Whether you’re considering cycling to work in order to become more active, have fun, or to balance your bank account, choosing this type of commute over others can be one of the best decisions you will ever make.
Let’s take a look at the top ten reasons that make cycling to work such a great choice.
A Sharp Mind
It may sound a bit odd at first, but biking to work will make you smarter, this is one of the many benefits of cycling! Many studies show that exercise is essential for improving your cognitive performance – even a half an hour of moderate-intensity aerobic activity can sharpen your memory, enhance your reasoning and planning, and give rise to creative thinking.
All that pedalling will increase the blood and the oxygen flow and double or even triple cell production in your brain.
Don’t expect that cycling to work will turn you into an Einstein, but your colleagues will definitely witness an increase in your performance and your job accomplishments.
You’ll Enjoy Your Commute
Many people dread commuting to work. They spend too much time sitting in their vehicles, stuck in traffic jams, or relying on over-crowded public transportation. The pressure of it all elevates their stress levels, and no matter how hard they try to relax or to engage in meaningful activities, they rarely succeed.
However, if you opt to cycle to work, you can turn this dread of commuting into a time for enjoyment. You can choose a new, different route each day, if that’s what you want to do, exploring both your inner world and the world around you.
And, if you devote some time to finding the best cycling backpack, you will always have everything you need by your side, no matter where the road takes you.
Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
Regular pedalling to work will help you shed those extra pounds and keep them off much easier. In addition to all the other health benefits, cycling will help you burn calories – depending on your weight and the intensity; you can lose from 400 to 1,000 calories per hour.
Due to the resistance element of bike riding, you will grow muscles, especially around the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves.
However, as riding a bike is a low-impact activity, it places little stress on the joints, so when compared to running, you won’t be risking injuries.
Boost Your Mood
When you get up on the wrong side of the bed, or you have a tough day at work, and you’re feeling anxious and down, cycling can change your perspective and set a different tone for the rest of your day.
While on your bike, you will be spending time outside, being physically active – both crucial ingredients for improving your mood and your mental health and wellbeing.
Cycling is known to increase the levels of “feel-good” chemicals in our bodies, such as dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and cannabinoids, helping us reduce anxiety and fight off stress more effectively.
Save Money
Biking to work can save you a great deal of money! Just owning a car is quite expensive, not to mention the costs of gasoline and maintenance.
If you opt for cycling, you’re saving all that money, plus the time you waste when you’re stuck in a traffic jam or trying to find a parking spot.
When it comes to money, keep in mind that cycling is better for the local and national economies, too. In the long run, cycling to work can bring many benefits, in the form of reduced traffic congestion, better air quality, improved public health, and more jobs.
Better Sleep
The modern lifestyle has significantly affected the quality of our sleep and our sleeping patterns. After a long day at work, it’s challenging to disconnect ourselves from all the accumulated stress and just fall asleep.
Being physically active improves the quality of your sleep. Cycling to and back from your workplace will tire you, and at the same time, reduce the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that keeps you awake. Later in the evening, you’ll find it much easier to doze off and catch some zzz’s.
You’ll Live Longer
Daily rides to work will not only make you healthier, happier, and more fit, they will also increase the number of years you’ll feel that way. A recent study has shown that those with active commuting, such as cycling, have a 41% lower risk of dying from all causes.
A sedentary lifestyle is linked to higher risks of obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, all severely impacting your health. To protect your health, you need to stay physically active, and one of the best ways to minimize these risks is to get out there and push the pedals.
A study found that even 15 minutes of physical activity daily can increase life expectancy, so just think about what regular cycling to work can do.
It’s Great for the Planet
Riding a bike does wonders for the planet.
As it efficiently transforms the power of our bodies into kinetic energy, it needs no extra fueling and produces zero pollution.
By cycling, you’ll significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner and healthier air and reduced pollution.
Feel Free
Many people give up on the idea of cycling to work because of the common misconception that it’s inconvenient.
If you’re among them, consider giving this idea a second thought.
Is there anything more inconvenient than wasting time in a traffic jam or sitting in queues? Spending 10 minutes driving around the block trying to find a parking space?
With a bike, you can filter through traffic easily, without having to worry about parking ever again.
Furthermore, many companies recognize the importance of promoting bike culture, so they include secure parking and showers to support their cycling employees.
Cycling to work is a fun and cheap way to commute, with enormous health benefits. If there is a bike in your garage worth repairing, give it a proper service, and start pedalling.
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