes has been amazing for getting more people active, in addition to easing congestion and pollution in towns and cities.
In terms of mental health benefits, cycling has been shown to be a natural stress-buster, releasing endorphins, reducing anxiety and helping to clear your head. Plus, if you're heading outside rather than working out on the turbo trainer, getting out into nature can help lift your mood too.
Want to learn even more reasons? Check out our 30 great benefits of cycling.
Do you have a cycling question you want answered? Every month, we’ll select the most interesting questions and bring you an expert-level response from our unparalleled access to the greatest minds in cycling, both on the BikeRadar staff and across the industry. Send your questions through to podcast@bikeradar.com
