WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CYCLING?
At our senior living center in Idaho Falls, residents have many recreation options to help keep their bodies strong and minds alert. One of the most popular recreational activities is cycling, which a growing number of our residents have made a part of their daily routines. Some residents cycle by themselves or in small groups, while other residents join clubs in which large groups of cyclists hit the roads and paths surrounding our retirement community in Idaho Falls.
Cycling is a healthy lifestyle option for many reasons. Let’s review the health benefits of cycling.
Low Impact Exercise
Seniors benefit the most from performing low-impact exercises because the exercises are easier for the body to take, especially for the residents of our assisted living facility in Idaho Falls who suffer from some form of arthritis. Cycling is the ultimate low-impact exercise, as it goes easy on the joints and alleviates joint stiffness.
Reduces Body Weight
One of the primary goals of any type of exercise is to burn calories, which in turn can help you lower body weight. Cycling is one of the most effective exercises for lowering body weight because it burns calories at a rapid rate. Combined with strength training, cycling also can increase your muscle mass and metabolism rate.
Improves Balance
One of the many facts of life associated with the aging process is losing balance and coordination. Even stepping out of a bathtub can challenge the balance and coordination of a resident at our retirement community in Idaho Falls. Cycling enhances balance and coordination because of the need to keep a bike upright at all times.
Boosts Cardiovascular System
With your legs constantly in motion, cycling represents the ideal exercise for boosting the performance of the cardiovascular system. The results of a 2019 medical study demonstrated the connection between cycling and heart health. An improved heart rate and function contribute to preventing diabetes and high blood pressure. Cycling also is linked to lowering cholesterol levels.
Leg Power
Cycling strengthens leg muscles, without placing too much stress on bones and joints. The constant motion of your legs targets the glutes, quads, calves, and hamstrings. To bolster the strength of your legs even more, incorporate weightlifting exercises such as squats into your exercise routine. Maintaining leg strength as you grow older prevents the development of medical conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
Good for the Brain
Although exercising is good for the brain, certain exercises such as cycling are much more effective at boosting mental health. Focusing on the path in front of you, as well as the cadence at which you move your legs, helps you develop awareness and concentration. Cycling also is a great stress reliever and one of the best ways to improve cognitive function.
Make Cycling a Part of Your Exercise Routine
Cycling is linked to preventing the development of other diseases outside of arthritis and osteoporosis. Additional research needs to be conducted to determine whether cycling prevents some types of cancers. Until researchers discover additional health benefits, starting a cycling routine helps you stay in both mental and physical shape. Find out more about cycling and the other physical activity options available to the residents of our senior living center in Idaho Falls by scheduling a tour today.