Since the 35 million bike-share trips that took place in the United States in 2017, the nation’s love for cycling has only grown. With its many benefits and eco-friendly appeal, biking can be the perfect activity for anyone craving an alternative to the treadmill. With that said, whether you’re thinking about taking up cycling as a hobby or to simply give you newfound energy from a good workout, there are a few things you should know before you get started.
The Health Benefits
Cycling can provide a good workout, but there are a plethora of other benefits that come along with the activity besides working up a sweat. For example, cycling can be a great way to increase your cardiovascular fitness by reducing the risk of developing heart disease, not to mention the fact that it can reduce body fat while also building strength and muscle. What’s more, cycling can actually decrease stress levels. In fact, one study found that those with depression had a decrease in the stress hormone, cortisol, simply by pedaling for just 15 minutes on a stationary bike. Not only that, but cycling outdoors surrounded by nature can do even more to reduce stress, making it the perfect activity for anyone looking to increase their well-being through both physical and mental health benefits.
Especially when biking with a group of like-minded individuals, it can create meaningful connections. Croatia is one of the most bike-friendly countries to explore via bicycle. Many enjoy Croatia specifically for its beautiful terrain and ease of access, as travelers can explore Croatia with bike and boat cruises typically designed both for bikers and cruise lovers. Certainly cycling around Croatia’s breathtaking national parks matter what route you take is an experience that shouldn’t be missed, no matter whether you explore as a solo traveler or with a group of cycling compatriots.
Getting Started
If you’ve never had the chance to cycle in the past, then getting started with something similar, like a stationary bike at the gym, can be a great alternative until you’re more comfortable with riding a traditional bicycle. In doing so, you can effectively gain the health and wellness benefits of a good cycling workout while still working your way up to cycling at your own pace. However, when you do make the transition to cycling outdoors, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need in order to enhance your workout experience. First things first, make sure you have a quality air pump for bikes to use, and then you can work on adjusting other specifications of your bicycle. For example, having the right size bike can make a big difference to how comfortable you are while biking, so it’s worth taking the time to work out the best size for you. Investing in gear like a water bottle mount to add to the frame can better help to keep dehydration at bay while on your route, so you can really maximize the benefits.
Making it a Habit
When planning on cycling for the health benefits, making it a regular habit can be especially beneficial for your well-being. A regular routine can not only help maintain your overall fitness, but it can also help to improve your sleep quality, increase your energy, and boost your mood – and it doesn’t have to be difficult. One of the best ways to get into a cycling routine is by making smaller goals to hit the bike path on certain days of the week, and gradually making the habit more permanent in your day to day life. By effectively implementing a cycling routine into your lifestyle, you can boost your quality of life while seeing long-term health benefits at the same time: getting into the habit is well worth the effort when it comes to your well-being.
Cycling has many health benefits, and is a great way to get a good workout. However, it’s important to consider a few things before hitting the bike path, such as getting the right sized bike and implementing a routine.
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