<p>Bored of running and lifting weights? Then it’s time to shift gears and hop on a bicycle, insists Shiv Inder Singh.<br /><br />Physical fitness has always been confused with activities that help you get a well-sculpted and slender body. <br /><br />But this is far from the truth. If you are trying to keep fit, but do not like being <br />confined to the gym, embrace cycling. <br /><br />Hopping on a bike and taking it seriously can be physically rewarding as well as emotionally stimulating.<br /><br />Given a choice to exercise only one muscle in the body, one should always choose the heart. <br /><br />This means working out for a heart that has reduced risks of various cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes and cancer.</p>.<p> A healthy heart is way more important than a mere well-built body in the long run. <br /><br />According to the British Medical Association, cycling for just 32 km a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50 percent.<br /><br />The simple act of mounting the saddle and pedalling itself begins a workout.<br /><br /> It increases the flow of oxygenated blood to every cell in the body and strengthens the heart and the lungs. <br /><br />This action, by default, delivers the full benefit of a cardio workout.<br /><br /> Cycling is also the best form of exercise for those who are recovering from an injury, looking at cross-training options or seeking a way to preserve their knees to run a marathon when they are 85. <br /><br />Cycling is much easier on the legs, ankles, knees and feet, than running. It gets the legs moving and the heart pumping without stressing the joints too much.<br /><br />Running, over an extended period of time, can take a toll on the body. <br /><br />Cycling, on the other hand, has less impact and engages the muscles in the legs without putting as much pressure on the knees. <br /><br />Apart from this, cycling also builds stamina. <br /><br />Besides, it also eats up a lot of calories and is a good way to lose those unwanted kilos.<br /><br /> It keeps the blood pumping and helps your body produce feel-good hormones. <br /><br />So, hop on that saddle and pedal away!<br /><br />(The author is managing director, Firefox Bikes Pvt Ltd)<br /></p>
<p>Bored of running and lifting weights? Then it’s time to shift gears and hop on a bicycle, insists Shiv Inder Singh.<br /><br />Physical fitness has always been confused with activities that help you get a well-sculpted and slender body. <br /><br />But this is far from the truth. If you are trying to keep fit, but do not like being <br />confined to the gym, embrace cycling. <br /><br />Hopping on a bike and taking it seriously can be physically rewarding as well as emotionally stimulating.<br /><br />Given a choice to exercise only one muscle in the body, one should always choose the heart. <br /><br />This means working out for a heart that has reduced risks of various cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes and cancer.</p>.<p> A healthy heart is way more important than a mere well-built body in the long run. <br /><br />According to the British Medical Association, cycling for just 32 km a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50 percent.<br /><br />The simple act of mounting the saddle and pedalling itself begins a workout.<br /><br /> It increases the flow of oxygenated blood to every cell in the body and strengthens the heart and the lungs. <br /><br />This action, by default, delivers the full benefit of a cardio workout.<br /><br /> Cycling is also the best form of exercise for those who are recovering from an injury, looking at cross-training options or seeking a way to preserve their knees to run a marathon when they are 85. <br /><br />Cycling is much easier on the legs, ankles, knees and feet, than running. It gets the legs moving and the heart pumping without stressing the joints too much.<br /><br />Running, over an extended period of time, can take a toll on the body. <br /><br />Cycling, on the other hand, has less impact and engages the muscles in the legs without putting as much pressure on the knees. <br /><br />Apart from this, cycling also builds stamina. <br /><br />Besides, it also eats up a lot of calories and is a good way to lose those unwanted kilos.<br /><br /> It keeps the blood pumping and helps your body produce feel-good hormones. <br /><br />So, hop on that saddle and pedal away!<br /><br />(The author is managing director, Firefox Bikes Pvt Ltd)<br /></p>
