Cycling is simply pedaling with your legs in turns, a seemingly simple action you might think provides little exercise, yet it works out your entire body. Its endurance training effect on internal organs is just as effective as that of swimming and running.
Which profession in the world has the longest average lifespan? Elite athletes with outstanding physical condition? Corporate executives with superior living standards? Or porters who constantly climb slopes and steps? Wrong, none of these. Years ago, a survey conducted by U.S. authorities showed that postal workers have the longest lifespan among all professions worldwide.
Cycling has the same exercise benefits as swimming and running.
Braving wind and rain, why do postal workers have the longest lifespan? Aside from factors such as low psychological stress and a relatively regular lifestyle, the bicycle beneath their seat has made remarkable contributions to extending the average lifespan of this profession.
Time flies, and the years will gradually take away everyone’s youth. But on two wheels, we can rediscover our vitality and passion.
“Don’t underestimate cycling — just pedaling with your legs in turns. This seemingly simple motion actually exercises your whole body. Its endurance training effect on internal organs is as effective as swimming and running,” said Yu Lehua, director of the Rehabilitation Therapy Department at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Clinically, symptoms such as muscle atrophy in certain areas and arthritis can also be rehabilitated through cycling. Moreover, modern medicine and sports science have proven that cycling is a contralateral control movement. Alternating leg pedaling can simultaneously develop the functions of the left and right brain hemispheres, preventing premature aging and functional decline. It helps prevent brain aging and improves the agility of the nervous system.
When riding a bicycle, not only do the three lower limb joints (hip, knee, ankle) and 26 pairs of muscles benefit, but the muscles in the neck, back, arms, abdomen, waist, groin, and buttocks also get a workout. Joints and ligaments are also exercised accordingly. Since cycling is a periodic aerobic exercise, it helps burn more calories, resulting in significant weight loss effects. Cycling 4–5 kilometers a day can stimulate and coordinate the normal secretion of human hormones, making you look youthful and full of energy.