Physical activity is widely recognized as a vital component of long-term health.
Finding time for physical activity each day can pay notable dividends, but many people find it hard to maintain their motivation to exercise. In such instances, identifying a physical activity that’s both fun and great exercise can help people get over the motivational hump.
Cycling fits the bill for millions of people who want to have fun and be physically active at the same time. Cycling increased in popularity by a notable margin in recent decades. According to data from Statista released in 2025, the number of cycling participants in the United States increased from 42.4 million in 2010 to 54.7 million in 2022. Cycling also is popular in Canada, where Made in CA reports that 16 percent of Canadians cycle at least once per week. The millions across the U.S. and Canada who cycle each day or each week are reaping numerous health benefits, each of which merits consideration for those looking for a fun way to be physically active.
- Cycling can build strength and improve flexibility. The Cleveland Clinic notes that cycling increases muscular strength and endurance. The movements required to pedal a bicycle also are great for flexibility, particularly in the lower half of the body. Cycling helps to loosen the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and hips, ultimately contributing to a more flexible body for regular cyclists.
- Cycling helps to improve balance. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science concluded that stationary cycling helped to improve balance in chronic stroke patients. But individuals need not be recovering from stroke nor ride stationary bikes to reap this benefit. The Cleveland Clinic notes that cycling requires riders to be in a specific position while riding their bikes, and that requirement trains the body to maintain better posture. After all, riding a bike requires balance, so it makes sense that riding more often will lead to notable improvements in balance that can reduce risk for falls.
- Cycling works out the entire body. One of the more notable benefits of cycling is its impact on the whole body. In addition to the already noted benefit of improving flexibility in the lower body, cycling benefits areas above the waist, including the core and lats. The cycling experts at Peloton note that cycling relies on the core to help the body maintain stability and control, keeping abdominal muscles activated throughout each session on a bike.
- Cycling on a traditional bicycle gets you outdoors, which can benefit mental health. Cycling also can benefit mental health by encouraging riders on non-stationary bikes to get outdoors. Researchers have uncovered numerous ways that exposure to nature benefits mental health. For example, a 2019 study published in the journal Science Advances found that people who spent time in nature experienced increases in happiness and subjective well-being.
Cycling is a fun activity that also pays numerous health dividends, making it a great option for people looking for enjoyable ways to exercise more.
