Adisa asked:


It is well understood that bicycle riding has muscular and cardiovascular benefits that are almost unparalleled and also operate as a means of transportation that is not only convenient but also economically and ecologically expedient. But were you aware of how it just makes us feel good?

Sure there are the long-term benefits like lowering blood pressure, improved strength and endurance, a trimmer physique and the confidence that follows, increasing mental alertness, and reducing your odds of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. But bicycle riding simply makes us feel good.

Quite naturally when you are riding your bicycle you are increasing your heart rate beyond its normal levels which stimulates the brain’s pituitary gland to release endorphins, an abbreviation for endogenous (meaning “produced within”) morphine, in the bloodstream. Although casual bicycle riding can garner some of the benefits described above, individual episodes of intense , heart rate topping, blood pumping bicycle riding provides psychological boosts aside from the harder-to-see, harder-to-acquire physical and disease-fighting benefits of bicycle riding ..

However, it is also important to keep varying the exercise, as our body easily adapts to hormones (endorphins and cortisol) over time. It is important to realize that routine deadens the heart, and you have to change up your bicycle riding regimen. The body always adapts and you need to challenge it. So, vary the intensity, cross train, take dance classes, try a new sport, use a personal trainer for a few sessions, etc. You may also want to join bicycling clubs and organizations that find challenging paths to ride , have competitions or even ride for causes. Another area that you cannot ever forget is bicycle safety.

Always remember to wear a helmet and pads and wear reflective clothing if you are riding at night.

Get your cycling on and you will get that high!



Jamie L. Lurie