How Cycling Provides Maximum Health Benefits

When you hear the words "cycling", bicycling", or "biking" what images come to mind? Perhaps you envision a swarm of bicyclers crouching and pedaling at maximum speed during a marathon. You may even visualize a multitude of bicyclers heading for work on a freeway in Asia or Australia. The term "cycling" also brings back memories of your childhood when you adventurously took spins in your neighborhood or the park. Noting the various purposes including entertainment and transportation that characterize a bike, you should not overlook its most important aspect - its effect on your present health.

A lot of people are amazed to learn how effective cycling is in comparison to other activities. The first thing people ask is "How many calories do you burn per hour when cycling?" To accurately answer this question, you must consider the intensity you put into it and your weight. Also, keep in mind that the amount of calories burned when cycling on a stationary bike varies slightly from an outdoor bike due to the hilly inclines outdoors. To get an idea of the calories burned per hour, consider some statistics revealed by NutriStrategy Nutrtition and Fitness Program: bicyclers who weigh less than 140 lbs can burn 636 calories on an outdoor bike and 620 calories on a stationary bike when pedaling vigorously (14-15.9 mph), 508 calories on an outdoor bike and 413 calories on a stationary bike when pedaling at a moderate pace (12-13.9 mph), and 381 calories on an outdoor bike and 325 calories on a stationary bike when traveling at a light pace (10-11.9 mph). Bicyclers between 140 and 195 lbs can burn 885 calories on an outdoor bike and 930 calories on a stationary bike when pedaling very briskly, 708 calories on an outdoor bike and 620 calories on a stationary bike when pedaling moderately, and 531 calories on an outdoor bike and 487 calories on a stationary bike when pedaling lightly. Another study by the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion indicates that for an average weight person (150lbs), leisure cycling burns more calories per hour (290 cal.) than the moderate activities of walking that burns 280 calories and weight training that burns 220 calories. In addition, high-intensity cycling burns more calories (590 cal.) than swimming that burns 510 calories, aerobics that burns 480 calories, and speed-walking that burns 460 calories.

By the lean, sculpted appearance of serious bicyclers, it is no surprise that cycling tones the entire lower body and decreases belly fat. In fact, cycling is known to prevent obesity. Other important health benefits of cycling include its ability to increase cardiovascular endurance, lower blood pressure, prevent strokes and heart attacks by reducing the risk of blood clotting; all of which increase lifespan. Due to cycling's low impact but highly effective nature, doctors have prescribed stationary cycling to recovering patients of terminal illnesses such as strokes or heart attacks. Cycling is safe for all ages and health statuses in that it does not involve hitting the ground hard as when jogging and doing aerobics. Bicyclers have a low risk of bike-inflicted injuries since 90% of cycling injuries are traffic-related. Australian studies have also found that cycling is just as beneficial as medicine in lowering blood pressure. It is important to note that for cycling to be most effective, it should be performed regularly which means two and half to six hours per week allowing you to burn 800 to 2000 calories weekly. The good part about this is that cycling is cross-seasonal so that it can be practiced indoors at a gym or in your home when it is cold in the winter, raining, or if you are the type who does not need to be in extreme sun. Cycling can even be done in groups of family or friends outdoors or indoors in a cycling class.

With this in mind, the next time you visit a gym, don't pass over the temptation to use the stationary bike. Not only does regular cycling help you to burn many calories for a healthy appearance, but it has the intrinsic health benefits of preventing terminal illnesses such as strokes and heart attacks that affect your longevity. Even more, cycling is versatile in that it surpasses age group, health condition, socioeconomic level, ethnicity, and athletic ability. Further, for people who like to multi-task, riding a bike outdoors will provide you with both transportation and exercise.Cycling prevents heart attacks and strokes by reducing the risk of blood clotting....cycling is just as effective as medicine in lowering blood pressure.For cycling to be most effective, it should be practiced regularly.www.nutristrategy.com