The actual invention of the bicycle was designed to help transport a person from one location to another, and thankfully it still works that way, however there is much more benefit to biking than mere transportation. Biking is one of the most wonderful cardio exercises that a person can do on the planet (without trying to be too dramatic), especially for someone looking to begin a good exercise routine. That two wheeled vehicle is a lot more positive then the bulky four wheeled one in the garage, both for yourself and for your environment. Here are a few of the benefits that come from getting on our bike and peddling our legs in whatever direction we need to go.

Great For The Health Of Our Heart

Getting in some good quality biking will get our heart pumping which is necessary for the health of our heart. Regular biking each day for a half an hour will reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 50% and greatly reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and other heart problems.

Biking is a Stamina Enhancer

As your ride further and farther, your stamina will increase bit by bit and at a good healthy rate. Your lungs, heart and...well basically everything in your body will thank you for it. When our stamina increases, daily chores become easier and our head more clear. You really can't beat good quality regular exercise.

Practical Mode of Transportation

One factor that often messes many of us up in trying to maintain any positive exercise routine is our own mental thoughts. Our mind is already thinking about whether we've done enough or how much effort it is going to take before we have even done anything at all! Biking however can be used as a mode of transportation that we use to get to practical places. This has a tendency to keep our mind engaged on the riding, the passing scenery and the fact that we do need to get to where we are going. It allows one to get in a lot more exercise in without even realizing it. I've never been fond of stationary bikes for this reason, however some people do enjoy this option.

Biking Builds Muscle

When we spend hours sitting behind our computers, the wheel of our cars and our television sets, it becomes imperative to do something that builds and tones our muscles. This is especially true as we get older since our muscles and bones begin to deteriorate. Biking is good for toning muscles and you may be surprised to know that it's not just your legs that get benefited. Your legs do get the brunt of the work, but your hips, thighs and even your romp get a great work out too.

Biking is a Calorie Destroyer

Yes, a big one for many of us. Biking does a good job of burning those calories. It boosts your metabolic rate, which will continue to function well even after you have finished a good hard ride. I always like to add that if losing weight is important to you, it is also important to watch what you eat. Learning about proper eating habits combined with regular exercise like biking and even some positive thinking will go a long ways in regulating your natural body weight and shedding those unwanted pounds.

Lowers Stress Levels

Stress comes with life, but it can be reduced. Regular exercise plays a key role in reducing our stress levels. If you don't believe me, try at least 30 minutes a day of some good quality biking for two weeks and see how you feel. It works, and it works well.

Biking is a sport that most ages can enjoy and is exceptionally easy on the joints and muscles. With that said, it's important to use some common sense and consult a professional medical practitioner if you feel there may be a problem with you starting biking. Take it easy when you start, and gradually work your way up.

Look after your bike. Understand how it works and take care of it as you would your body. It will help improve your joy of the sport and give you a great sense of ownership towards your bicycle. You can learn a few home repair tricks online very easily these days. You may even want to invest in a good bike repair stand, chain scrubber and a few other tools once you know a few ticks of the trade. Cleaning and maintaining your bike will allow you to keep riding the same bike for many years to come, and the regular exercise will hopefully maintain your body for many years more.

Biking is great for the health, great for the mind and a positive choice for the environment. The bicycle has been around for ages, and even as we advance in technology, it will likely remain one of our most positive choices of transportation.

About Author / Additional Info:
James has written many articles on the benefits of biking and works as a reviewer at http://www.gearreviewsonline.com/ James and his team research the best of bicycle and outdoor gear, and are currently reviewing a bike repair stand at http://www.gearreviewsonline.com/park-tool-bike-repair-stand/