As of today – and probably for many years prior, you are an avid cyclist who likes to invest in their hobby. The benefits of staying active and sustaining a special interest have been documented time after time, but what happens if you give up cycling for good? Here is what can happen if you swap shopping for mtb parts with staying too long on the sofa.

 

Physical Effects

First, let’s clarify the definition of ‘stopping cycling’ pertaining to never getting back on a bike. It is perfectly healthy to take a break from exercise but extended periods without exercise take their toll. The heart is one of the first places to notice your lack of physical activity as you will be unable to pump blood at the same rate as when you indulged your love of cycling. Also, your muscle to fat ratio will move unfavourably towards making you gain a few pounds as your muscle mass decreases. Naturally, cycling is a great form of exercise for building strength in your legs, so without this sport staying as a staple in your life, the decrease in your leg strength will be noticeable to you.

 

Mental Health Effects

As we grow older, it becomes more important to enjoy youthful pursuits such as investing our time in a hobby we are passionate about, such as the novelty of fixing replacement mtb parts to your bike before a long ride with friends. Aging is inevitable physically but since the majority of us feel an average of 5 years younger than our chronological age, staying young is a case of mentality. And it pays dividends to preserving our physical health too. While taking a break from cycling – whether due to injury, lifestyle changes or for another reason, can end up lasting for a longer period of time than intended, make the decision to stick with your hobby for the betterment of your physical and mental health.

If you want to enquire about any of our road, gravel or mtb parts to sustain great rides, please contact us via our website.