Best reasons to ride a bike everyday

Improved cardiovascular health: Not only has my resting heart rate come down and I can tackle hills much more easily, my daily biking can also help to lower my blood pressure, and the scientific data indicates that it may help reduce my risk of heart disease.

Weight management: Riding a bike can help you burn calories, I’m probably getting close to a 1,000 calorie burn on my mountain bike rides, which very much helps with weight management (I lost 5 lbs of excess weight within a couple of weeks recently, without even noticing it).

Increased muscle strength: Not surprisingly, cycling can help to strengthen the muscles in your legs and core, as well as improve flexibility.

Improved mental health, and this one is a big one for me, in terms of helping deal with the pressures of a challenging work environment. Exercise has been shown to have positive effects on mental health, and cycling is no exception. It can help to reduce stress and improve mood, and I definitely see this benefit.

Reduced environmental impact: Yes, I am a bit of a tree hugger, which may be no surprise to anyone reading this side. Clearly, riding a bike instead of driving a car can help to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a (much) healthier environment.

Cost savings: This was hugely important in my initial days of setting a frugal habit, and can still be important to many, especially considering high gas prices. Owning and maintaining a bike is generally much less expensive than owning and maintaining a car, so cycling can also save you (lots) of money.

Here are some extra benefits of riding a bike everyday:

Improved coordination and balance: Known as a particularly important thing to consider as we age. Riding a bicycle can help to improve coordination and balance, which can be especially beneficial for children/your kids too!

Increased independence: Probably a no brainer for everyone who had a bicycle as a you kid or teenager, but for those who are unable to drive or do not have access to public transportation, riding a bike can provide an alternative means of transportation and increase independence.

Convenience: Riding a bike can be a convenient way to get around, especially in urban areas where traffic and parking can be a challenge. This was very much the case when I was a graduate student working on my Ph.D. Fortunately, I was in a very bike friendly city (Cambridge, UK) and so riding my bicycle around town was very much my first (and last) choice.

Fun: This is the reason I bike today, as cycling can be tremendous fun, and it allows me to get outside, explore your surroundings and enjoy my SoCal weather. There is no doubt in my mind that cycling can be a really great way to spend some of my time during the day.

Improved sleep: Exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality, another important benefit as we age, and cycling is no exception. It appears that if you have trouble sleeping, regularly cycling could be a great way to help you get a better night’s rest.

Increased energy: Regular exercise can help to increase energy levels and improve overall feelings of well-being.

Improved immune system: Now this benefit really caught my attention, including a study of 80 year old cyclists who had maintained their immune systems to be the equivalent of 20 year olds! Exercise has been shown, as described in the scientific literature to boost the immune system function and thereby reduce the risk of certain illnesses.

Improved social connections: Whether you ride with friends or join a cycling group, cycling can be a great way to connect with others and form new social connections. Right now, I mainly bike with a friend I have known for 20 years, and I enjoy it far more than the times that I go and bike on my own.

Improved brain health: Yet another benefit to combat the aging process, research has shown that cycling can help to improve brain function, including memory and problem-solving skills. It may even help to reduce the risk of developing conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which sounds like another great reason to try and bike everyday.