The Benefits of Cycling and Essential Vitamins to Fuel your Ride

The 3^{rd of} August is ‘Cycle to Work Day’ and with that in mind, we wanted to talk about the advantages of cycling and discuss some beneficial vitamins whatever your cycling goals, from the daily commute to the Tour de France!

 10 advantages of cycling

1. Cardiovascular health: Cycling is a great aerobic exercise that raises heart rate and improves cardiovascular fitness. Regular cycling can strengthen your heart, reduce the risk of heart disease, and lower blood pressure.

2. Weight management: Cycling is an effective way to burn calories and may encourage weight loss when combined with a balanced diet.

3. Low impact on joints: Unlike high-impact exercises like running, cycling is a low-impact activity, which means less stress on your joints, reducing the risk of injury and making it suitable for people of different fitness levels and ages.

4. Muscle strength and toning: Cycling primarily targets the muscles in your legs, helping to tone and strengthen quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.

5. Improved balance and coordination: Cycling requires coordination and balance to stay upright and navigate obstacles, this can enhance overall motor skills.

6. Joint mobility: The pedalling motion in cycling can improve mobility and flexibility, especially in the hips and knees.

7. Mental well-being: Cycling outdoors can have positive effects on mental health. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, and the exposure to nature and fresh air can improve mood and overall well-being.

8. Commuting and environmental benefits: Cycling is an eco-friendly mode of transport, reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner environment.

9. Social engagement: Why not join a group bike ride or join a cycling club? Cycling can be a great opportunity to meet new people.

10. Convenient and versatile: Cycling is a flexible exercise easily adapted to different settings, including roads, bike paths, trails, and stationary bikes, take your pick!

6 Essential Vitamins for Cycling

1. Vitamin B-complex: B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and folate (B9), play essential roles in energy metabolism. They help to convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy, crucial for endurance during long rides. Try our Apple & Raspberry B Vits drink which contains the recommended daily dose of B1, B3, B5, B6, B7 and B12.

2. Vitamin C: This antioxidant vitamin helps protect cells from oxidative stress, and aids in the repair of tissues, which can be beneficial for recovery after strenuous rides, try our Sparkling Orange Vitamin C drink as a refreshing treat.

3. Vitamin D: Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and help prevent bone-related injuries. Our Mango & Passionfruit Vitamin D drink is our bestselling product, and for good reason, it’s absolutely delicious and contains 200% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin D! Try it for yourself as part of a Meal Deal at Tesco or make sure you never run out by stocking up through our online store.

4. Vitamin E: Another antioxidant which helps protect cells from damage by intense exercise. It aids muscle recovery and may help reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress.

5. Vitamin A: Plays a role in low-light and colour vision, which can be beneficial for cyclists during early morning or late evening rides.

6. Vitamin K: Required for blood clotting and bone health, vitamin K can be important for injury prevention and recovery from potential falls or accidents during cycling. You can stay on top up of Vitamin K levels with our Orange & Mango flavoured Effervescent Tablets.
   
   

We also have a range of electrolyte Sports Drinks to help fuel your workouts, rehydrate faster and get back on that bike even quicker, check out our Recovery Range in Cranberry and Orange flavours here.

Don’t forget, you can get 20% OFF your first order when you sign up to our newsletter, as well as regular nutrition news and practical health tips.

Author Becky Graham Lead Nutritionist & Communications - Get More Vits