Cycling to Health
Cycle your way to health Cycling is a good all-round exercise improving both endurance and aerobic capacity. Cycling tones various muscle groups like the calves and thighs, and strengthens the back. An hour of cycling can burn anything between 250 and 700 calories (1046 and 2930 kilojoules) depending on the intensity. It is also an excellent stress reducer.
For those who may be overweight and/or have joint problems which make it difficult for them to do weight-bearing exercise, cycling is a good fitness option.
Possible medical benefits of cycling Regular cycling at a healthy level has a beneficial effect on many of the body’s organs and systems.
The heart and circulatory system The heart beats faster to pump blood around the body more quickly to supply enough oxygen to the muscles to allow them to do work. At rest the heart normally pumps about 4 litres of blood per minute, but during moderate aerobic activities such as cycling, approximately 20 litres of blood per minute circulate throughout the body. The heart itself is a muscle and when exercised as in cycling it gets bigger and stronger just as your biceps do.
People who take part in regular physical activity have a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those who don’t.
Blood pressure Regular aerobic activity such as cycling can prevent or delay the development of high blood pressure and in people who already have high blood pressure it can reduce blood pressure.
Cholesterol Regular aerobic exercise improves levels of ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) in your blood.
Brain People who take part in regular exercise tend to have lower body fat and better lipid profiles than others and hence have less arterial disease which is a risk factor for stroke.
Muscles and joints Exercise improves muscle strength, coordination and balance, which lessens the likelihood of falls in the elderly and improves joint mobility and lubrication. Muscle endurance and tone will result, and prominence of the working muscle groups like the calves and thighs can be noticed. Posture and balance also improves. Gentle cycling may help arthritis sufferers, lessening joint pain and swelling and increasing flexibility.
Skin One of the skin’s major functions is as an excretory organ of the body and during cycling, blood flow to the skin increases to rid the body of heat. This improves the elimination of wastes through sweating.
Lungs An increase in blood carbon dioxide levels causes breathing to become faster and deeper. This action supplies the oxygen needed by the body. There is also evidence that moderate intensity activities such as biking may reduce the risk of lung cancer. Regular aerobic exercise like cycling also increases your lung capacity.
Gallbladder Researchers have also reported that biking and other routine physical activities of 30 minutes a day may help women avoid gallstone surgery. People who exercise have more active intestines which, along with the improvement in cholesterol profile which occurs in regular exercisers, may help reduce the risk of gallstones.
Erectile dysfunction and cycling Moderate exercise done on a regular basis generally improves functions of the body, however, after cycling some men have reported penile impairment and short-term impotence resulting from reduced blood supply and nerve compression in the area of the perineum. (In men, the perineum is the area between the scrotum and the anus.)
Analysis of results from a large (1700 men) study called the Massachusetts Male Aging Study has shown that cycling fewer than 3 hours a week was not associated with erectile dysfunction, but cycling more than 3 hours a week may be associated with erectile dysfunction.
Men should take care to ride a properly fitted bicycle and make sure they have a comfortable saddle. Try to position the seat so that it minimises pressure on the perineum. Pointing the bike seat downward a little, or buying a wider seat with better support for the pelvic bones, may help prevent this problem. Narrow seats are said to put the most pressure on the perineum.
A 2004 study of 463 cyclists completing a 320 km-plus cycling event showed that features associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction were:
For those who may be overweight and/or have joint problems which make it difficult for them to do weight-bearing exercise, cycling is a good fitness option.
Possible medical benefits of cycling Regular cycling at a healthy level has a beneficial effect on many of the body’s organs and systems.
The heart and circulatory system The heart beats faster to pump blood around the body more quickly to supply enough oxygen to the muscles to allow them to do work. At rest the heart normally pumps about 4 litres of blood per minute, but during moderate aerobic activities such as cycling, approximately 20 litres of blood per minute circulate throughout the body. The heart itself is a muscle and when exercised as in cycling it gets bigger and stronger just as your biceps do.
People who take part in regular physical activity have a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those who don’t.
Blood pressure Regular aerobic activity such as cycling can prevent or delay the development of high blood pressure and in people who already have high blood pressure it can reduce blood pressure.
Cholesterol Regular aerobic exercise improves levels of ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) in your blood.
