Cycling Taking On New Meanings
December 9th, 2009 by Damian Papworth, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
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.
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.
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.
Nowadays, cycling is moving beyond the world of professional racers and becoming popular among a wide array of amateur athletes and sports enthusiasts. It is an excellent way to spice up a cardio work-out.
The sport offers tons of benefits, just like most physical activity. It is linked to improved physical and mental health.
An excellent way to improve cardiovascular fitness, cycling is easier on the joints than impact sports such as running. This renders it a great option for those with arthritis or with past sports injuries. Though cycling’s main benefits work in the leg muscles, it is also beneficial to the buttocks and abdomen. Considering increasing problems with obesity and weight-related illness all over the world, it is a fantastic work-out option 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 loves cycling, both as a leisure past-time 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
