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6 Health Benefits and 4 Disadvantages of Cycling

cycling-benefits-and-disadvantages
Written by James Jordan
Last Update: August 16, 2023

To be healthy and fit, you must be physically active. General physical activities can help protect you against serious diseases and medical conditions like obesity, cardiac disease, diabetes, and arthritis. The easiest way to reduce the risk of health issues associated with a sedentary lifestyle is to ride a bike daily.

Cycling is an extremely healthy exercise that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age. Plus, biking is fun, especially if you are exploring new entrees and trails every time. Most importantly, if you want to go biking or just enjoy two-wheeled leisure, know that this is not an expensive activity. You will need a bike that will best meet your requirements and needs, as well as additional protective equipment if you decide on a more demanding cycling routine.

Cycling Benefits And Disadvantages

Cycling Benefits And DisadvantagesCycling has many health benefits for ladies and men. It helps improve the different body systems including your muscle and cardiovascular systems. Cycling can also have a beneficial impact on your overall health and can even lower the risk of many illnesses. On the other hand, for extended periods, cycling may put pressure on the arteries and nerves which serve reproductive systems in both men and women. In some cyclists, it can also contribute to back pain and bone loss. Cycling can also be a truly dangerous means of transport. Many professional cyclists and those who use the bike as a regular means of transport have faced unfortunate accidents throughout many years. Below we will give you a brief overview of all relevant cycling benefits and disadvantages.

Benefits of Cycling

No matter what type of cycles you use, a folding bike or a  regular bike, cycling has a very beneficial effect on the health and human body, and below we bring the main benefits that cycling brings to anyone who chooses to pedal.

Obesity and Weight Control

When it comes to weight loss, it is important to spend more calories, relative to the number of calories consumed. Cycling is a great activity that encourages weight loss, because you can spend between 400-1000 calories in an hour, depending on the intensity of cycling and the weight of the cyclist. Cycling has to be combined with a healthy eating plan if you are trying to lose weight.

Cardiovascular Disease

Regular cycling is considered good prevention concerning the development of cardiovascular diseases. Cyclists have a 50% reduced risk of a heart attack. Also, cycling is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. Thanks to cycling, the rate of contraction of the heart increases, which speeds up the movement of blood through the arteries and veins. Also, cycling strengthens the muscles of your heart, lowers resting pulse and reduces the levels of blood fat.

Cancer and Cycling

Cycling increases the heart rate, and thus promotes better circulation or blood flow through the body and reduces the chance of cancer and heart diseases. The results of the many studies suggested that the number of people suffering from cancer or heart disease could be reduced by 50% when cycling in the gym or outdoors.

Diabetes and Cycling

Cycling has proved to be one of the most suitable sports for diabetes patients, as it is an aerobic activity of a repetitive and constant type. In most cases, lack of physical activity is the main cause of the disease, and people who cycle for 30 minutes a day are up to 40% less likely to have diabetes.

Bone Injuries and Arthritis

Cycling will enhance your endurance, strength, and balance. If you have osteoarthritis, riding a bike is an ideal form of exercise, because it is a low-impact exercise that places little stress on the joints. The percentage of cycling seniors is increasing day by day because it helps improve their flexibility without causing any muscle or joint pain. If you ride your bike regularly, you will have very flexible knees and many other benefits for legs.

Mental Illness and Cycling

Cycling is associated with improved brain health and a decrease in cognitive changes that can later cause dementia. Regular bike riding can reduce mental health conditions, such as depression, stress, and anxiety.

Disadvantages of Cycling

Although cycling is an amazing sport that pumps your heart and allows you to get your workout indoors and outdoors, cycling also has some disadvantages. There’s plenty to think about between traffic hazards, pollution, and injury risk if you’re considering hitting the road on your bike.

Road Hazards

Bikes are especially susceptible to road accidents. Since their build quality is not so strong as cars and they have thin tires, inattentive and abrupt changes can be dangerous on the road surface, causing even the cautious and seasoned rider to slip or lose control and step onto the path of a vehicle. Road dangers are most likely to cause cycling injuries, including potholes, sewer grates, and rail and trolley tracks.

Saddle Sadness

Several studies have examined the possible health effects of long bicycles over the past few years, including the possibility of excessive pressure from some bicycle saddles to the urogenital region of cyclists, restricting genital blood flow, and adverse effects on sexual function.

Pollution

Cyclists are known to experience high exposure to the air pollutants associated with traffic. Furthermore, traffic-related exposure and traffic to air pollution are major factors influencing the choice of cycling.

Nerve Injury

Neuropathy of bicycle seats is one of the most common injuries identified by cyclists. The injuries and symptoms are caused by the cyclist supporting his or her body weight on a narrow seat and are believed to be associated with either vascular or neurological pudendal nerve injury.

Folding Bike Pros & Cons

Pros and cons of a folding bike

During the last few years, folding bikes have become pretty popular, and with them, you can also easily experience all the benefits of cycling. Folding bike portability and convenience are some of its main attractions, which make it popular among cyclists. Below you can find a brief overview of all relevant folding bike pros and cons.

Folding Bike Pros

Using a folding bike is the best option that you have based on the fact that these bikes have so many advantages that we will see below.

