Surprising Health Benefits of Cycling to Work

By Alex Bristol

Alex is a cycling expert at Pedallers and focuses on reviewing road bike accessories and general cycling. She searches for the most up to date products that match the needs of cyclists across the world. Whether it's recent news or the best bike set-ups, Alex is a trusted source for anything around cycling.

There are lots of great health benefits that come with cycling, and that’s one reason why more and more people are now choosing to cycle to and from work each day. It’s something that you should think about as well, especially if you’re looking to get in shape and improve your health. 
 
We’re going to give you all the information you need about the health benefits associated with cycling to work and how you might feel the difference in your daily life. So read on now to find out what you need to know in order to make the right decision for you. 
 
It’s a Great Way of Burning Calories and Staying Fit 
 
First and foremost, cycling is very good for you and your general health because it provides your body with a cardiovascular workout. It really is as simple as that, but what does that mean for your health over the long-term? For a start, it means that you’re going to be buring calories every day as you cycle to work in the morning and back home again in the evening. It also means that you’re going to be able to stay fit and healthier for longer because you’ll be active on a daily basis. 
 
You’ll Sharpen Your Memory Over Time 
 
You can even sharpen your mind and increase your brain power throughout the working day if you start it by cycling to work. There has been research done that shows people who do moderate daily exercise experience improvements in overall brain performance, as well as preventing signs of cognitive decline. When your mind is sharper and more alert throughout the working day, you’ll perform to a higher standard in your job and you’ll achieve the outcomes in your career that you’re aiming for. 
 
Get Some Fresh Air 
 
Simply getting some fresh air is going to be great for your body and your general health. Sitting in a traffic jam usually means that you’re breathing in the fumes of the cars around you and that’s no good for your lungs or respiratory system. You won’t have to worry about that if you’re breathing fresh air and cycling to work instead. And you’re not likely to get stuck in many traffic jams when you’re on your bike, which is definitely a major bonus if you ask me. 
 
Improve Your Joint Mobility 
 
Joint mobility is another major reason why you might want to start cycling to work each day. When you use your joints and the muscles that make them work, you’ll be keeping them active and in use. That means they’ll become strengthened and able to stay healthy for longer. As you get older, you’ll realize just how important it is to have strong and supple joints. It’s one of those things that you take for granted until it stops working properly, so don’t let that happen if you can help it. 
 
Cycling Makes You Happy 
 
Cycling to work will make you happy in a number of ways. First of all, it means avoiding endless traffic jams and the general stress of driving during rush hour. And it’s also known that moderate exercise each day leads to happier people. It can improve your sleep patterns, reduce any symptoms of depression and generally make you feel better about yourself. Exercise does so much more than the physical benefits we associate with it. 
 
It Can Reduce Feelings of Stress and Anxiety 
 
One of the major ways in which cycling to work and being active each day will help you and your mental health is by reducing the feelings of stress and anxiety you experience each day. Research has shown that when you’re active on a regular basis, you feel less stressed and less anxious. So if those are problems that you experience from time to time, jumping on your bike to commute to work could really help you a lot. 
 
It Eliminates Tech Distractions for a While 
 
If you’re someone who’s constantly feeling distracted by technology, cycling to work allows you to take a break from that. Bikes don’t tend to have complex infotainment systems and docks for your phone the way modern cars do. That time away from technology is refreshing and it’s the perfect way to begin the day. 
 
There are so many benefits that come from cycling to and from work each day, and even if all the health benefits above don’t persuade you, there are financial benefits too. So if you want to save money and improve your health at the same time, maybe it’s time for you to get on your bike. ​