Cycling Taking On New Meanings
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.
This lack of attention, however, is not due to lack of importance or lack of benefit. In fact, cycling is an extremely interesting sport to follow and a very healthy sport to practice.
Cycling was originally created, of course, as a form of getting from one place to another more than anything. While it remains both a transportation and recreational activity, it is becoming increasingly valued as a sport on a competitive level.
Cycling races date back to the 19th century. From the 1890s up through the mid 1900s, cycling was an extremely popular sport around the world. This time period is referred to as the “Golden Age of Cycling.” Over the years, the sport’s popularity diminished. The Tour de France, which began in 1903, remains a premier world athletic event, giving some clout to the sport. The Olympic Games also feature cycling. That said, the sport remains quite ignored.
There are various racing formats for cycling. Road races, for example, involve both teams and individuals and are contested in a number of ways. They may last just one day or include several stages. Track racing is lesser known but also takes place throughout the year in Velodromes. In recent years, mountain bike racing has become increasingly popular and is now an Olympic sport.
Cycling is not just for the pros. In fact, it is a great option for those looking to begin a fitness program or to change the fitness program they currently use. Popularity of the sport is increasing among even the most amateur athletes.
Cycling is an extremely healthy activity and is linked to increased physical and mental well-being. In fact, Sustrans estimates that investment in cycling provision can give back a 20:1 return from health and other benefits.
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.
Those looking to try out cycling for the first time will be happy to know that they have both indoor and outdoor options available to them. Spin classes are available in almost all gyms, and sporting goods stores sell bikes year-round.
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 loves cycling, both as a recreational activity and in weekend competition. He knows how crucial hydration in cycling is so he launched the Cycling Water Bottle website. You can visit it at http://cyclingwaterbottleshop.com
