Cycling to work improves physical fitness
Riding a bicycle helps to boost aerobic fitness and improve strength and stamina. When you cycle, you use most of your major muscle groups, plus it’s simple to vary the intensity of exercise on a bicycle, so you can start easy and build up to whatever challenge suits you.
Riding a bicycle to work can enhance lung health
Whilst you may not automatically think it, cyclists are actually exposed to fewer hazardous fumes than those travelling the same route by car. This is because motorists are exposed to five times higher pollution levels than cyclists due to their vehicle air intake being directly in line with the exhausts of the cars in front. When you cycle, you also have the option of taking the scenic route which can further reduce your exposure to polluted air.
Biking it to work can help lower the risk of developing serious illnesses
A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2017 that tracked 250,000 UK commuters over five years found that cyclists had 45 per cent less chance of developing cancer, and 46 per cent less chance of dying than other commuters. The NHS also states that regular cycling can reduce the risk of illnesses such as diabetes.
Cycling in to work boosts immunity
Taking regular exercise is known to boost immunity and keep the respiratory system in good check. Research shows that cyclists miss less than half the number of work days due to sickness compared to those who commute in other ways.
A ride into work by bicycle can boost mental well-being
Those who are physically active tend to feel more relaxed and better about themselves and able to cope with everyday challenges. Any type of physical exercise such as riding a bicycle has the potential to boost the mood by providing a sense of achievement. Riding to work will also mean you’ll arrive more alert and awake, so you’ll be ready to face the day.
Cycling is low impact
If you’re looking for a gentle way to exercise without putting too much pressure on your joints, cycling is for you. With your body supported by the bicycle, you will experience less tissue breakdown and inflammation compared to alternative workouts such as running. This means you won’t be anywhere near as sore. As well as providing a cardiovascular workout, cycling also increases muscle mass in your lower body, making you less prone to injury.
Commuting by bike can help with weight control
Because cycling increases metabolic rate, builds muscle and burns fat, it’s a great way to control weight. Even going at a steady pace can burn around 500 calories per hour. Cycling twice a day to work and back, even if it’s only a few minutes each way, will soon add up in burned-off calories over the course of a week. UK research has revealed that a half hour bike ride every day can burn off almost 5Kg of fat over the course of a year.
A bike ride can boost brain power
Exercise has long been linked to brain health, and there is even evidence that cycling is good for the brain. The flow of blood around the brain was found to increase by almost 28 per cent overall compared to a resting state, with blood flow rising by over 70 per cent in some parts. Better blood flow means greater brain function, which is perfect for the working day ahead.