Brain People who take part in regular exercise tend to have lower body fat and better lipid profiles than others and hence have less arterial disease which is a risk factor for stroke.
Muscles and joints Exercise improves muscle strength, coordination and balance, which lessens the likelihood of falls in the elderly and improves joint mobility and lubrication. Muscle endurance and tone will result, and prominence of the working muscle groups like the calves and thighs can be noticed. Posture and balance also improves. Gentle cycling may help arthritis sufferers, lessening joint pain and swelling and increasing flexibility.
Skin One of the skin’s major functions is as an excretory organ of the body and during cycling, blood flow to the skin increases to rid the body of heat. This improves the elimination of wastes through sweating.
Lungs An increase in blood carbon dioxide levels causes breathing to become faster and deeper. This action supplies the oxygen needed by the body. There is also evidence that moderate intensity activities such as biking may reduce the risk of lung cancer. Regular aerobic exercise like cycling also increases your lung capacity.
Gallbladder Researchers have also reported that biking and other routine physical activities of 30 minutes a day may help women avoid gallstone surgery. People who exercise have more active intestines which, along with the improvement in cholesterol profile which occurs in regular exercisers, may help reduce the risk of gallstones.
Erectile dysfunction and cycling Moderate exercise done on a regular basis generally improves functions of the body, however, after cycling some men have reported penile impairment and short-term impotence resulting from reduced blood supply and nerve compression in the area of the perineum. (In men, the perineum is the area between the scrotum and the anus.)
Analysis of results from a large (1700 men) study called the Massachusetts Male Aging Study has shown that cycling fewer than 3 hours a week was not associated with erectile dysfunction, but cycling more than 3 hours a week may be associated with erectile dysfunction.
Men should take care to ride a properly fitted bicycle and make sure they have a comfortable saddle. Try to position the seat so that it minimises pressure on the perineum. Pointing the bike seat downward a little, or buying a wider seat with better support for the pelvic bones, may help prevent this problem. Narrow seats are said to put the most pressure on the perineum.
A 2004 study of 463 cyclists completing a 320 km-plus cycling event showed that features associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction were:
- riding a mountain bike rather than a road bike;
- having the handlebars higher or parallel to the saddle compared with lower than the saddle; and
- in those who suffered perineal numbness, having a saddle cutout.
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Cycling and Health
Getting on your bike regularly not only gets you where you want to go faster than a car, it protects you against a wide range of ill health, and also makes you feel better.
Cycling is good for your heart and health Everyday cycling, where the exercise leaves you breathing heavily but not being out of breath, is an effective and enjoyable form of aerobic exercise. This is the type of exercise that is most effective at promoting good health. For example, cycling reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes.1,2,3,4
One rough calculation suggests that new cyclists covering short distances can reduce their risk of death (mainly due to the reduction of heart disease) by as much as 22 per cent.5
Cycling will help with weight management Cycling can be part of a programme to lose weight2 because it burns the energy supplied by a chocolate bar or a couple of alcoholic drinks in an hour (about 300 calories). A 15-minute bike ride to and from work five times a week burns off the equivalent of 11 pounds of fat in a year.6 That kind of cycling pattern also meets the Government's latest target on exercise: that we should take part in some mild to moderate physical activity that leaves us out of breath for at least 30 minutes five times a week.
Cycling can improve your mood Cycling can have positive effects on how we feel too.2 Moderate exercise has been found to reduce levels of depression and stress, improve mood and raise self-esteem, and has also been found to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.4,5,7
Cycling can help to maintain strength and coordination There can also be indirect benefits in terms of reducing injuries from falls, which can be seriously disabling, especially in older people. The strength and co-ordination that regular cycling brings make them less likely.4,5,8,9 Physically active older people have much reduced rates of hip fracture.10
How cycling improves fitness A study carried out for the Department of Transport found that 'even a small amount of cycling can lead to significant gains in fitness'. The study found that aerobic fitness was boosted by 11 per cent after just six weeks of cycling 'short distances' four times a week.8 If cycling the equivalent of four miles to and from work in total a day the aerobic benefit increased to 17 per cent.8
According to the Department of Transport study people who do not exercise who start cycling move from the third of the population who are the least fit, to the fittest half of the population in just a few months.8
Leg strength also improved in the cyclists in the study. This is more important than it seems because leg strength improves other mobility by allowing people to get out of chairs more easily, and helps older people especially avoid falls and the broken bones and other injuries associated with them.8
Cycling, the researchers behind the study concluded, is 'one of the few physical activities which can be undertaken by the majority of the population as part of a daily routine'.8
Cyclists breathe in less fumes than car drivers If you are worried about traffic fumes, there may be no need. Cyclists and pedestrians actually absorb lower levels of pollutants from traffic fumes than car drivers.4,11
Who can cycle? There are no real age barriers to cycling, and people of most fitness levels can cycle, slowly and gently if necessary. Anyone with heart disease or other conditions affecting their activity should, of course, consult their doctor before starting any exercise programme. Those of all body shapes and all but the most extreme body weights can ride a bike.