Compact

One of the main reasons why many cyclists opt for a folding bike is because of its compact nature. They fold up into a small package that can be stored in a bag and can be put in a wardrobe or any small area. They take up very little space, and when folded up the size of the bike depends on the frame size and wheels. Some are bigger than others, while you can get a smaller frame and small wheels if you are looking for a super-compact bike.

Convenient and Practical

Folding bikes are more maneuverable and agile compared with a standard bike. Only think about how convenient it can be to get into an elevator with a small bike or even find shelter in the metro or a limited space when it comes to rain or even maneuvering among people in crowded places and between cars in traffic. Even if bicycles are not permitted, you can easily fold the wheels, slip it into a bag, and no one knows what it is.

Easy to Transport

This is one of the greatest benefits of a folding bike. It can be shipped anywhere and can be easily boarded and used for holidays. It is ideal for boat storage and for putting in an RV or even in your trunk. Moving it onto the bus, subway or metro is also very convenient. There’s no need for a bike rack or extra equipment and you can use it practically wherever you want to go.

Quality

This is the main question when people decide to purchase a folding bike. How robust are they compared to a regular bike and how does their reliability compare? Like most things, you’ll get what you are paying. In terms of quality, a cheap folding bike will be equal to a cheap regular bike. Excellent quality bikes, however, are available which are extremely durable yet still lightweight and compact. A little research will tell you a lot about good brands and the components. How much you pay depends on your needs, and how much you are going to use the bike. It is very likely to get a decent bike at a good price. Going for the best folding bike isn’t always needed because there are many fine, reliable, well built foldable bikes that are a great choice.

Security

Bicycle safety is always a huge issue, as they are often stolen. It is a constant concern and unfortunately, if someone wants to take your bike, there is not much you can do. What you are going to love about folding bikes is that they can be folded up so quickly and conveniently, and therefore taken inside with you wherever you go. You don’t have to leave your bike unprotected and exposed outside anymore if you are commuting by bike to work or running some errands.

Folding Bike Cons

There are also some disadvantages to be mindful of as with any product. Whether or not the benefits will outweigh the negative ones for you will depend on your needs.

Weight

Though it is not always the case, a folding bike is often a bit heavier. The additional hinges will add weight that would not otherwise have been there. Nonetheless, there are many better-quality models that are lighter. You pay for that lightweight and comfort just like with a regular bike.

Stiffness

These will usually not be as stable as regular bikes. You should not be shocked by this disadvantage because folding bikes are not made as one solid piece. Nonetheless, the stiffness can vary but you can count on it as a general rule that folding bike is not as rigid as you might be used to That said, they are not wobbling or something like that, just not as sturdy as solid frame bikes.

Bumpier

The size of the wheel will vary and it is something you should be aware of. For ultra-portability, you may want the smaller wheels, but it is important to be aware that the smaller wheels usually mean a bumpier ride, especially if you go for long rides. Most people don’t think they are annoyingly bumpy, but it also depends heavily on the type of terrain you are riding on.

Price

The price ranges may vary greatly, but you may end up paying a little more than you would have for a similar regular bike. That’s why you should opt for budget folding bikes. Keep in mind the cash you will save on renting bikes if you are on vacation, taxi or petrol if you are using it for commuting and even on storage and equipment. Many find the prices more or less fair, but again it will depend on your needs.

Bicycles are a great way of fitting regular exercise into a daily hectic schedule. The risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke can be reduced by regular cycling. It can also improve your mood and maintain control of your weight. Folding bicycles also have health benefits similar to those of classic bicycles. Folding bikes are efficient, cost-effective, healthy, environmentally friendly, fashionable & fun mean of transport. The key distinction between folding bikes and traditional bikes is that it is easier to transport folding bikes and to store them. As a result, folding-bike riders will experience more frequently all the benefits of cycling.

FAQs

Why is cycling bad for you?

Cycling does have a variety of health benefits, but research has shown that it does not help build strong bones. It may even decrease your bone density depending on how much cycling you do. So if cycling is your only form of exercise, you may end up with weaker bones.

Does cycling have side effects?

When evaluating cycling hazards, we need to think of different physical injuries or disorders, either as a result of irresponsible driving, injuries or overuse of joints and muscles engaged in an exercise that mainly gives the lower body a thorough exercise.

Are 30 minutes of cycling a day enough?

World Health Organization (WHO) proposes that adults aged 18-64 years should engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity during the week to stay healthy. What many do not know is that a mere 20-minute daily cycle ride is adequate to reach this goal.

Is cycling better than running?

Neither cycling nor running is a far better choice than the other. Choose whatever suits your lifestyle to make sure you enjoy it and stick to it. You can also swap between the two to reap each activity’s benefits and avoid exhaustion.

About the author

James Jordan

As a kid I inherited the love for mountain bikes from my father who used to ride for weeks through the Colorado trail in the city of Denver. He had his gang, and I followed pretty much the same track.

Later on, my interest in biking grew more after joining the Enduro race back in 2013. My buddies and I also participated in the Downhill racing for the third consecutive year, and it’s been an amazing experience.

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