5 reasons why you need to start cycling

Whether it be a ride outside or a cycle session on a stationary bike, there are many reasons why hopping on the saddle can benefit your health.

From the physical benefits through to the mental health positives, cycling is the gift that keeps on giving, with several studies proving just how great it is for body and mind. Here are some of the many reasons you need to start cycling - whether you’re considering an indoor, outdoor, or e-bike to improve your health..

1. It’s a low impact exercise

The beauty of biking is that it has minimal impact on the joints. This is unlike other exercises such as running, which is high impact and can worsen joint pain. If you’re someone who deals with painful knees or hips, then cycling could be a great option. Although it’s low impact, cycling still provides a fantastic workout though. Not only is exercise great for physical health generally, but it can also contribute to losing any unwanted weight as it burns through calories.

Plus, a 2015 study concluded that low-intensity exercise such as cycling is a useful tool in providing health benefits for high-risk populations such as physically frail, older adults. The majority of studies published in the National Library of Medicine showed that low-intensity exercise was effective in improving balance and lower limb muscle strength too.

2. It’s good for brain health

Biking and the brain? While cycling isn’t a complex or mentally taxing form of exercise, it still very much benefits your brain. Research has shown how low-intensity exercise is effective in improving the physical and cognitive health of older adults, and it has also been shown to lower depressive symptoms.

New to cycling, or exercise in general? An e-bike could be a good starting point. These bikes are assisted by electricity, taking away some of the physical impact of conventional cycling. Despite this, e-bikes have been proven to improve cardio fitness in physically inactive individuals and provide physical activity of at least moderate intensity so you will still reap the brain and body benefits! But that’s not to say these bikes are only for those just starting out with cycling, e-bikes are also a great way to get around for all abilities and you’ll be able to cover more mileage with the additional power of the electric.

3. It’s a mood booster

Not only is exercise generally known as a great stress reliever, with stress being a risk factor for chronic disease and illness, but numerous pieces of research have shown how just 20 minutes of aerobic exercise such as cycling, can leave people feeling calmer, with the results lasting for several hours after the exercise session. Plus, people who exercise regularly often enjoy a greater resistance to the emotional effects of stress, which can help them to lower the risk of illness or disease. 

4. It allows for more adventure

Going for a lovely walk in the great outdoors is a brilliant way to check out new places and see the world around you, but it can be a little slow for some people, and walking does limit the distance you can travel. Hopping on a bike helps you explore the world on two wheels, moving a little faster and a lot further. Plus, it’s a great excuse to cycle with friends and enjoy the social element too. 

If you want your own hilly adventure, and need a little help, then an e-bike might be the solution? The Ribble Endurance SL e provides hidden electric power assistance at the touch of a button so you can climb faster and ride further, whilst experiencing less fatigue. Ribble’s award winning e-bikes pair well with the MAHLE e-bike motion app to create a smart bike, giving you access to ride diagnostics, maps and even heart monitoring.

5. It helps the environment

In today’s world, most of us want to do everything we can to lower dangerous emissions being released into the atmosphere. So why not play your part and swap four wheels for two, ditching the car when you can and biking to your destination instead?

Ribble’s Hybrid AL bike is a lightweight, durable bike that offers a smooth and comfortable ride. Plus, to make your bike your very own, Ribble offers you the chance to choose an individual design and colourway alongside an individual fit. Plus, there’s also an e bike version, the Hybrid AL e which offers more power to help you explore further. Stay safe too with a comfortable helmet and suitable clothing for a planet-friendly journey, that’s doing your body some good too.

Riding in the city? The Ribble Urban AL e has natural pedal assistance for a stylish, fast and practical way to ride, plus it’s made with a hop on/hop off design and it’s super light, so easy to carry up and down stairs and on public transport. Not sure which e-bike is for you? Ribble has Live Experts who are on hand via a video call to offer expert advice and tips. What’s more, the brand also has a range of showrooms across the UK if you’d rather speak to an expert in person and be measured for a bike too.