Biking is a good exercise for people who suffer from changes caused by being overweight, such as spine, knee or ankle problems.
Cycling can burn up to 400 calories per hour, strengthens the legs, forces you to maintain balance, helps tone the muscles of the abdomen. So, long-term riding a bike can help you slim down more than a walk due to increased leg muscles.
Cycling is a very healthy activity that, besides helping to lose weight, has other benefits such as lowering cholesterol and diabetes, maintaining psychological health, combating insomnia, preserving the environment and helping to overcome depression, as it releases endorphins in the bloodstream.
To ride a bicycle you should wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as well as ingesting water at room temperature, to avoid orthopedic problems and dehydration. Adequate protection should also be used, as a lack of bicycle paths increases the risk of accidents. However, to avoid such problems, one can use gardens and beaches to ride a bicycle, taking advantage of the scenery.
Another option for those who do not want to ride a bicycle on the street is the use of an exercise bike at home. Depending on the intensity the individual can lose as many calories as riding a bicycle on the street.
The benefits of cycling are greater when you eat healthy and do this, or another type of exercise, at least 3 times a week, giving time for muscle pain to heal and muscle to grow.
Useful links:
- What to Eat Before and After Exercises
Benefits of walking