Getting Started What sets cycling apart from most other forms of exercise is how well it fits into our busy, modern lifestyles. Apart from the bicycle itself (and a recommended protective helmet) no other equipment is needed, no special time needs to be set, and no special clothes are needed (although you might want to leave your best suit on the hanger). Instead of spending time stuck in a car or bus, you spend it on the bike, there is no need to find extra time to exercise.
It's as easy as riding a bike. You simply start to use a bike when you would otherwise have gone by car, bus, train or on foot. How much you ride depends on you, your fitness and your lifestyle. New cyclists could start off by using the bike to pop a few hundred yards down the road to the shops or the post box, and gradually increase the distance they cover. In a few weeks aerobic fitness will have improved and you will be able to ride for miles without feeling anything more than a little puffed out.
Helmets There is still some argument, but there is increasing evidence that cycle helmets can reduce the number and severity of head injuries in cyclists. To be any good at all the helmet must be worn correctly and be close fitting without being pushed to the back of the head. Get expert advice from someone in a bike shop. But remember, the health benefits of cycling significantly outweigh the risks of cycling on British roads.5
Keep at it Most cyclists are 'utility' cyclists where the bike is a way of getting from A to B, and getting some exercise is an added bonus. Nearly three-quarters of journeys people make are of five miles or less, and these could be acheived by most people.12 On reasonably flat ground you will soon be able to cover at least four to six miles in half an hour - faster than cars in many towns and cities.
But those bitten by the bike bug may improve their fitness and may make long rides to work, or may choose to go leisure cycling where they cover 30-50 miles a day.
Competitive individuals may want to start racing - against other cyclists or against the clock.
Fitter individuals with a taste for adventure may choose to try mountain biking, speeding down specially made trails on the side of hills, leaping over dips and jumping over obstacles.
These more active cyclists are likely to increase their health benefits. In general the more active an individual is, the healthier they are. But, whichever form of cycling you choose to pursue, remember to have fun while you're doing it. As you are whizzing past drivers stuck in a queue, you can enjoy the fact that not only are you getting to your destination quicker, but you are getting fit at the same time.
Reference: http://www.bupa.co.uk/health_information/html/healthy_living/lifestyle/exercise/cycling/cycling_health.html
Cycling is good for your heart and health Everyday cycling, where the exercise leaves you breathing heavily but not being out of breath, is an effective and enjoyable form of aerobic exercise. This is the type of exercise that is most effective at promoting good health. For example, cycling reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes.1,2,3,4
One rough calculation suggests that new cyclists covering short distances can reduce their risk of death (mainly due to the reduction of heart disease) by as much as 22 per cent.5
Cycling will help with weight management Cycling can be part of a programme to lose weight2 because it burns the energy supplied by a chocolate bar or a couple of alcoholic drinks in an hour (about 300 calories). A 15-minute bike ride to and from work five times a week burns off the equivalent of 11 pounds of fat in a year.6 That kind of cycling pattern also meets the Government's latest target on exercise: that we should take part in some mild to moderate physical activity that leaves us out of breath for at least 30 minutes five times a week.
