Biking as the new normal: Health benefits of biking
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Jun 22, 2020 • 3 min Read
The bicycle as the “new normal” mode of transportation? Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its quarantine measures, public transportation such as jeepneys and buses are suspended. Meanwhile, biking and non-motorized transport are encouraged. And by necessity, more Filipinos are now riding bikes to reach their workplaces and attend to errands.
Below are some of the health benefits of biking from the Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation:
* Studies show that moderate activity, such as biking, strengthens the immune system and thus contributes to a healthy life. It can also increase activity against tumor cells, assisting the prevention of related illnesses.
* Humans have several hundred muscles, which must be used regularly to maintain fitness and health. During biking, most of the body’s muscles are activated. All the movements train and tighten up the muscular system, making it stronger and able to function efficiently.
* Biking has a positive effect on bone density and strength. Moreover, a muscular system strengthened by biking supports and protects the skeletal system.
* Biking can stimulate the small muscles of the vertebrae which are difficult to affect through other exercises. This can help reduce the likelihood of back pains and other problems.
* Biking counters stress in two ways: by satisfying the need for an activity where people lack movement or exercise; and by balancing out the increased strain, particularly mental and emotional.
* Biking has a considerable relaxing effect due to its uniform, cyclic movement which stabilizes the physical and emotional functions of the body. This counteracts anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems. The exercise also controls hormonal balance.
* Moderate biking can strengthen the respiratory muscles, which leads to improved ventilation of the lungs and thus has a positive effect on oxygen exchange.
* Biking is ideal for training the heart to be stronger which results in less stress of the heart. All the risk factors that lead to a heart attack are reduced and regular biking reduces the likelihood of heart attack by more than 50%.
* Biking is ideal for targeting body weight, adiposity and obesity problems as 70% of the body’s weight is borne by the saddle, thus enabling people who could not otherwise move easily to exercise to increase their physical fitness and stimulate fat metabolism. Biking also contributes to weight reduction by burning energy.
* Moderate biking can prevent, or at least reduce, high blood pressure and so help to avoid stroke or damage to the organs. Blood pressure is also reduced by a lower heart rate, which is a result of regular biking.
* Regular biking has been shown to reduce the risk of colon, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers, and possibly lung and endometrial cancers too.
* Biking is especially good for aerobic exercise as the strain on the body is less than in other endurance sports. Improved stamina reduces tiredness and fatigue and promotes a sense of well-being.
* More biking, especially as an alternative to motor vehicle travel, would bring substantial health benefits for society due to improved air quality, reduced noise and danger, and greater independence for children.
In summary, biking improves both physical and mental health and can reduce the chances of experiencing health problems. Its benefits are endless. But, remember to check your bike before you ride, put on your safety gears, and stay safe!
