More and more people are no longer considering bicycles simply as a basic means of transportation but rather as a form of exercise.

Compared to activities like running or aerobics, cycling imposes significantly less impact on the knee joints, making it an excellent choice for individuals who are overweight or have knee injuries.

The benefits of cycling are nearly as endless as the country roads you explore. If you're contemplating joining the cycling movement and comparing it to other forms of exercise, we'll tell you why cycling is the superior choice.

1. Cycling Improves Mental Health

A study by the YMCA showed that physically active individuals have a 32% higher overall health status than those who are inactive.

Exercise can boost your mood in many ways: releasing adrenaline and endorphins and increasing confidence through achieving new goals, such as completing a ride or reaching a milestone.

Cycling combines physical activity with outdoor exploration, allowing you to discover new landscapes. You can ride solo to process worries or concerns, or join a group to expand your social circle.

Graeme Obree, the former hour record holder, battled depression for much of his life. He said, "Getting out and riding your bike can help with depression."

2. Cycling Promotes Fat Loss

For weight loss, the simple equation is 'calories out must exceed calories in,' meaning you need to burn more calories than you consume to lose weight. Cycling burns between 400 and 1000 calories per hour, depending on intensity and rider weight.

Of course, there are other factors: the frequency of your recovery periods affects the calories you burn; your sleep quality is also a factor; and, of course, the enjoyment you derive from your chosen activity influences how many calories you burn.

If you enjoy cycling, you'll burn calories, and if you eat well, you should lose weight.

3. Cycling Builds Muscle

The resistance element of cycling means it not only burns fat but also builds muscle. Especially around the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Muscle is leaner than fat, and people with a higher muscle-to-fat ratio burn more calories even when sedentary.

To be clear, unless you spend a lot of time on the squat rack, you won't get the leg size of a track sprinter, but you will get toned glutes.

To maximize fitness benefits and prevent knee injuries, it's crucial to correct your cycling posture:

1. Elbow Angle

Keep your elbows slightly bent and suspended during cycling, rather than stretching them outwards like wings. This helps absorb shock from bumps or road irregularities, reducing shoulder pressure and enhancing balance, thus minimizing the risk of falling off the bike.

2. Shoulder Position

Maintaining relaxed, lowered shoulders during cycling prevents discomfort in the back and neck, allowing for flexible neck movement and preventing back strain.

3. Foot Alignment with Knee Joints

Consciously keeping your knees aligned with your feet maintains proper cycling posture. Excessive bending of the knees only reduces efficiency and overall comfort.

Once you've mastered these points, you can fully enjoy the pleasure of cycling!