Myth or Magic: Cycling for Weight Loss

• Written by Jyotsana Shekhawat

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Cycling is an enjoyable activity—a thrilling pastime and an absolute mood-maker. There’s something magical about hopping on your bike and making the wheels hit the road. While it brings a sense of freedom, there’s more to the benefits of cycling daily. Does that include weight management? Again, is cycling good for weight loss? It can be!

Its sneaky muscle-toning and calorie-torching attributes make cycling wholesome for people looking to lose weight in a fun way. Besides, many other health benefits of cycling daily will make you cherish those paddles more than ever once you know them all.

Ready to sweat for good? Read below the ultimate benefits of cycling for weight loss and more.

Paddle the Fat Away: Benefits of Cycling for Weight Loss

When we talk about shedding pounds, the key is to find an exercise that is both enjoyable and sustainable. Cycling checks these two boxes. What exactly happens when you exercise cycle for weight loss? This activity burns calories, boosts metabolism, and builds muscles. All these components combine to make cycling for weight loss a sought-after idea.

Let’s discuss further what happens when you cycle for weight loss:

Burns Calorie Burn

On a larger level, weight loss is about creating a calorie deficit, which implies burning more calories than you consume regularly. That’s where cycling for weight loss turns out to be worth the shot. Cycling engages large muscle groups, keeping your heart rate elevated for longer. If you cycle moderately, you can burn between 400 and 1,000 calories per hour. When you exercise cycle for weight loss, consider combining it with a healthy diet for more effective results.

Reduces Belly Fat

One of the benefits of cycling for weight loss has to be this—something many people would look up to: belly fat reduction! If stubborn belly fat bothers you, know that cycling can rescue you. Yes, spot-on belly fat reduction cannot be deemed one of the surefire benefits of cycling, but it is still helpful. Cycling promotes fat loss throughout the body, which eventually means your abdominal region, too. High-intensity cycling stimulates the release of adrenaline and other hormones, further speeding up fat metabolism.

Boosts Metabolism

Cycling not only burns calories when you ride, It elevates your metabolic rate even after you stop pedalling. This is the “afterburn” effect—scientifically known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption, a.k.a. EPOC—which means your body will continue burning calories even after the workout. When you exercise cycling for weight loss regularly, it promotes muscle growth, eventually boosting your resting metabolic rate (RMR), which helps your body burn calories when resting.

Tones Muscles

Isn’t it one of the best benefits of cycling daily? When you exercise to lose weight, know that this activity will engage your lower body muscles, including glutes, hamstrings, calves, and quadriceps. This builds lean muscle mass over time, eventually toning your body and boosting your metabolic rate (again, calorie burn).

Beyond Weight Loss: Benefits of Weight Loss

While cycling has many benefits for weight loss, there’s more to this exercise than just losing pounds. From improving mental health to maintaining heart health, here are the health benefits of cycling daily.

Boosts Cardiovascular Health

One of the most notable benefits of cycling daily is that it is a powerful cardio workout that strengthens your heart. It helps reduce harmful cholesterol levels and improves blood circulation. Several studies suggest that regular cycling can reduce the risk of heart disease by half. Cycling is an enjoyable way to keep your heart happy and one of the best ways to lower the likelihood of hypertension and strokes. Note that to make the most of the benefits of cycling machine exercise, exercise is also a great alternative.

Enhances Mental Health

The mental well-being benefits of cycling daily are, more often than not, underestimated. Be it the joy of a thrilling ride outside or the endorphin rush induced by a workout, cycling offers many feel-good health benefits to your mood. This exercise alleviates stress and anxiety and even mitigates the symptoms of depression. Not to mention, serotonin and dopamine are the primary “happy" hormones released during your cycle. So, why not give it a paddle?

Improves the Immune System

Little is said about this, but one of cycling's excellent benefits is strengthening the immune system. Cycling is a moderate physical activity that supports the circulation of white blood cells. These cells are essential for fighting infections, ultimately reducing the risk of catching common illnesses like colds and flu.

Increases Stamina

Over time, cycling can help build stamina and endurance and make it easier to perform day-to-day tasks and other forms of exercise. This is one of the most significant benefits of cycling daily, which you will observe after regularly hitting the pedals.

#Bonus: Cycling Is Good for the Planet Too

Thrilled to read about so many benefits of cycling? What makes this even more amazing is that cycling is one way to replace car rides and contribute to the planet's well-being. It can help you make your mark by reducing your carbon footprint and even saving money! Isn’t it a win-win?

How to Use Cycling for Weight Loss—Handy Tips

Before you hop on a bike to claim the health benefits of cycling, here is a note: PLAN. It is best to have a strategic approach to maximising the benefits of cycling for weight loss and other desired results.

Here are some tips for you:

Choose “Your” Intensity

One of the wisest ways to leverage the benefits of cycling daily is to exercise at varying intensities. This will help you burn more calories and make your workouts more fun. Note that high-intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is effective for weight loss.

Incorporate a Balanced Diet

Cycling alone won’t help you lose weight if you don’t keep your diet in check. A calorie deficit mingled with cycling can help you fetch the best outcomes. So, add whole foods to your routine, stay hydrated, and avoid junk food.

Pair Cycling with Strength Training

To maximize cycling exercise's benefits, combine it with strength training workouts. This will help you build muscles and boost metabolism, making it easier to burn fat.

Track Your Progress

Use fitness apps to track your distance, speed, and calorie burn. Monitoring your progress keeps you motivated and allows you to set realistic goals.

Remain Consistent

Consistency has always been the key to achieving your workout goals. Aim to cycle regularly, or at least three to five times per week. As your results improve, you can gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.

>>Read More: 10 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle!

Key Takeaway.

Cycling is a versatile, enjoyable, and super effective way to break off those extra pounds and hit the right “tone” of the body. However, keeping up with diet and intensity as you exercise for weight loss is crucial. Besides, it is also essential to experiment with variations and mind the progress to ensure the benefits of cycling daily. Just as cycling benefits your health differently, keeping health insurance ensures that all your medical needs are covered without the headache of breaking the bank. A health plan from Care Health Insurance protects against medical emergencies by keeping you financially secure.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. When purchasing health insurance, it is essential to verify the policy details and coverage with official documents. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to confirm the details of your health concerns.