Claim: Biking may be fun, but is it actually good exercise?
Fact-Check Verdict: True
What’s Being Claimed?
Amid the summer fitness craze, many wonder if biking – whether recreational or used for commuting – is actually a good workout or just a fun pastime. With more than 56 million Americans cycling in 2024, it’s a question worth exploring.
The Truth: Biking Is Excellent Exercise
According to leading fitness experts and academic studies, cycling is one of the most effective and accessible forms of aerobic exercise. It benefits not only cardiovascular health but also supports muscle development, mental well-being, and weight management.
Why Cycling Is Good for the Heart
Dr. Michael Fredericson from Stanford University states that biking “is considered an excellent form of exercise due to its numerous health benefits.” Here’s how:
- Boosts heart rate and strengthens cardiac tissue.
- Lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol (LDL).
- Improves respiratory fitness and lung capacity.
- Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces insulin resistance.
- Lowers risk of chronic diseases including heart disease.
Biking qualifies as moderate-intensity aerobic activity, contributing significantly toward the 150 minutes of weekly physical activity recommended by the U.S. CDC.
Cycling Burns Calories and Fat
A 155-pound person burns approximately:
- 252 calories in 30 minutes of moderate cycling.
- 298 calories with vigorous effort.
This makes biking a solid option for weight loss and fat burning, especially since it also enhances metabolic function – meaning it trains the body to use more energy efficiently.
Does Cycling Build Muscle?
Yes, cycling does help build and maintain muscle, especially in the lower body, including:
- Quadriceps
- Hamstrings
- Glutes
- Hip flexors
Upper body muscles like the trapezius, deltoids, and latissimus dorsi also engage to a lesser extent. While cycling isn’t as effective as weightlifting for muscle mass gains, it does stimulate growth through resistance and continuous use.
However, experts like Prof. Brad Schoenfeld caution: “For continued increases in muscle size, a person would need to perform resistance training” since biking alone doesn’t offer progressive overload.
How Often Should You Bike?
To reap health benefits:
- Aim for 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity cycling (about 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week).
- Use your bike for commuting, leisure, or indoor cycling.
- Supplement with strength training for full-body benefits.
Safety First
Dr. Fredericson and other experts recommend:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Use reflective clothing and lights.
- Follow traffic laws and use hand signals.
- Regularly check brakes, tires, and fit of your bicycle.
- Learn handling skills (like quick turns and emergency stops).
Mental and Emotional Perks
In addition to physical benefits, biking:
- Releases endorphins (feel-good hormones).
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- Encourages social connection and time in nature.
Conclusion
Fact-Check Verdict: TRUE
Biking is not only a fun summer activity but a powerful, low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, burns calories, and boosts mental well-being. To build more muscle or increase intensity, pair it with resistance training—but as a regular part of your lifestyle, cycling offers impressive benefits for your heart, body, and mind.