Biking for Better Health

Biking for better health is arguably one of the best workouts on the planet. It forces your heart to pump faster, while simultaneously engaging many of your leg and core muscles. Whether you are looking to lose weight, "tone," or just reap the benefits of better health, cycling will most certainly help.

Biking Burns Calories

It should come as little-to-no surprise that biking burns calories. While the exact amount burned varies depending on your weight, metabolism, level of intensity, and other factors, the average 140-pound male adult will burn about 650 calories per hour biking. Jogging, on the other hand, burns roughly 398 calories per hour. So if you're hoping to shed some unwanted pounds, hop on your bike and start peddling.

Biking Improves Muscle Strength

We can't talk about the health benefits of biking without mentioning its positive impact on muscle strength. Biking is unique in the sense that it's both a cardio and strength training workout. It speeds up your heart rate while creating resistance for your muscles -- and we're not just talking about the leg muscles. Biking engages nearly every muscle in your abdomen, meaning it will help you achieve a firm, well-defined stomach.

Tip: if you're looking to build muscle mass from biking, it's recommended that you choose a route with plenty of hills. Biking on inclined surfaces creates greater restriction, resulting in bigger, faster muscle growth.

Biking Improves Mood

Suffering from a case of the Winter Blues? Try biking for an hour or two. Biking promotes the production and subsequent release of hormones like endorphin and oxytocin, both of which have been associated with the phenomenon known as a "runner's high." You'll feel happy, rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever the day has in store for you.

Biking Lowers Risk of Heart Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in men and women in the United Stated, taking the lives of roughly 600,000 people each year. You can lower your risk of heart disease, however, by biking on a regular basis. Biking strengthens the heart muscles, reduces blood-fat levels, and helps to regulate healthy blood pressure levels. To put these benefits into perspective, a 14-year-long Danish study found that adults between the ages of 20 and 93 years who biked regularly had a lower risk of heart disease when compared to the control group who did not bike.