Why you should add cycling to your workout plan

By Matt Law [Health Bureau Chief]

Cycling and mountain biking is a great way to have fun and work on your fitness. It is also a great thing to add to your current workout routine, which will help build cardio and strength. These are just a few of the reasons why two wheels are so great for getting fit.

1. Low impact… or at least until you crash: Cycling is great for rehab or for those that hate running. You can go farther and see more while creating less stress on your body and joints. If you want more impact to build bone density hit the trail for a mountain bike ride.

2. Great for cardio: going out for a long ride is a fun way to de-stress and have an adventure but it also leads to increased blood capillary growth which means more blood flow and oxygen getting to your muscles. You’ll become a more efficient machine.

3. Great for beginners: If you are just starting to get fit and are carrying a little extra weight that makes running uncomfortable, cycling is great. You can coast when you need to recover and you are gravity assisted on the way down. Shedding the pounds become fun when you are not pounding the pavement in running shoes.

4. Mountain bike for full body: Once you get off the smooth road and hit the trails it is a whole different world. You use more stabilizing muscles to keep yourself upright and your core gets a great workout. Your arms and shoulders get a good work out too when you are fighting to pull the bike over logs and boulders.

5. You will eventually look good in spandex: You may laugh now but it is true and you will come to appreciate how great cycling shorts are.

6. Pure fun: Get your friends together and head out for a ride. Cycling can be very social and you forget you are working out. Riding a bike was fun when we were kids there is no reason it can’t be now.

7. Shaving your legs: Guys you finally have an excuse to take your girlfriend’s pink lady Bic to your legs.