What are the benefits of cycling? See the 6 advantages for your health and well-being.

What are the benefits of cycling?

According to World Health Organisation WHO recommendations, adults between 18 and 64 years of age should engage in physical activity for 150-300 minutes per week of moderate intensity or 75-150 minutes of high intensity. Cycling is therefore a great option to make this plan a reality, plus it has a number of benefits. Not only for physical health, but also for mental health. It is the kind of activity that is accessible to everyone, as it can be adapted to your individual preferences without any obstacles. Pedalling engages the muscles of the legs, abdominal muscles, arms and back. Regular cycling is not only a physical activity, but also an effective way to counteract the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. The benefits of daily cycling are evident in both improved fitness and overall wellbeing. Find out what other benefits cycling guarantees.

Maintaining a healthy body weight

When you cycle, you burn calories - and quite a lot of them! During an hour-long ride, you can burn between 400 and even 800 calories, depending on the intensity of your workout, pace and terrain. It is one of the most effective and enjoyable forms of exercise if you want to lose weight and get rid of excess weight or maintain a slim figure.

Regular cycling training supports metabolism, accelerates fat burning and helps to control appetite. In combination with healthy nutrition and appropriate diet they bring visible effects - without the necessity of intensive catastrophes in a gym. What is important, cycling is particularly recommended for overweight or obese people, because unlike running or jumping, it does not overload joints, in particular knees. Cycling is therefore a safe, gentle yet effective way to better shape, health and weight loss.

Improving the performance of the whole body

Cycling positively influences the efficiency of the organism and the capacity of lungs - it is a training, which engages the heart, lungs and muscles, strengthening them with each subsequent ride. Regular physical activity on a bike strengthens the heart muscle and makes the body better able to cope with exertion. Cycling regularly, even for short distances, produces clear results over time. Your fitness grows, your body becomes more resistant and everyday activities such as climbing stairs or fast walking cease to be difficult. After a few weeks of regular cycling, you will certainly notice that you tire much more slowly, have more energy and can cope better with exertion. Your body starts to work more efficiently, recovers faster and you gain more freedom and enjoyment from movement.

Healthy spine and strong muscles

When cycling, you stimulate many muscle parts - it is a comprehensive workout for the whole body. You strengthen calves, thighs, buttocks, abdominal muscles, as well as shoulders and back. Each movement of the pedals engages the lower body, while improving coordination and trunk stability. As a result, over time the silhouette becomes more slender, firm and upright. Regular cycling trips translate not only into body aesthetics, but also into health. Posture improves, deep muscles support the spine and pain - especially in the lumbar section - may significantly decrease. It is also an excellent form of exercise for people who struggle with joint problems, as cycling does not strain them, but on the contrary, supports their mobility and strengthens them without the risk of injury.

See the women’s cycling collection at S'portofino

Improving well-being and reducing stress

Sport means endorphins - natural happiness hormones that our body produces during physical activity. One of the most enjoyable ways to release them is by cycling. By cycling outdoors, you can reduce stress levels and improve your mental health. The wind in your hair, the sunshine on your skin and the feeling of freedom get your body working and your mind relaxing. Each kilometre covered is a dose of positive energy, which has a positive impact on your mood. Cycling among greenery - in parks, forests or on quiet country lanes - calms and soothes nerves. Contact with nature and activity in fresh air acts as a balm for the psyche, allowing us to take a break from everyday hustle and bustle and to collect thoughts. Regular bike rides not only reduce stress levels, but also improve the quality of sleep - deeper, calmer and more restorative. Regular outdoor activity promotes relaxation and improves the overall quality of life. Just by getting on your bike, you can feel your body and mind finding harmony.

Improved circulation and heart rate

When cycling, the heart rate rises and therefore the blood in the veins starts to circulate faster, the heart works more intensively and the whole circulatory system is stimulated to work. It is a natural workout for the heart, which becomes stronger and more efficient with every kilometre. Regular activity on a bike improves circulation, lowers blood pressure and helps to maintain normal cholesterol levels.

As a result, the risk of many serious diseases - stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis, blood clots or varicose veins - is reduced. Cycling is one of the best forms of prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and at the same time it is available for almost everyone, regardless of age or level of fitness.

Improving balance

Cycling requires good balance and motor coordination. Just staying on two wheels engages not only many senses, but also muscle groups at the same time. Every ride is about control of direction, body balance and reaction to changing road conditions. Regular cycling training can therefore make a real difference to your coordination, reflexes and overall fitness. Over time, you will notice greater control over your body and your movements will be more confident. This is particularly important not only for sporting form, but also in everyday life - better balance and fitness reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

Cycling is ECO

A bicycle is also an excellent means of transport - fast, practical and reliable. It will make it easier for you to get around a crowded city, avoid traffic jams and save the time you usually waste in a car or on public transport. You also don't have to worry about parking space, tickets or fuel prices. All you have to do is get on your bike and ride ahead. What's more, by choosing the bicycle as a means of transport, you are taking care of the environment. It is a zero-emission means of transport, which does not pollute the air, does not generate noise and helps to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Cycling is a viable way to take care of our planet - and one that gives pleasure, satisfaction and a sense of freedom. You can practice it not only in summer, but also in spring, early autumn and even in winter. All it takes is a little willingness and the right outfit.

See cycling collection for men at S’portofino

Benefits of cycling - summary

Cycling has many benefits for your health and well-being. Regular cycling strengthens your heart, calves, thighs, buttocks, abdominal muscles, as well as shoulders and back, helps to maintain a healthy body weight, reduces stress and translates into better sleep. What's more, by choosing to cycle, not only do you improve your overall fitness, but you can also relax surrounded by nature as you explore new cycling routes. Now that you know the benefits of regular cycling, are you ready for your next cycling adventure?