The benefits of cycling are almost as endless as the country lanes you could soon be exploring. If you’re considering taking up cycling, then we ’re here to tell you that cycling is the best activity. Ultimately, taking up cycling could be one of the best decisions you ever make.
Still, not convinced of the benefits of cycling? Here are the reasons to ride a bike, whether you want to improve your health, happiness, relationships, or all three.
The health benefits of regular cycling
1. Live longer
King’s College London compared over 2,400 identical twins and found those who did the equivalent of just three 45-minute rides a week were nine years ‘biologically younger’ even after discounting other influences, such as body mass index (BMI) and smoking.
“Those who exercise regularly are at significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, all types of cancer, high blood pressure and obesity,”
says Dr. Lynn Cherkas, who conducted the research.
“The body becomes much more efficient at defending itself and regenerating new cells.”
2. Boost your creativity levels
Do you need more creativity in your life? If yes, then one of the best ways to boost your brain’s creativity is to be outside. Many of the most famous philosophers, poets, artists, and even Apple mastermind Steve Jobs have been known to take long walks outside to help their minds be more creative. It’s claimed that just 25 minutes of aerobic exercise like cycling boosts creative thinking.
3. Put an end to stress and maintain your workload
Yes, you’ve guessed it! The answer is cycling.
A study of 200 people by the University of Bristol found that employees who exercised before work or during their lunch break improved their time and workload management. Exercising helped to boost motivation and the ability to deal with stress.
So, if you have a stressful job, or perhaps you need to improve your time management skills at work, getting some exercise around your busy schedule will pay off. One of the most popular reasons for not doing exercise is lack of time, but cycling to and from work is an excellent way to exercise and it not creep into your free time
4. Save the planet
Twenty bicycles can be parked in the same space as one car. It takes around 5 percent of the materials and energy used to make a car to build a bike, and a bike produces zero pollution.
Bikes are efficient, too. You travel around three times as fast as walking for the same amount of energy and, taking into account the ‘fuel’ you put in your ‘engine’, you do the equivalent of 2,924 miles to the gallon.
5. Enjoy healthy family time
Cycling is an activity the whole family can do together. The smallest tyke can clamber into a bike seat or tow-along buggy, and because it’s kind on your joints, there’s nothing to stop grandparents from joining in too.
6. Beat the morning congestion
Congestion in the morning is most people’s worst nightmare. It can make the journey to work much more stressful. Before your working day has even begun you are not at your best. Cycling is claimed to reduce stress, but cycling to work can beat your congestion blues too. Cycling saves a third of road space compared to driving, so if more pick up their bike in the morning rather than their car keys congestion would be massively reduced – benefitting all!
So, you want to jump on the bike now, right? Maybe it’s also time to think about your bike storage?
Whatever bike storage solution you’re looking for, bike dock solutions has you covered.
Short on space? Needing a corporate bike storage solution? A Bike Rack that will be easily blended with your work environment? Maybe you’re looking for cycling lockers to accommodate your staff or students? We’ve got you covered on this too. Just contact our experts for a quote.