Learning About Cycling

December 13, 2009 by Damian Papworth
Filed under Exercise

For most of us, cycling is a distant, even obscure sport. We know very little, if anything, about it. While a bicycle is a familiar object, one we learn to ride as children and continue to enjoy time on as adults, it is not often one we associate with athletic activity. Super athlete Lance Armstrong has brought some attention to the sport in recent years with his superior performance at the Tour de France and other cycling events. Nevertheless, it remains low on the radar of most sports fans around the world.

And while cycling isn’t necessarily the most popular or well-known sport in the world, it is not insignificant. The reality is that cycling is really quite exciting to follow and is extremely beneficial to practice.

The bicycle – the tool used for the sport of cycling – is primarily a means of transportation. Largely used for getting from one place to another and for recreation, it is also used in sport and athletics.

The earliest races took place in the 19th century, with large races becoming popular in the 1890s curing the “Golden Age of Cycling” in Europe. In fact, cycling was a quite popular sport until the mid-20th century. Today, cycling is largely known for the Tour de France, which started in 1903. It is featured in the Olympics, giving viewers another chance to experience it. Beyond these two events, however, it is a minority sport.

Racing and competition in cycling can take place in various formats. Road races, indoor competitions and mountain bike races are all aspects of this multi-faceted activity. Cyclers compete as both teams and individuals, and competitions can last minutes, hours and even days.

Cycling, however, is not only for professionals. In fact, it is gaining momentum among amateur athletes looking to spice up their cardio workouts.

Research has linked cycling, like most physical activity, to an overall increase in physical and mental health. The time, effort and money put into starting out in the world of cycling will be returned to the individual manifold.

Like running, cycling is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness. It benefits the legs, buttocks and abdomen among other parts of the body while getting heart rates up to burn calories and to lose fat. Easier on the joints than impact sports, cycling is a great cardio alternative for those with arthritis or past sports injuries. Because it is generally practiced sitting down, it is an activity within reach of all.

This sport can be practiced both indoors in gyms and in increasingly popular spinning classes. Outside, the options are endless. Cycling is a relaxing and beneficial activity ideal for a weekend afternoon.

If you have not yet tried out cycling (watching or practicing), it is time to get started. This great sport will not be going away any time soon, and the benefits of it are truly endless.

Damian Papworth enjoys cycling, both as a leisure activity and in weekend competition. He understands how crucial hydration in the sport is so he launched the Cycling Water Bottle website. You can visit it at http://cyclingwaterbottleshop.com