Benefits of Cycling

I am not one of those who enjoys doing a lot of cardio. I would much rather be doing free weights than hop on a treadmill. However, cycling is one activity that I actually enjoy quite a bit. In my current workout routine, I do cardio 2-3 times a week and hit the bike 30 minutes each session (with a book at hand). As the weather gets nicer, I will probably go out cycling more on a daily basis or use it as transportation(recent trends have indicted that gas will be expensive through the summer). Here are some reasons to add cycling to your workout:

1. Good for your heart and health. The blood supply to your body and heart rate both increase. This greatly reduces the risk of heart diseases.

2. Weight loss. This is a given of course. Make sure you are challenging yourself for the maximum effect. When I cycle indoors, I try to keep the rpm level above 60 for the duration of my session.

3. Change in mood. Like other forms of exercise, cycling releases endorphins which is known to cause pleasure and wash away a bad mood. Its also great for relieving stress.

4. Maintains strength and coordination. If done regularly, you will be less likely to get severe injuries such as a fracture.

5. Fitness level improved. The strength of your legs will improve substantially. Cycling also helps tone and shape great looking legs.

6. Improves posture. Bad posture causes back neck pains.

7. Low impact on the body. This is great for people who are older, overweight, or have arthritis.

If you have a gym membership, find out if they offer a cycling class. A popular form of aerobic exercise that that takes place on a specially designed stationary bicycle is called Spinning. As you pedal, motivating music plays and the instructor talks you through a visualization of an outdoor cycling workout. During the class, you vary your pace -- sometimes pedaling as fast as you can, other times cranking up the tension and pedaling slowly from a standing position. Not only does this help you focus inwardly but also work on your mind.