Here are 9 major health benefits of cycling for women

There are numerous reasons why cycling for women can be one of the best additions to the lifestyle that can show significant changes. Cycling has always been not just a way of transportation, but also a very fun physical activity, that has been proven to provide significant changes in the body. It is very effective in weight loss and has several health benefits.

During the pandemic, when all the gyms were shut down, cycling became one of the best ways for people to take care of their health and stay in shape. The number of people going on a cycle ride significantly increased who would have used their cars otherwise.

9 major health benefits of cycling for women:

Cycling for women is one of the most effective ways for both working women as well as stay-at-home mothers to take care of their health and be more effective in their work. The positive benefits of cycling for women are numerous, and in this article, we will tell you about seven major health effects, that cycling can bring to your lifestyle.

#1 Boosts Heart Health

Cycling can be a boon when it comes to your cardiovascular health. Cycling increases our heartbeat, which pumps more blood throughout our body, which results in improving our blood circulation. This can prevent the risks of fluctuating blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks. Cycling for women hence becomes one the most essential activities to maintain good heart health.

#2 Supplements Vitamin D

Though exposure to the sun in the afternoons will allow UV rays to damage our skin, morning sunlight, in contrast, has several health benefits. Early morning sun is an essential source of Vitamin D, and letting your body soak in the sun, can help to prevent many diseases. Early mornings can be the best time for cycling for women, which can lift their spirits for the rest of the day.

#3 Promotes Deep Sleep

Though working women get to experience an outer environment, most stay-at-home mothers, often experience sleeping problems such as insomnia, because the body becomes as tired as the mind. Most mothers suffer hormonal fluctuations, due to changing cycles, and it gets worse when there is not much movement. Cycling for women is a very effective way to get both their bodies and mind, the proper rest that they need, for a better start the next day.

#4 Improves the Immune System

With the growing number of diseases in today's environment, good immunity becomes one of the most crucial factors in leading a healthy lifestyle and staying away from diseases. Cycling for women becomes a very effective physical exercise, heating our body, that not only kills bacteria but also improves the antibodies and white blood cells responsible for our defense mechanism.

#5 Builds Strong Muscles

(Image via Unsplash/ Christopher Campbell)

Cycling is a Zone 2 Cardio, that highly affects the legs due to its repetition movement. Doing it consistently will have a massive impact on the glutes, calves, and hamstrings as we pull and push the peddle, for a long time. This will contribute to the overall definition of the body.

#6 Reduces chances of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women especially after menopause, and studies have shown that physically active women are at a lower risk of getting breast cancer than women who are physically not that active. Cycling for women is one of the best forms of physical exercise to add to the daily routine, which can effectively keep them away from the risks of cancer.

#7 Ensures Healthy Digestion

One of the prime reasons for bloating of the stomach after having food, and indigestion is the lack of enough movement in our body. Cycling daily can accelerate breathing and heart rate, which enables the intestinal muscles to contract and relax, which leads to a healthy bowel movement. Cycling also boosts your mood, by releasing adrenaline and endorphins, the happy hormones in our body.

#8 Helps in Weight Loss

This is probably one of the best things that anyone can gain by cycling, it helps you keep in shape. In our very busy lifestyles, it often gets very difficult for women to go to the gym every single day. This gets even more difficult for stay-at-home mothers, who often see significant body changes after pregnancy. Cycling for even half an hour every day, can not only help in fat burn and weight loss but can also lighten up the mood for the rest of the day.

#9 Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Cycling is a very beneficial exercise because it not only takes care of your physical health but also your mental health. Along with taking care of your cardiovascular health, cycling produces good hormones in the body like endorphins and adrenaline, which are known to prevent stress and elevate our mood. Cycling is a good way for women to get out in the open air, and let go of the daily stress, and doing this every day can prevent the symptoms of depression.

The benefits of cycling for women are numerous, and often this form of exercise gets out of discussion when talked about in terms of weight training and other exercises. Not just women but anyone with a busy schedule, or not having access to the gym can take up cycling in their daily schedule and can enjoy its numerous benefits. It not just keeps you in shape, but also prevents many diseases that are getting more and more common in today's world mainly due to inactivity, like diabetes.

So, if you have been feeling that you are too much among the four walls of your house and that is affecting your mental health, probably it's time to buy a cycle, or bring out the one that has been lying in your garage, and start pedaling.

Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee