Do you live within five miles of your workplace like half of all American workers? A 20-minute ride one way burns up to 3,000 calories (dependent on the rider, the uphills , etc) and provides key health benefits you'll appreciate.
Boost Your Energy
Instead of waking up with coffee, tea or energy drinks, ride your bike. A recent study found that a low to moderately paced bike ride releases endorphins that boost your energy level by up to 20 percent and decrease your fatigue by 65 percent. That's a big wake up call.
Increase Your Heart's Health
Ride at a moderate to high intensity speed for 30 minutes at least three times a week, and watch your cholesterol and blood pressure drop in one year. You can easily achieve this goal simply by riding the long way home.
Protect Your Joints
Riding your bike is one low-impact exercise that's perfect if you have joint conditions or leg, ankle, knee or hip injuries. If your knees aren't bent at a 25-degree angle on your down pedal stroke, ask your bike shop professional for a saddle adjustment.
Improve Your Mental Health
There's no denying that work and even daily life can be mentally challenging. Use your bicycling commute to regulate your emotions, combat depression and anxiety, prepare for the day or unwind after the day and improve your overall mental health.
Tone Your Muscles
Want to tone your arms, thighs and calves for summer? Riding a bike tones muscles you didn't even know you had. The pedaling works your lower body, and you'll tone your triceps and core by pedaling uphill while standing.
Boost Your Immune System
Exercise and fresh air support a healthy immune system. Plus, your body will be stronger and better able to fight germs inside and outside of the office.
Are you ready to jump on your bike and ride to work? Today and every day, gain healthy benefits and have fun simply by cycling. For additional tips on way to stay healthy, talk to your health insurance agent.