Cycling to work offers a myriad of health and well-being benefits. Beyond the obvious reduction in carbon footprint, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine.
Cycling improves physical fitness, boosting overall health and reducing sickness. It also enhances mental well-being, lowering stress and anxiety, improving focus, and increasing productivity. Research from the National Institute of Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) shows that by helping people hit the recommended weekly physical activity levels, cycling can reduce the average amount of time taken as sick leave by 20%.
People who cycle to work tend to arrive more alert and energetic, reducing tardiness and workplace fatigue. Lower absenteeism leads to a more engaged and productive workforce, benefiting both the company and its employees.
The cardiovascular benefits of cycling are well-documented, helping to improve heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and it promotes weight management. Cycling also enhances mental well-being by reducing stress and improving mood, thanks to the release of endorphins during exercise.
Here are our top five health and personal well-being benefits of cycling to work
Cardiovascular and lung health
Regular cycling can improve your heart health by increasing your heart rate and strengthening your cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Cycling also helps to increase lung capacity and improve respiratory efficiency, which is beneficial for those with respiratory conditions like asthma.
Muscle strength and joint health
Regular cycling helps build and tone various muscle groups, particularly in the legs, glutes, and core, contributing to better overall body strength. It also enhances your overall stamina and endurance, which can positively impact various aspects of daily life. Cycling is a low-impact exercise, which is gentler on the joints compared to high-impact activities like running, reducing the risk of joint problems and injury.
Mental health
Regular cycling can be a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety, with rhythmic motion and focused concentration acting as a natural stress reliever. The physical exertion involved in cycling stimulates the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters known for their mood-boosting properties, creating a sense of euphoria and combating feelings of negativity. Beyond the immediate mood enhancement, the cardiovascular benefits of cycling contribute to improved overall mental well-being by enhancing blood flow to the brain and promoting the growth of new neurons, supporting cognitive function. Regular cycling can cultivate a positive mindset and help to reinforce mental resilience.
Weight management
Cycling is a highly efficient calorie-burning activity, offering an effective solution for those seeking weight management. The sustained physical effort during cycling engages major muscle groups, accelerating metabolism and aiding in the shedding of excess pounds. Its versatility, whether in outdoor rides or stationary cycling indoors, makes it an accessible and enjoyable option for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Better sleep
Any regular exercise, such as cycling, plays a crucial role in enhancing sleep patterns and quality, contributing to a more restful night’s sleep. The physical exertion involved in cycling promotes the release of serotonin and endorphins, which not only uplift mood but also regulate sleep-wake cycles. By incorporating cycling into your routine, you create a positive impact on your overall well-being, ensuring that you wake up feeling more rested and alert, ready to face the day with renewed energy and focus.
Bonus benefit: the environment
Those are our top five health and personal well-being benefits of cycling to work, but there’s another major benefit, and that’s to the environment. Using a bike as a mode of transportation reduces air pollution and carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Remember that to reap these benefits, it’s essential to cycle regularly and maintain a safe and healthy approach to exercise. Always wear appropriate safety gear, follow traffic rules, and consider consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
Using an e-bike is not cheating!
Research has shown that electric bike users often see notable improvements in aerobic capacity and blood sugar levels. A Norwegian study demonstrated that people aged 23-54 experienced physical exertion 95% of the time, even with pedal assistance. In the same tests, electric bike users were found to exert 8.5 times more energy than in their resting state, compared with 10.9 times with pure pedal power. That’s a difference of just 12% difference!
About Cadence Performance
At Cadence Performance, our highly trained teams can offer you support in lots of ways. You can contact us in-store at the addresses below or check out our website to find out more about our services.
Cadence Performance is on your local high street
- Cadence|Giant Crystal Palace, 2a Anerley Hill, London SE19 2AA
- Cadence|Giant Paddock Wood, 62-62a Maidstone Rd, Paddock Wood, TN12 6AF
- Cadence|Giant Shoreham, Little High St, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5JF
- Cadence|Giant St Paul’s, 200 Aldersgate St, London EC1A 4HD
- Cadence|Giant St Albans, N Orbital Rd, St Albans AL2 1DL
- Cadence|Giant Twickenham, 111 Heath Rd, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham TW1 4AF
