If there’s one thing we’ve noticed here at ROCKBROS, it’s the fact that as well as there being considerably more people taking up cycling now than years back, there has also been a distinct increase in the number of women taking up cycling.
For many years, cycling was viewed as a predominantly male-orientated activity. Recently however, the tides have been changing and that is no longer the case. Nowadays, more women than ever before are donning their cycling helmets, hopping on the saddle, and embracing cycling with open arms, which we think is amazing!
Statistically, women tend to be less physically active than men, though as women become more empowered, those stats could soon become things of the past. Women today are more physically active than ever, and as more women take up cycling each day, what better time to highlight the many health and wellness benefits that cycling can provide women of all ages than right now?
Here’s a look at why cycling is especially good for women, as we look at some of the many health and wellness benefits that cycling can provide for women.
Cycling Helps to Build Confidence and Self-Esteem
Life as a woman in the 21st century is not easy. With social media playing such a key role in everybody’s lives, and so-called “influencers” showing off their airbrushed, photoshopped physiques and tiny waistlines, women are under more pressure than ever to achieve the body that society thinks they should have.
Needless to say, this is having a severe negative effect on their mental health and is causing their self-esteem and self-confidence levels to plummet.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways in which women are gradually building their self-esteem and self-confidence and learning to love their own bodies. Cycling is a one such example.
Cycling is a great form of cardiovascular exercise which helps to burn calories and promote weight loss/weight management. On top of that, it serves as a form of resistance exercise which can help to tone the muscles and shape the body.
Psychologically, women’s cycling is also providing beneficial because it promotes the production of feel-good endorphins, which can improve our moods and increase feelings of self-confidence and self-worth.
Cycling Improves Mental Health
Sticking with what we previously looked at regarding women’s cycling and self-esteem levels, another great reason for women to take up cycling is because of the mental health benefits it provides.
Did you know, statistically roughly one in five women will experience some form of mental health disorder at some point in their lives? Furthermore, it is estimated that as many as one in four young women suffer with some form of reoccurring mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Cycling is a form of exercise that’s not only good for the body, it’s great for the mind as well. Cycling promotes the production and release of endorphins in the body that help to elevate our moods, promote feelings of relaxation, boost self-confidence, and even promote a good night’s sleep.
Research has also found that getting outdoors can also improve your mental health. A gentle cycle through your local park, the countryside, or anywhere else quiet and scenic, is therefore a great way to mentally recharge and improve your mental health.
Cycling Can Help Alleviate Symptoms of Common Female Health Conditions
Another great reason why we’re seeing such an increase in women’s cycling is because it can help alleviate the symptoms of common health complaints found in women.
Health and biological issues such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, childbirth, and the menopause all come with their own list of pretty harsh side effects and symptoms. From abdominal cramps, lethargy, and joint pain to headaches and mood swings, none are particularly pleasant.
The good news is that cycling can help to ease, treat, and prevent a wide range of these symptoms. Not only can cycling help to lift your spirits and increase energy levels, but it’s also non-load bearing, making it ideal for the joints.
Cycling is a Great Form of Exercise
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, tone up, or simply get a little fitter and healthier, cycling is a fantastic form of exercise. For women in particular, it can be especially beneficial.
Genetically speaking, women unfortunately find it tougher to lose weight than men. Their metabolisms typically run slower, so not only do they lose weight at a slower rate, they also gain it much easier as well. This can put them at risk of obesity and the health risks that come with it.
Obesity not only negatively impacts the joints, it can also affect the heart and cardiovascular system, and increase your risk of other chronic illnesses such as type-2 diabetes. Along with a healthy, calorie-controlled diet, exercise is the most effective way of combatting obesity, and cycling is a very effective form of exercise.
Cycling provides both cardiovascular and resistance-based exercise benefits, helping to strengthen the heart, burn calories, build lean muscle, and tone the muscles at the same time. While the exact number of calories burned can vary, typically, women can burn off more than 400 calories in a moderate-paced one-hour bike ride.
Cycling is Fun
Finally, the last reason why cycling is so beneficial for women is due to the fact that it’s so much fun.
At ROCKBROS, we try not to take life too seriously, and are all about having fun and living life to the max. That’s why we’re so passionate about cycling.
Not only is cycling a fun activity that gets you out of the house, it’s also one which you can really take seriously and offers fantastic scalability as you improve. The activity allows you to purchase new bikes, as well as cycling accessories like Cycling Jersey, so you can take your bike with you on fun days out, or even on cycling holidays to your favourite beauty spot.
Whether you’re out with your friends or family, or simply out for a ride by yourself, cycling is one of the most enjoyable pastimes you could wish for.
