FEELING GREAT: There are so many health benefits to regular cycling

For lots of patients we see at the Paul Gough Physio Rooms this type of aerobic exercise (cycling) is a key part of their healthy lifestyle. For a lot of people, not being able to cycle or exercise regularly massively affects their health and quality of life.

The health benefits of cycling are endless.

Look at this time last year, as lockdown was strictly in place, cycling was a boom industry as everyone bought bikes to boost their mental health and fitness.

To be fit and healthy you need to be physically active. Doing regular cycling and exercise can help improve physical fitness, ease mental stress (with the rush of the endorphins and “feel-great” chemicals that will be released), and it’s also a great way to reduce your weight.

And across the North East we have endless great cycling routes for you to try.

Riding your bicycle regularly is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

If you’re having regular problems with arthritic knees or hips, a really stiff lower back, or even tightness of muscles such as Achilles and calves, then cycling is a great option, and you’ll benefit from doing it more often.

Bike riding is a low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but is something that anyone in their 50s or above who is looking to be more active should seriously consider. It offers an alternative to pounding streets and it’s even better than walking if the objective is to stay active and healthy.

There’s a long list of health benefits of regular cycling:

It helps you stay physically active; increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness; increased cardiovascular fitness; increased muscle strength and flexibility; Improved joint mobility; decreased stress levels and good for mental health; improved posture and coordination; strengthened bones; aids weight loss and helps you burn calories and fat.

Even cycling for just 30 minutes or so at a time, two to four times a week, would help you to achieve a general improvement to your health. You’ll be helping essential things like your heart and lungs to stay healthy.

Go for it: you won’t regret it!