After several years of competing as a track and field athlete, being competitive became addictive. After my running days were over, I try to continue but soon learn that as time pass, you don’t run as fast and something else was needed to fill the void. I tried basketball, soccer, and a host of others. Yes, they were competitive but I also realized with time, joints and muscles ache as well. However, through a dear friend of mine, I got turned on to cycling and behold, I found a sport that could satisfy my need for speed and go easy on my joints and bones. As I progressed as a cyclist, I realized that besides being a great sport, the health and fitness benefits were numerous.

For example, cycling:

* Enhances quality of sleep.
* Tones and firms muscles.
* Improves circulation and helps reduce blood pressure.
* Alleviates menstrual cramps.
* Enhances coordination and balance.
* Makes the body use calories more efficiently.
* Is the greatest body tune-up.
* Enriches sexuality...
* Increases enzymes in the body which burn fat.
* Increases concentration.  
* Enhances oxygen transport throughout the body.
* Improves liver functioning.
* Strengthens the heart.                                                        

Did you know that the latest research shows that exercise helps keep the brain stay sharp well into old age. Steady cycling burns approximately 310-400 calories per hour. With the right cycling and exercise each day, you stand to burn up to 15 pounds of fat in a year while you rest.   According to the British Heart Foundation, cycling at least 20 miles per week reduces the risk of coronary heart disease to less than half that of non-cyclists.  Even if you only ride a few miles per day, your muscles, heart and lungs will gain the benefit

With the right combination of cycling and nutrition guidance, it creates a hormonal environment conducive to fat loss, increased muscle strength, and increased energy output.   Gaining control of your body size and weight through cycling is an amazing way to lose unwanted pounds and increase your self-esteem. You will find that the self-discipline required and learned through regular cycling spills over into other areas of your life.  This will help you make other necessary and desirable changes which can result in better health and longevity.

Other advantage to cycling is that it helps to decrease the risk of a heart attack.: By cycling regularly and keeping abreast with your nutritional needs, you will never need to worry about your cholesterol, blood pressure and heart attack. Regular cycling will also, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, and can even reverse it buy building bone tissue!

Regular cycling will also change the way you feel.  The production of Endorphins (Feel good hormones) are increased through cycling. Nothing improves mood and suppresses depression better than those endorphins.
 

Another good thing about cycling is that there are no age barriers to cycling.  Everyone can take part regardless of their fitness needs. Anyone with heart disease or other conditions affecting their activity should of course consult with their doctor before starting any endurance exercise program.

GP Sports Cycling & Fitness is committed to help you “Ride at Your Highest Potential.” Even if you don’t coming riding with us today, just get out and go riding with someone, a group, or simply by yourself.