The benefits of riding a bike
1. Get to the destination faster.
In big cities in Britain, cycling can save half the time compared with driving. In fact, if you drive in Cardiff during rush hour, you can hardly go anywhere within 30 minutes, and the average speed is only 7mph (about 10km/h), while the average speed of cycling is 12- 15mph (about 19-24km/h). The same is true of several "blocked cities" in China, but you should pay attention to safety in the chaotic traffic, and you'd better stay away from the roads with lots of cars.
Deepen sleep
Cycling in the morning does make you sleepy for a while, but at night, when your head is resting on the pillow, cycling in the morning can improve the quality of sleep. Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine asked sedentary insomniacs to ride bicycles for 20-30 minutes every other day. And the result? These patients' sleep time was shortened by half and extended by nearly an hour. Jim Horne, a professor at Loughborough University's Sleep Research Center, said: "Outdoor exercise can enjoy the sunshine, help you adjust the circadian rhythm and eliminate cortisol that hinders deep sleep and regeneration."
Look younger.
Scientists at Stanford University have found that cycling regularly can protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and slow down the signs of aging. Dr Christopher Roland Payne, a dermatologist in Harley Street, explained: "Through exercise, the circulation in the body is accelerated, and oxygen and nutrients can be delivered to skin cells more effectively, while toxins are eliminated. Exercise can also create an ideal environment in the body and optimize the production of collagen, thus slowing down the generation of wrinkles and speeding up the repair. " However, don't forget to apply some 30 times sunscreen before going out.
4. Promote intestinal peristalsis
According to experts from Bristol University, the benefits of cycling can go deep into the body. Anna Raimondeau, a gastroenterologist in Harley Street, explained: "Physical exercise can shorten the time for food to pass through the large intestine, limit the absorption of water by the intestine, and ensure the smooth discharge of feces." In addition, aerobic exercise can speed up your breathing and heart rate and stimulate the contraction of intestinal muscles. Dr Raymond said, "It can also make you feel no pain and prevent intestinal cancer."
Improve intelligence
Want to make your brain shine? Go riding a bike. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that every 5% increase in cardiopulmonary function by cycling can increase the intelligence test of 15%. This is because cycling can help the brain produce new brain cells in the memory area, which usually degenerates from the age of 30. Professor Arthur Kramer, the author of the study, said: "It promotes the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain and promotes and regenerates nerve endings, which is why exercise helps prevent Alzheimer's disease."
6. Overcome the disease
Now you can forget about apples. Riding a bike every day keeps the doctor away from me. "Moderate exercise can keep immune cells active, and they will be ready to fight infection at any time. Dr Kate Collins, chief nutritionist at St George's Hospital in London, said. In fact, according to the research of the University of North Carolina, if you ride your bike for 30 minutes every day, five days a week, you can reduce your sick leave by half compared with people who lie at home and watch TV every day.
7. Life span
King's College London compared more than 2,400 pairs of identical twins, and found that those who exercised for 45 minutes three times a week would be nine years younger in "biological indicators", which did not include other factors such as body mass index (BMI) and smoking. "People who exercise regularly will significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, various cancers, hypertension and obesity," said Dr Lynn Cherkaser, who conducted the study. "The body becomes more efficient in self-defense and cell regeneration."