Cycling is a great way to combine fitness with exploring your surroundings, and there are many benefits to physical and mental health, not to mention its contribution to environmental sustainability.
It doesn't matter whether you prefer cycling through the serene landscapes of Portugal or commuting through the streets of the country's major metropolitan areas - what really matters is that this is an activity that impacts your well-being in many ways, including some that you might not even expect.
As such, Top Bike Tours, a bicycle travel company in Portugal, presents you with 10 of the main benefits of cycling for your health in this article.
10 health benefits of cycling
1. Cycling improves cardiovascular health
One of the most important health benefits of cycling is the impact it has on your heart, as pedaling strengthens the myocardium, lowers the resting heart rate and reduces blood fat levels.
This aerobic form of physical exercise has been proven to reduce the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or strokes.
2. It's a low-impact type of exercise for all ages
Cycling is a low-impact form of exercise, which makes it an excellent choice for people of all ages and physical shapes.
Compared to running or high-intensity sports, cycling reduces the pressure exerted on the joints, providing a way to exercise your whole body.
3. Tones muscles
Although cycling is known for working mainly on the lower body, it also exercises the core and upper body.
This results in toning the muscles in your legs, hips and glutes, while at the same time strengthening your back and abdominals.
4. Strengthens mental health
The mental health benefits of cycling are as important as they come - physical activity, especially outdoors, releases endorphins that regulate mood and reduce stress.
Cycling regularly helps to combat anxiety, depression and other psychological/psychiatric illnesses.
The link between mental health and cycling is a valuable one, as it provides a natural way to improve your emotional well-being.
5. Improves physical endurance
Cycling is also an excellent way to become more resilient, whether you prefer to climb hills or enjoy leisurely rides; the key here is to constantly challenge your body to increase its level of physical endurance.
Over time, your lung capacity and general endurance levels will also have increased.
6. Helps you lose weight
Cycling is an effective way to burn calories and reduce body fat; depending on your weight and intensity, an hour of pedaling can burn between 400 and 1000 calories.
When combined with a healthy and balanced diet, cycling regularly contributes to long-term weight loss.
7. Benefits heart health
As well as being an excellent aerobic activity, the cardiovascular health benefits of cycling translate into improved blood circulation and lower cholesterol levels.
Your heart stays strong, reducing the risk of developing coronary heart disease in later life.
8. Promotes environmental sustainability
It's true that cycling is beneficial for your personal health, but it's also true that it plays a major role when it comes to environmental sustainability.
With fewer cars on the road, cycling helps to reduce the collective environmental footprint - everyone wins, including the planet.
9. Increases concentration and productivity
Cycling to work or taking a leisurely stroll increases your concentration and productivity levels.
The combination of physical exercise and being outside stimulates your cognitive function and creativity.
When you get to the office, you'll be able to carry out your tasks more clearly and efficiently.
10. Improves sleep quality
Cycling frequently helps regulate your sleep patterns - the physical effort exerted balances your circadian rhythms, allowing you to fall asleep more quickly and enjoy a deeper, more restorative sleep.
Final thoughts
Introducing cycling into your daily routine gives you tremendous physical, mental and environmental benefits.
Whether you're enjoying a bike tour of Portugal with Top Bike Tours or cycling close to home, the health benefits of cycling are unquestionable.
Get on a bike today and start reaping what you sow along the way!