Cycling can improve your mood Cycling can have positive effects on how we feel too.2 Moderate exercise has been found to reduce levels of depression and stress, improve mood and raise self-esteem, and has also been found to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.4,5,7
Cycling can help to maintain strength and coordination There can also be indirect benefits in terms of reducing injuries from falls, which can be seriously disabling, especially in older people. The strength and co-ordination that regular cycling brings make them less likely.4,5,8,9 Physically active older people have much reduced rates of hip fracture.10
How cycling improves fitness A study carried out for the Department of Transport found that 'even a small amount of cycling can lead to significant gains in fitness'. The study found that aerobic fitness was boosted by 11 per cent after just six weeks of cycling 'short distances' four times a week.8 If cycling the equivalent of four miles to and from work in total a day the aerobic benefit increased to 17 per cent.8
According to the Department of Transport study people who do not exercise who start cycling move from the third of the population who are the least fit, to the fittest half of the population in just a few months.8
Leg strength also improved in the cyclists in the study. This is more important than it seems because leg strength improves other mobility by allowing people to get out of chairs more easily, and helps older people especially avoid falls and the broken bones and other injuries associated with them.8
Cycling, the researchers behind the study concluded, is 'one of the few physical activities which can be undertaken by the majority of the population as part of a daily routine'.8
Cyclists breathe in less fumes than car drivers If you are worried about traffic fumes, there may be no need. Cyclists and pedestrians actually absorb lower levels of pollutants from traffic fumes than car drivers.4,11
Who can cycle? There are no real age barriers to cycling, and people of most fitness levels can cycle, slowly and gently if necessary. Anyone with heart disease or other conditions affecting their activity should, of course, consult their doctor before starting any exercise programme. Those of all body shapes and all but the most extreme body weights can ride a bike.
Getting Started What sets cycling apart from most other forms of exercise is how well it fits into our busy, modern lifestyles. Apart from the bicycle itself (and a recommended protective helmet) no other equipment is needed, no special time needs to be set, and no special clothes are needed (although you might want to leave your best suit on the hanger). Instead of spending time stuck in a car or bus, you spend it on the bike, there is no need to find extra time to exercise.
It's as easy as riding a bike. You simply start to use a bike when you would otherwise have gone by car, bus, train or on foot. How much you ride depends on you, your fitness and your lifestyle. New cyclists could start off by using the bike to pop a few hundred yards down the road to the shops or the post box, and gradually increase the distance they cover. In a few weeks aerobic fitness will have improved and you will be able to ride for miles without feeling anything more than a little puffed out.
Helmets There is still some argument, but there is increasing evidence that cycle helmets can reduce the number and severity of head injuries in cyclists. To be any good at all the helmet must be worn correctly and be close fitting without being pushed to the back of the head. Get expert advice from someone in a bike shop. But remember, the health benefits of cycling significantly outweigh the risks of cycling on British roads.5
Keep at it Most cyclists are 'utility' cyclists where the bike is a way of getting from A to B, and getting some exercise is an added bonus. Nearly three-quarters of journeys people make are of five miles or less, and these could be acheived by most people.12 On reasonably flat ground you will soon be able to cover at least four to six miles in half an hour - faster than cars in many towns and cities.
But those bitten by the bike bug may improve their fitness and may make long rides to work, or may choose to go leisure cycling where they cover 30-50 miles a day.
Competitive individuals may want to start racing - against other cyclists or against the clock.
Fitter individuals with a taste for adventure may choose to try mountain biking, speeding down specially made trails on the side of hills, leaping over dips and jumping over obstacles.
These more active cyclists are likely to increase their health benefits. In general the more active an individual is, the healthier they are. But, whichever form of cycling you choose to pursue, remember to have fun while you're doing it. As you are whizzing past drivers stuck in a queue, you can enjoy the fact that not only are you getting to your destination quicker, but you are getting fit at the same time.
Reference: http://www.bupa.co.uk/health_information/html/healthy_living/lifestyle/exercise/cycling/cycling_health.html
5 Benefits of Cycling
Cardio exercises are gaining popularity day by day because of the many benefits that it offers to the individual. It makes your heart stronger, keeps your body toned, help in losing weight, increases blood supply and oxygen supply and above all is easy to perform.
There are different cardio exercise namely swimming, jogging, running, aerobics, cycling, walking, jumping and many more. In this article I will discuss why cycling is one of the best choice and what are its benefits. Cycling is an effective and enjoyable exercise that will provide you with many benefits. These benefits are listed below:
1. Good for heart and health: Cycling is not only good for your health but for your heart as well. A good heart is the key to healthy life. With cycling the blood supply to the body is increased as well as your heart rate increases. It is because of this reason that heart diseases are reduced greatly or risk of having any is avoided to a greater extent. Risk of High blood pressure, diabetes and obesity is also reduced.
