Consider Bicycling as a Mode of Transportation to Improve your Health

May 31, 2016

Whether it’s to increase your exercise regimen, lose weight, or simply lower the cost of transportation, bicycling is a great way to improve your health. Not only is riding a bicycle fun for all ages and good for the environment, but it’s also a healthy lifestyle change. In fact, riding a bicycle is one of the best ways to reduce your overall risk of health problems.

There are plenty of health benefits that are brought about simply by riding a bike.

Riding a bike can…

• Lower the risk of heart disease and stroke;
• Help manage weight and reduce stress;
• Help protect you from serious diseases such as obesity, cancer, mental illness, and arthritis;
• Increase cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility;
• Improve joint mobility, posture, and coordination; and
• Reduce anxiety and depression.

Because of the health benefits associated with it, the number of bicyclists is rapidly increasing each year. According to the current U.S. Census Bureau report, the number of people who traveled to work by bike increased approximately 60 percent over the last decade. This is most likely true because traveling to work by bicycle avoids possible traffic, and can save an extensive amount of money on gas, public transportation, and other traveling expenses.

Overall, what’s great is that you can easily fit bike riding into your daily routine by pedaling to work, school, and grocery stores, among other places. As luck would have it, if you’re interested in bicycling, Empire BlueCross BlueShield can even provide discounts for you and your family at Performance Bicycle, the nation’s largest cycling retailer. Just log in at www.empireblue.com and select Discounts to learn more.

Additionally, you can visit Pedal to Health provided by Empire BlueCross BlueShield at www.empireblue.com/pedaltohealth/ebs/ to learn how to get started riding a bicycle, find the right bicycle for you, improve your bike riding skills, and explore nearby bike paths in your area.

What are you waiting for? Get cycling!