In order for our body to remain efficient, it needs exercise. This includes that both the muscles and the cardiovascular system are regularly loaded – preferably through sports. In this respect, the bicycle is one of the healthiest pieces of sports equipment of all. Cycling stimulates the metabolism, challenges the heart and circulatory system and, compared to many other sports, scores with an important advantage: because the bicycle carries the body weight, it is easy on the joints. E-bikes are ideal training devices for people who are not keen on sports, those returning to the sport, older people or people with disabilities. We explain why.
Cycling instead of dieting
When cycling, it should be noted that it is more effective for fitness and more gentle on the joints not to pedal with heavy gears, but rather to choose a light gear and pedal continuously for this. The human body needs oxygen for fat oxidation. How well or poorly fat is burned therefore depends to a large extent on the supply of oxygen to your body. By training your endurance, you increase the oxygen uptake capacity of your body cells and thus boost your fat metabolism. Attention. To ensure that your body actually obtains the energy it needs for training from its fat depots, it is important that the load intensity does not exceed 70 percent of your maximum output. This in turn means that hobby cyclists who want to keep their weight in check or who want to lose weight should prefer long distances with comparatively low intensities. Here, for example, e-bikes from Rosebikes.de can score excellently: Trips on an electric bike put far less strain on the circulatory system than tours on a bicycle without a motor, even during demanding uphill and downhill rides. This makes it significantly easier for athletes to stay in their personal fat-burning mode. For example, someone who rides at about 15 km/h consumes an average of 400 kcal per hour. To control the optimal training pulse, it is recommended to purchase a pulse watch.
Cycling as therapy
Most people tend to take it easy on “weak points” in their bodies, such as aching joints. They therefore prefer to do without sports altogether. A fatal mistake! Rather, those affected should take their cue from professional runners or ball athletes who switch to bicycles, often even e-bikes, for rehabilitation purposes, after injuries or at the end of their careers. The main reasons:
- Hips, knees and ankles move smoothly during pedaling, without peak loads
- Thereby better nutrient supply of the articular cartilage, for example, in osteoarthritis, especially at the hip and knee.
- When pedaling there are no shear forces that could harm the joint
- Moderate exercise on the bike improves mobility in chronic inflammation.
- Depending on the physical condition, the training intensity can be well dosed by switching the motor on and off, especially with e-bikes
Riding a bike is fun!
The fun factor of riding e-bikes is often much higher than riding a conventional bike, especially for untrained, handicapped and elderly people. Motor assistance allows all fresh-air enthusiasts to enjoy long tours that increase their confidence in their own bodies and their abilities. Differences in performance between cycling couples or within cycling groups can be wonderfully balanced out using e-bikes. Cycling through nature also results in the release of happiness hormones, such as dopamine. That’s why people who regularly get on their bikes are less likely to suffer from depression. And don’t forget: Short distances in the city can usually be covered faster and with less stress by bike than by car. Modern e-bikes ensure that employees do not reach their office sweaty, but relaxed, and parents can comfortably transport their offspring in a child trailer even in hilly terrain.
Correct cadence and seating position
For fitness, it is more effective and easier on the joints not to pedal with heavy gears, but rather to choose a light gear and pedal continuously for this. In addition, the correct seating position is important. It is absolutely recommended to visit a bicycle dealer and have the bike adjusted by a professional. Why?
- The optimal seating position depends on the type of bike (eg.B. Mountain bike or city bike).
- The correct saddle height is set when the heel reaches the pedal below well with the leg extended, and in addition the distances between the saddle, frame and handlebars must be correct.
- Arms should be slightly bent when driving, the width of the handlebars correspond to the shoulder width.
- So that no blood vessels are squeezed, the saddle shape is important.
Conclusion
A few years ago, bicycles were the healthiest sports equipment of all. They have since been replaced by e-bikes. Especially the untrained, seniors and people with joint problems benefit from the individually switchable support by a motor. This makes it possible for every cyclist to train at the optimum training speed and with the correct load intensity. Differences in performance within cycling groups can be evened out with the help of electric bikes or pedelecs. In addition, e-bikes offer many advantages in everyday life, such as shopping, transporting children or the daily ride to work, which ultimately have a positive effect on health.
