World Health Day: what are the health benefits of cycling?

It is well known that regular sport is essential for good health (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity endurance physical activity per week are recommended by the WHO to combat the risk of disease). But not all sports are equal and it is up to each individual to find the one that will keep him/her in shape while providing real pleasure. Because without pleasure, it is not always easy to remain regular in one's sport.

Are you more interested in cycling but don't ride regularly? Here you are a few reasons to get started... for your health and that of the planet!

Cycling benefits #1: Reduced risk of chronic diseases through cycling

In 2017 a group of researchers from the University of Glasgow unveiled a more than edifying study. Over a period of 5 years, they studied 260,000 British citizens. They found that, among cyclists, the risk of developing cancer was reduced by 45 %and those of being affected by a cardiovascular disease of 46% and the risk of dying from another 41% disease. 

Benefits of cycling #2: A body stimulated at all levels

Apart from these specific diseases, cycling helps to keep the body in shape: cycling It involves muscles, joints, circulation, breath, but also balance and coordination. And all this without really thinking about it, because cycling is also about taking the time to admire the landscape.

Benefits of cycling #3: It's good for your mental health!

And as with any sport, cycling is also good for your morale. Avoid the anxiety of public transport and traffic jams, while exercising and enjoying the sunlight and fresh air... a great combination for reduce the stress around us and work to preserve its well-being.

Benefits of cycling #4: What about the health of our environment?

The benefits of cycling also go to our beloved environment! Did you know that for every 100km cycled, a family car consumes 11kg of CO2 according to ADEME and the Teebike wheel, which turns classic bikes into electric bikes... 20g ?? At this rate, the environmental benefits of cycling are quickly seen and are another reason to highlight this sport for World Health Day.

But is riding an electric bike really sport and therefore beneficial to your health?

The answer is yes! Because to move forward with an electric bike...you have to pedal ! Indeed, if we take the example of the Teebike wheelSimply install the pedal sensor on one of your pedal arms, connect it via Bluetooth to the Teebike app and it will turn on the motor when you pedal, and turn it off when you stop pedaling.

Electric assistance is therefore an aid that supports a given action, and not just a motor that starts up in moped mode. It helps you to manage your effort so that you can ride longer and more serenely. And when we talk to our Teebikers, we regularly find that thanks to the electric assistance of the wheel, they are able to ride for longer periods of time, they are now travelling greater distances than with their conventional bicycles.

Some use the aid to avoid sweating too much on their way to work, others use it to pedal while enjoying the surrounding countryside... to each his own way of enjoying the magic of the electric!

So how can you (re)start cycling to do good for your body and nature?

• By going to the nearest cycle shop for a small complete revision of your car, and more particularly brakes.
• Starting by going through short distances on safe and rather flat roads
• Always equip yourself to ride safely: helmet, front and rear lights (mandatory) and that's it!
• Increasing your distances and difficulty of the course gradually and according to your wishes.

PS: Many associations as well as bicycle schools exist all over France to give cycling lessons to those who need to review the basics to feel comfortable once in the saddle. This is sometimes an opportunity to review some of the essentials of the highway code, which can do no harm to anyone ;)

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