AWN, (24/02/21) – On August 3rd, 2020, Forbes informed a 63% rise in bicycle sales during the Covid-19 pandemic. Is this a good trend? It seems people worldwide are becoming more health-conscious lately, or… do some of them merely follow the crowd? Cycling is certainly not a recent activity, yet it has always been enjoyable. According to History.com, the bicycle firstly evolved in the 19th century using a wooden prototype, known as the “velocipede,” “hobby-horse,” “draisine” and “running machine”. Thanks to Karl von Drais, Pierre Lallement, Pierre Michaux, Ernest Michaux, Eugene Meyer, James Starley and John Kemp Starley, they are the hero of today’s cyclists.
When it comes to cycling, the Dutch usually come first. Rumour has it the Dutch and their bicycles are inseparable. More than a mode of transportation but a way of living, bicycles have been a part of their days even before World War II. What about you? Why do you love biking? Is cycling a part of your lifestyle, hobby, or prestige? One thing for sure, cycling would surely improve your health since it challenges your legs and core muscles, allowing you to experience a beneficial cardio workout. Similarly, Better Health channel mentions more health benefits of regular cycling as follows:
- Increase muscle strength and flexibility
- improve posture and coordination
- decrease body fat levels
- strengthen bones
- improve joint mobility
- decrease stress levels
- prevention of disease
- reduce anxiety and depression.
In order to achieve the above benefits of biking, it is necessary to set a long-term goal. This is a piece of cake for dedicated cyclists who have been biking for years, even after a temporary break. However, beginners, as well as recreational cyclists might find it tiring or painful, leading to either demotivation or giving up. This is why Mayoclinic.org suggests the following tips:
- The small progress is a progress
Starting with just 10 minutes a day is way much better than directly jump on an hour of cycling per day, and eventually giving up the next day. To gain the benefit of cycling, what matters the most is consistency. You could ride your bicycle indoors, at the parks, or even on your way to the office. Based on some studies, riding a bicycle for 45 minutes three times a week could raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower body fat percentage in just 12 weeks.
- Put cycling as your daily routine
A workout is at its best when you don’t realize doing it, isn’t it? There are some activities you might regularly do as a habit rather than as a sport. Therefore, incorporating biking into the daily routine is highly recommended. For instance, riding your bike to pick up the weekly groceries, commuting around the town by bike on a fun Sunday morning with friends, or cycling to the nearest coffee shop to grab your favourite cappuccino.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bike and hit the road!(awn/ftr)
