What are the benefits of cycling?
Cycling on a regular basis :
reduces the cholesterol levels in the blood.
increases the high density lipo-protein/cholesterol ratio in the blood as well.
reduces the chances of strokes and heart attacks caused by clotting.
reduces the chances of illnesses caused by high blood pressure.
is as effective as drugs in reducing high blood pressure.
makes obesity unlikely thus helping reduce the chances of diabetes.
Why is cycling a better exercise than walking?
Walking provides less exercise for the heart. In a Finnish study of men and women who had freely chosen their own method of exercise, walkers reached 60% of their maximum heart rate, and cyclists reached 70% of theirs. As a result, the cyclists' bodies improved more: the walkers averaged a VO2 max of 38 while the cyclists averaged 57. The cyclists exercise was high enough to achieve a training response; that of the walkers was not. The cyclists therefore achieved better health benefits from their exercise.
By Pedalling Health
http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/health/pedal_h.htm