2. Weight loss: Cycling helps in burning excess fats resulting in weight lose. The energy that is required by the calories to burn is provided when you cycle regularly so make cycling a habit of yours!
3. Change in mood: Cycling, just like other forms of exercise, is known to release endorphin which is known to cause pleasure in you and thus wash away the bad mood. It is because of this that one feel relaxed and refreshed even after a heavy workout. With cycling you will feel positive change in your mood as well. Also, moderate exercises such as cycling are known for relieving stress or depression and helps in improving self-esteem and mood.
4. Strength and coordination is maintained: If you cycle regularly you will be less likely to get severe injuries such as fracture during a fall or if involved in an accident. According to research, cycling and other related exercises, that keeps one physically fit, when older are less likely to get hip fractures.
5. Fitness level improved: It is researched that even a small exercise can help in gaining fitness significantly. The strength of the legs is also improved with cycling regularly. As your strength of legs is increased, one is less likely to get injuries or fractures after a fall.
These are some benefits of exercising regularly. Just make sure to wear protective gears to avoid any injury in case of any accident.
Reference: http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Benefits-of-Cycling&id=1511333
There are different cardio exercise namely swimming, jogging, running, aerobics, cycling, walking, jumping and many more. In this article I will discuss why cycling is one of the best choice and what are its benefits. Cycling is an effective and enjoyable exercise that will provide you with many benefits. These benefits are listed below:
1. Good for heart and health: Cycling is not only good for your health but for your heart as well. A good heart is the key to healthy life. With cycling the blood supply to the body is increased as well as your heart rate increases. It is because of this reason that heart diseases are reduced greatly or risk of having any is avoided to a greater extent. Risk of High blood pressure, diabetes and obesity is also reduced.
2. Weight loss: Cycling helps in burning excess fats resulting in weight lose. The energy that is required by the calories to burn is provided when you cycle regularly so make cycling a habit of yours!
3. Change in mood: Cycling, just like other forms of exercise, is known to release endorphin which is known to cause pleasure in you and thus wash away the bad mood. It is because of this that one feel relaxed and refreshed even after a heavy workout. With cycling you will feel positive change in your mood as well. Also, moderate exercises such as cycling are known for relieving stress or depression and helps in improving self-esteem and mood.
4. Strength and coordination is maintained: If you cycle regularly you will be less likely to get severe injuries such as fracture during a fall or if involved in an accident. According to research, cycling and other related exercises, that keeps one physically fit, when older are less likely to get hip fractures.
5. Fitness level improved: It is researched that even a small exercise can help in gaining fitness significantly. The strength of the legs is also improved with cycling regularly. As your strength of legs is increased, one is less likely to get injuries or fractures after a fall.
These are some benefits of exercising regularly. Just make sure to wear protective gears to avoid any injury in case of any accident.
Reference: http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Benefits-of-Cycling&id=1511333
The Benefits of Cycling
Cycling is a low-impact, aerobic workout that provides a myriad of health benefits and can be continued for life without a major time commitment.
Numerous studies have found that cycling provides a variety of health benefits. Some of the benefits address specific health concerns, and others result in more general or indirect health benefits. They include:
Clean air - Cycling is non-polluting and can help us breathe easier. Much of the pollutants and irritants in the air are the result of fossil fuel emissions and can cause serious health problems, including asthma, irritation of the lungs, bronchitis, pneumonia, decreased resistance to respiratory infections, and even early death. These health risks are accentuated in children. When people ride bikes instead of driving cars, everyone’s health benefits.
Ease of incorporating it into your life - Cycling generally does not involve a steep learning curve and a lot of expensive equipment (beyond a bike and a helmet, other cycling gear is optional). In most areas, you can cycle year-round, and build it into your daily routine by cycling to work and to do errands. Most people can continue cycling indefinitely. This means that you will be more likely to stick with cycling long-term, and lead a healthier life.
Exposure to sunlight - Vitamin D generated from 15 minutes of sunshine a day can help prevent prostate cancer, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. (Note: Too much sun, however, increases the risk of skin cancer.)
