Benefits: Cardio exercise could prevent 34,000 cases of life-threatening illness

by Angela Reed Fox

Around 34,000 instances of type 2 diabetes, stroke, breast cancer and depression could be prevented by an increase of cycling in seven key UK cities between 2017 and 2040, according to Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity.

Why's cycling so great?
Cycling is a cardiovascular activity. This means it raises your heartrate and this type of activity has distinct benefits:

• helps to lower blood pressure
• reduces cholesterol
• burns lots of calories (and fat!)
• reduces blood glucose levels and increases insulin insensitivity (both good things)
• improves circulation
• improves mood
• strengthens the heart muscle
• aids sleep
• can improve asthma symptoms
• can reduce chronic pain
• strengthens immune system
• reduces dementia risk
• low-impact exercise is available (better for joints) such as cycling (indoors or outdoors)
• easily accessible - just put your trainers on!

Does it need to be cycling? No. Brisk walking, running, indoor cycling are all good. In fact, indoor cycling is a significant way I use to manage my own weight and health. I have experienced such profound benefits (not least a fast and efficient fat burn) that I opened my own cycling studio.

So, how are you going to fit a little more cardio into your life?

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