Cycling-Exercise

Cycle riding is an easy and cheap mode of transport for short distances and also a very good exercise. Cycling is good for our heart and health. Cycling makes us breathe heavily and it is an effective and enjoyable form of aerobic exercise promoting good health. It reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes. If we ride cycle daily for short distances regularly, the risk of the above diseases will be reduced considerably. Cycling is a good tool in our weight management.

People of any age can cycle, slowly and gently if necessary. Cycling is one of the exercises that can be done by anybody without age bar. Those with severe heart disease and unsteady angina or other conditions affecting their physical activities must consult their doctor before starting any exercise program including cycling.

Cycling makes use of almost all the muscles in our body and so it is good for losing body fat. It increases High Density Lipid (HDL}, which is referred to as good cholesterol and reduce the amount of triglycerides in the blood and thus improves our Cardiovascular health reducing chances of heart attack and brain stroke. By cycling, blood flow to the skin increases while the body heat decreases and wastages in our blood are eliminated through sweating.

Cycling enables faster and deeper breathing supplying sufficient quantity of oxygen needed by the lungs. Also it reduces the risk of lung cancer as our lung capacity is increased. Cycling, like other routine physical activities, of 30 minutes a day helps us to reduce the risk of gallstone and avoid gall stone surgery.

Cycling will reduce levels of depression and stress, improve mood and raise our self-esteem, and also will relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Also it improves our leg strength, promotes our mobility by making us to get out of chairs more easily, and helps older people to avoid falls and injuries.

For beginning cycling as an exercise, the only equipment needed is a suitable bi- cycle. We must choose a properly fitted bicycle of suitable height with a comfortable saddle, that will minimize pressure on the perineum. Pointing the bike seat downward a little, or having a wider seat with better support for the pelvic bones, will help us. Narrow seats will put the most pressure on the perineum. Sports or race cycles with a bent handle bar should be avoided and normal type which will enable vertical sitting will be beneficial for the purpose of cycling as an exercise.

In the initial stage we can go by cycle to nearby shops, instead of driving a two wheeler or a car and gradually increase the distance covered. In a few weeks aerobic fitness will get improved and we will be able to ride for more distances easily.

CYCLE RIDING IS A GOOD AEROBIC EXERCISE AND A CHEAP MODE OF MOILITY AND ALSO A POPULAR SPORTS.