Cycling is a great way to stay active this season, whether you live in a city or the countryside. There are many reasons why this is true. First of all, it helps you maintain a healthy weight. The average American has a BMI that puts them into the overweight category and if they don't lose some weight, their health could suffer.
If you choose to take up cycling, you'll also see improved cardiovascular fitness. In fact, studies show that people who regularly ride bikes tend to burn approximately 15% more calories than those who walk. A 2015 study found that individuals who cycled for three hours burned around 2,000 calories. This is nearly double the amount of calories an individual burns when walking.
In addition, riding on a bike is much easier on your joints than walking, so you're less likely to develop arthritis.
First of all, it helps you maintain a healthy weight. On average, Americans have a Body Mass Index (BMI) that puts them into the overweight category. It's even worse than that – over half of us are classified as obese. Obesity leads to serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. But regular exercise can help keep things under control. Studies show that individuals who regularly cycle for an hour or more at a time tend to burn between 1,200-1,500 calories during the workout. Over a week, that translates to about 500 extra calories burned. Plus, cyclists' cardio systems are better developed than walkers', which makes it easier for them to stay fit. A 2015 study showed that people who rode for three hours burned twice as many calories as someone walking for the same length of time. That means they burned more than 2,000 calories in a single outing! Riding also helps improve cardiovascular health, as well.
Summer is coming up fast! Whether you live in the Northern Hemisphere or Southern hemisphere, your warm weather needs are going to change soon. Here are some things you need to consider before heading off for those long bike rides and family picnics.
First, make sure that your clothing is appropriate for the conditions you will be riding in. That means you should wear light-colored jerseys, shorts or pants that won't get too hot during the day when it's sunny. For evening events, choose dark colors to protect you from the sun and help you blend in with your surroundings. Don’t forget a pair of comfortable shoes that allow plenty of air circulation around the toes so that you don’t feel like you're walking barefoot through a sandstorm.
Remember to bring sunscreen along, as well as lip balm or chapstick. If you ride in very humid areas or if you have fair skin, use SPF 30 or higher.
Summer is a great time to explore new places. But, cycling can be dangerous, especially when you're not wearing the right gear. Make sure you are prepared on your next trip. Have you cycled anywhere exciting lately? What do you love about it? Share your experience below in the comments section.
