The beach isn’t just for swimming and tanning. If you’ve got a beach nearby, it’s time to grab your bicycle and take full advantage of this natural area. Bicycling near the beach can improve your physical and mental health, encourage you to get back to nature and help you live your life to the fullest.
The Benefits of Cycling by the Beach
Whether you prefer the warm summer months or the sharp winter morning chill, the beach offers a relaxing backdrop to your cycling adventures. Cycling offers a range of health benefits that you won’t get by sitting on the sand. Here’s a rundown of some of the reasons that you should start cycling by the beach.
1. Cycling by the Beach Improves Your Mental Health
Researchers have devoted countless studies to observing the health benefits of exercise. Cycling can help you get in shape, but it also promotes good mental health. Cycling releases feel-good chemicals in your brain like dopamine and serotonin to put you in a good mood for the rest of the day.
When you cycle by the beach, you’re also getting the benefits of warm sunlight, fresh air, and the feeling of getting back to nature. Sometimes all you need is to go outside when you’re feeling overwhelmed by your daily responsibilities. Studies have shown that enjoying the sunlight can improve your mood and help your body produce Vitamin D.
As you get into the habit of cycling by the beach, you might notice that your mood starts to improve. This can decrease your risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders as you get older. If you already struggle with mental health issues, cycling by the beach can ease the symptoms and help you enjoy life again.
2. Cycling by the Beach Reduces Your Risk of Heart Disease
The older you get, the more you start learning about the dangers of heart disease. Your organs, muscles, and arteries don’t work as efficiently as they did when you were in your twenties. You can’t turn back the clock, but you can stay active to reduce your risk of heart conditions and other issues as you age.
Studies have shown that cycling by the beach can cut your risk of developing heart disease in half. When you stay in shape, you’ll keep your muscles strong and your blood circulating. This is especially important if you have a history of heart disease in your family.
As you get older, you might be more prone to heart attacks, especially if you’re under a lot of stress. Cycling by the beach gives you the chance to take a break from your responsibilities. You’ll be so focused on cycling that you’ll forget about everything you were worried about – and when you get back to your house, your worries might not seem so important after all.
3. Cycling by the Beach Can Be a Positive Addiction
If you’ve struggled with addiction throughout your life, you might have found yourself swapping one addiction for another. Cycling by the beach can help you replace unhealthy habits with a positive addiction that releases feel-good chemicals in your brain. You’ll build muscle, improve your health, and feel good about yourself instead of harming your body.
Cycling can also help you keep your mind off your addiction. When you’re working out, you’re 100% focused on physical activity. Afterward, you often feel too exhausted to do anything but sit back and relax. Cycling by the beach can help you focus on positive activities like staying in shape instead of dwelling on your cravings.
4. Cycling by the Beach Can Extend Your Lifespan
Some people seem to age faster than others. If they live a sedentary lifestyle, their body starts to deteriorate at a quicker rate. Conversely, if they stay active and spend time outdoors, they enjoy a high quality of life well into their 70s and 80s.
Cycling by the beach can extend your lifespan for several reasons. Staying in shape can help you slow the natural aging process. Additionally, working out regularly can relieve stress and anger, which helps you relax and enjoy your life. People who stay in shape tend to look younger, live longer, and reduce their risk of developing life-threatening diseases.
Working out also improves your mental health, which could reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. You’ll enjoy a more positive outlook on life and enjoy your remaining years instead of dwelling on the future. Since every system in your body is linked, improving your mental health can strengthen your physical health and vice versa.
It’s never too late – or too early – to grab your bike and make cycling by the beach a regular habit. Even working out once or twice a week can completely transform your outlook on life.
