If you’ve ever pedaled uphill, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that cycling is great for working your lower body, but did you know that the health benefits go far beyond your quads and hamstrings?
Check out these brain and body benefits of cycling:
Benefits for your brain
Improve your mood: Whether pedaling down a favorite trail or riding down a hill, biking is great for relieving stress and improving your mood.
Bonding with friends and family: A bike ride with family or friends provides excellent bonding time. What better way to connect than to go on an adventure together?
Benefits for your body
Get a healthy heart: Cycling is a great exercise that helps improve cardiovascular health.
Protect your joints: Cycling does not require weight bearing, making it a good option for people who suffer from joint pain or injuries.
Increases Lower Body Strength: Cycling is a great lower body exercise, especially your quads, hamstrings, and calves.
Improves coordination: Pedaling while maintaining balance and direction improves coordination.
Healthy Parks, Healthy People
Research shows that spending time in nature is good for our physical and mental health, and cycling is just one way to include more nature in our lives. That’s why Ontario Parks has embraced the global Healthy Parks Healthy People movement, which encourages everyone to spend more time in nature.