Cycle!

Of easy maintenance, non-pollutant, and still contributes to maintain your health up to date – riding a bicycle has never been better. Do you know what’s also great? The fact that, once you’ve learned how to do it, you never forget. So even if you can barely remember the last time you were on a bike, it’s about time you took yours from the garage, and ride it all over again.

In this text we have listed some of the best benefits riding a bike can offer, and we’re sure you’ll soon be convinced it is worth it leaving the car parked and going to work on your bicycle sometimes.

Here’s what we know:

- It is good to the heart, and lowers cholesterol levels: when you cycle, your heart works more intensely. The exercise increases your body’s resistance, and also its oxygenation capacity. It’s an excellent way to decrease cholesterol levels and to control the levels of triglycerides in your blood.

- It boosts immunity: cycling increases our immunological system. That happens because the physical activity contributes for an increase on the number of leucocytes, responsible for the defense of our organism against anything that can cause us harm. Exercising is fundamental for avoiding cases of chronic diseases such as diabetes, and even simpler ones, such as the regular flu.

- It avoids diseases: after exercising, there is an increase of the number of cells of our immune system within our bloodstream. These cells are known as NK cells (Natural Killers), and they are responsible for exterminating viruses, bacteria, and even tumors present in our bodies.

- It works the inferior members: while cycling, the quadriceps, the hamstrings, and the gluteus muscles are extremely demanded, enhancing the lower members’ strength, and contributing for a great physical shape – not to mention the increase of LBM, and the decrease of fat in these areas.

- It boosts the sexual activity: for demanding a lot of work from the lower members, cycling increases the blood circulation within the area, irrigating the genital organs better, and contributing for a better erection.

- It strengthens the core: muscles that form the core group (abdomen, hips, lower back) are also demanded intensely while you’re riding a bike, especially to maintain stability and balance, leaving the region stronger with time.

- It strengthens the articulations: cycling is, without a doubt, one of the best exercises for protecting our bodies’ joints. We need to keep them moving so they won’t freeze, but we got to do it wisely, in a way we know we won’t be harming them in the short or the long period. Try to maintain the cycling intensity from light to moderate the most you can. A heavier intensity might be necessary sometimes, just try not to do it too much.

- It burns a lot of calories, fighting obesity: even if you are overweight, cycling is one of the most indicated exercises for helping you loose weight. This happens because the overloading in the ankle, knee and hip is almost minimal when compared to other physical activities. So go for it!

- Anyone can do it: there’s no age restriction for going for a ride. Of course we must all follow the basic safety measures, such as the use of a helmet, and front and back lightning on the bike – especially if you’re facing busy streets, riding amidst the city’s heavy traffic.

- It is a fast means of transport: traffic jams, stress, long lines, car accidents… In the major cities especially, a short distance drive to the bakery, the supermarket or the gym can take a lot a time. Why not cycling to and fro? We won’t even mention the economy here…

- It does not need petrol: we have been living in a world which needs our help. Global warming, for example, is a problem that can implicate in huge environmental catastrophes not long from now. Therefore, riding a bike is a way to maintain your body healthy, and the planet healthier.

As you may have noticed, we could go on and on about all the benefits experienced by those who choose to ride a bike instead of driving a car. Start subtly. Exchange the car for a bike once a week. Choose a sunny day to start. See how you feel, calculate how much time you take from A to B, discover the routes you like better, feel the perfect pace for you. Then start increasing the number of times a week you take your bicycle for a ride.