What happens to your body when you cycle to work?

Did you know that the benefits of cycling are up to 77 times greater than the risk of injury (1)? Some understood it well. In 2022, 700,000 French people will adopt this mode of transport every day, according to INSEE. And a recent regional study on the mobility of residents of Ile-de-France, conducted by the Institute of the Paris Region between October 2022 and April 2023, showed that 11.2% of domestic trips were made by bicycle. Health statistics prove the cyclists right. A 2017 study of more than 260,000 Britons found that commuters had a 41% reduced risk of death (from all causes) compared to other commuters. But then, what exactly happens in the body when we start cycling every day?

Good cardiovascular health

“Cycling harmoniously develops the four chambers of the heart, increases vascular and respiratory capacity,” immediately notes Colette Nordmann, sports doctor and founder of the “healthy cycling” center of the French cycling federation. Add to this that the production of the heart increases, which contributes to the irrigation of the organs. Result? “The heart and blood pressure decrease, and the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body improves.”

All this allows for higher tolerance driving, but above all it offers a better quality of life as well as a better state of health. As evidence, “regular endurance cycling reduces cardiovascular mortality by 35%,” says the sports doctor.

Muscle mass

By pedaling at home, we strengthen our muscle mass. “Especially the muscles of the lower limbs, but also the muscles of the back and abdomen, as well as the neck, arms and hands,” explains Colette Nordmann. And the more we increase the level of lean muscle mass in our body, the more we decrease the level of fat mass. “Cycling also increases good cholesterol and promotes the transport of fatty acids in the muscles,” adds the doctor. This reduces the size and number of fat cells in the body and thus gradually reduces the various factors of obesity.”

Joint protection

This strengthening of the muscles protects the joints. When we pedal, we also increase the release of synovial fluid, a substance designed to lubricate the joint and absorb shock. When riding a bicycle, the joints are also protected thanks to the saddle, which carries one third of the body weight. “Knees, hips and ankles are less damaged,” reports Colette Nordman. Especially since we drive in a straight line, so there is no axial deflection of these joints.

Regular endurance cycling reduces cardiovascular mortality by 35%

Colette Nordmann, Sports Medicine

Reducing mortality risks

Daily cycling mainly contributes to a better lifestyle, adds the specialist. “This type of endurance physical activity improves sleep and generally encourages people to eat a healthy diet and reduce risky behaviors such as smoking or excessive alcohol or drug use,” he says.

Thus, the risk of developing pathologies decreases. “Cycling reduces the risks of diabetes, asthma, hormone-dependent cancer (breast, prostate, and colon cancer), as well as being useful against Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and even depression,” explains the sports doctor.

Better mood

Our mental health is also positively affected. “The speed, the cycling and the sounds of the bike are hypnotic,” comments Aurelie Hout, neuropsychologist and sports and health psychologist, “they allow a certain amount of release, a bubble of decompression that is needed after leaving work.”

And the effect on the mood is felt from the very first trips. “Cycling will lead to the release of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and anxiety, such as adrenaline, endorphins, serotonin and dopamine,” notes the neuropsychologist. And this is due to increased heart rate and breathing associated with physical activity. But also thanks to the perception of our five senses (the touch of the wind or the sun on the skin, for example, the beautiful architecture or the view of nature…). Not forgetting that, unlike other modes of transport such as the car or the subway, the bicycle exposes us to daylight. According to the psychologist, this allows the synthesis of vitamin D, which plays an important role in regulating mood and preventing depressive symptoms.

The only contraindications. “Moving by bicycle in the city can cause anxiety for people with hypervigilance and anxiety disorders to noise and visual stimuli,” warns the psychologist.

Concentration and memorization

Finally, stress reduction is compounded by “better oxygenation of the brain, which is associated with an increase in cardiorespiratory rate,” reports Aurélie Houot. Regular practice also has a beneficial effect on our brain. “Oxygenation of the brain stimulates neurogenesis, that is, the production of new neurons,” explains the neuropsychologist. Obviously, this contributes to better attention, concentration and memorization skills.” The effect is multiplied if you drive in the city. In such a stimulating environment, we increase our reaction times, our anticipation skills, and our mental flexibility.

(1) According to a 2010 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.