Improved cardiovascular fitness - Cycling strengthens the heart, which improves blood circulation and reduces blood fat levels and resting pulse. Riding as little as 30 minutes every other day meets the American Heart Association’s recommendations for a healthy heart.
Increased joint movement and less pounding - Cycling reduces the risk of arthritis (or inflammation of the joints) caused by worn out cartilage. Exercises like running put more stress on joints and break down cartilage, especially in the knees. Cycling is gentler on joints and can actually strengthen them because the cycling motion provides nourishment that builds up cartilage.
More active lifestyle - Cycling (and other exercise) combats the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, which increases the risks of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and respiratory ailments. All of these diseases can be prevented - even reversed - with regular exercise. Further, regular exercise increases the heart’s ability to pump blood even when you are sitting still.
Reduced back pain - Cycling (and other exercise) provides nourishment that discs in the spine need for development. The large muscles in the back develop and become stronger. And cycling strengthens the small muscles that support individual vertebrae.
Stress reduction - Moderate exercise, including cycling, reduces stress, which leads to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Stronger immune system - Moderate exercise causes a boost in the immune system by increasing the production of cells that attack bacteria. Going for an easy ride can even make you feel better when you have mild cold symptoms without fever.
Sweating - Cycling causes most people to sweat, which is good for you because you sweat out toxins and (ideally) replace lost liquids with clean water.
Weight loss and fitness - Exercise, like cycling, burns calories, raises the metabolic rate, and builds muscle tone, so you burn more calories while at rest. This can combat the well-documented effects of obesity, including increased risk of disease and early death.
Reference: http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/cycling_ttgw.htm
Numerous studies have found that cycling provides a variety of health benefits. Some of the benefits address specific health concerns, and others result in more general or indirect health benefits. They include:
Clean air - Cycling is non-polluting and can help us breathe easier. Much of the pollutants and irritants in the air are the result of fossil fuel emissions and can cause serious health problems, including asthma, irritation of the lungs, bronchitis, pneumonia, decreased resistance to respiratory infections, and even early death. These health risks are accentuated in children. When people ride bikes instead of driving cars, everyone’s health benefits.
Ease of incorporating it into your life - Cycling generally does not involve a steep learning curve and a lot of expensive equipment (beyond a bike and a helmet, other cycling gear is optional). In most areas, you can cycle year-round, and build it into your daily routine by cycling to work and to do errands. Most people can continue cycling indefinitely. This means that you will be more likely to stick with cycling long-term, and lead a healthier life.
Exposure to sunlight - Vitamin D generated from 15 minutes of sunshine a day can help prevent prostate cancer, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. (Note: Too much sun, however, increases the risk of skin cancer.)
Improved cardiovascular fitness - Cycling strengthens the heart, which improves blood circulation and reduces blood fat levels and resting pulse. Riding as little as 30 minutes every other day meets the American Heart Association’s recommendations for a healthy heart.
Increased joint movement and less pounding - Cycling reduces the risk of arthritis (or inflammation of the joints) caused by worn out cartilage. Exercises like running put more stress on joints and break down cartilage, especially in the knees. Cycling is gentler on joints and can actually strengthen them because the cycling motion provides nourishment that builds up cartilage.
More active lifestyle - Cycling (and other exercise) combats the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, which increases the risks of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and respiratory ailments. All of these diseases can be prevented - even reversed - with regular exercise. Further, regular exercise increases the heart’s ability to pump blood even when you are sitting still.
Reduced back pain - Cycling (and other exercise) provides nourishment that discs in the spine need for development. The large muscles in the back develop and become stronger. And cycling strengthens the small muscles that support individual vertebrae.
Stress reduction - Moderate exercise, including cycling, reduces stress, which leads to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Stronger immune system - Moderate exercise causes a boost in the immune system by increasing the production of cells that attack bacteria. Going for an easy ride can even make you feel better when you have mild cold symptoms without fever.
Sweating - Cycling causes most people to sweat, which is good for you because you sweat out toxins and (ideally) replace lost liquids with clean water.
Weight loss and fitness - Exercise, like cycling, burns calories, raises the metabolic rate, and builds muscle tone, so you burn more calories while at rest. This can combat the well-documented effects of obesity, including increased risk of disease and early death.
Reference: http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/cycling_ttgw.htm
