Cross Training
While biking isn’t a new hobby or mode of transportation, it has seen a surge in popularity in recent times. The coronavirus pandemic saw an exercise boom in the country. Biking, in particular, received a massive following because of this situation.
As lockdowns and stay-at-home orders rolled on, public transportation options were limited. People (especially essential workers) needed a solution for their commuting woes, since not everyone has cars to drive around.
Thankfully, bikes have become a viable option for everyone to go around anywhere at any time nowadays. With little traffic and reduced air pollution, biking around is now a less stressful experience. Now that we know how the 2020 biking boom came to be, the question is: will it be just a fad, or is it here to stay in the long run?
According to Cannondale and GT Bicycles general manager Nick Hage, expect the latter to happen.
Hage said in an NPR interview that manufacturers could meet higher bike sales if they can catch up to the demand. “Every category of bike that appeals to every style of rider, we’re seeing crazy demand for,” he says.
What Biking Does for the Human Body
Do you want to try out biking as a daily commuting option, or are you skeptical about it? Whether you’re a believer or a doubter, there’s no harm in trying it out. After all, there’s always a first time for everything.
Aside from saving gas money, biking has its upsides, especially on the human body. Here are some benefits that may convince you to make cycling a part of your daily habits:
Mornings become better.
Adding biking to your morning exercise routine not only works up a sweat but also starts your day on the right note. Low-intensity morning rides can shed fat, build endurance, and spike energy and metabolism levels. How’s that for a good morning?
Legs become stronger.
Your lower body will reap the benefits of biking. It makes your leg muscles stronger while targeting the calves, hamstrings, glutes, and quads, all without overstressing anything.
Give your cycling performance a boost by doing weightlifting exercises; these can be in the form of leg presses, lunges, and squats. Not only do they make your bike better, but you’re also adding extra leg strength.
Here are some cross training guides to help you improve your strength:
Weight gets more manageable.
Daily cycling can help decrease lower body fat, especially if you’re doing it at a high intensity. Regular cycling paves the way for metabolism increase and muscle building. As that happens, you’ll be able to burn more calories, even if you’re just sitting down.
Daily activities are more manageable.
Biking requires you to stabilize your body and keep your bike in an upright position. As you make it your daily habit, you’ll notice improvements in your posture, coordination, and balance.
Since your balance decreases with age, biking helps maintain it for an extended period. It also helps prevent fractures and falls, keeping you away from potential danger.
Your core gets more robust.
Core muscles also get a workout from biking. Your abdominals and back become stronger as you keep your body and bike in an upright position. By doing it often, spinal support, stability, and comfort levels increase.
Medical conditions become easier to monitor (and prevent).
Manage preexisting conditions and keep new ones at bay by biking regularly. It can ward off heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. It also helps treat and avoid type 2 diabetes.
You won’t have to worry about living a sedentary lifestyle for a while if you make cycling a habit.
Your mental health will improve.
Anxiety, depression, and stress have unfortunately become more prevalent due to the pandemic. Quarantines can get lonely and mentally exhausting, especially if you’re alone.
Try to clear your mind by biking. Since it demands total focus and concentration, you become aware of your present environment. Not only that, cycling releases endorphins too. Ease your worries by riding a bike every day.
>>Related articles that you may like:
- How To Make A Bicycle Into A Stationary Exercise Bike
- The 7 Best Indoor Cycling Bikes Under $500
- How Many Calories Do You Burn By Riding An Exercise Bike?
- The 7 Best Upright Exercise Bikes
- What To Look For In Getting The Best Cycling Shoes For Spin Classes
Conclusion
Whether you’ve got a secondhand mountain bike or a brand new motorized bike, it’s great to have a bicycle around, especially during these times. Make commutes and workouts less stressful with these two-wheeled machines.