·       Cycling regularly strengthens the heart, improves mood, and helps prevent chronic diseases — science confirms it!

Guatemala, June 3, 2025. Besides being a sustainable mode of transportation, cycling is a complete, accessible, and low-impact exercise with real benefits for physical and mental health. "Cycling can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve emotional well-being, and even extend life expectancy. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to do so safely in your city, make cycling your primary mode of transportation or take advantage of it during your leisure time. And don't forget: the benefits are even greater when combined with a balanced diet and proper hydration," recommends Dr. Carlos Ulloa , sports medicine physician and member of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board.  

On World Bicycle Day, celebrated on June 3, discover great reasons to take your bike for a ride!

 Strengthens muscles and joints.

Cycling primarily works the legs, hips, and glutes, as these muscles are responsible for maintaining the circular motion of the pedals. Therefore, these areas tend to strengthen with regular practice. Because it's a low-impact exercise, it's often a good option for people with joint problems or those undergoing rehabilitation. "But it's always important to have a medical evaluation before starting any physical activity to determine if there are any restrictions in your case," recommends Ulloa.

Improves cardiorespiratory function

A systematic review published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports analyzed 16 specific studies on cycling and showed a clear positive relationship between this activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in young people. “The act of pedaling makes the heart pump blood more efficiently and improves oxygenation of the body,” explains Dr. Ulloa. As a result, it can help reduce risk factors for diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, hypertension, and heart attack, as well as decrease the risk of mortality.  

Helps control weight

Furthermore, regular cycling contributes to weight loss by promoting calorie burning and reducing body fat, according to a study published in the journal Nature Communications . In the research, sedentary men with early-stage type 2 diabetes cycled for one hour a day, five times a week, for eight weeks—and lost, on average, 2.6 kg (5 lbs), in addition to improving their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. "So, if you struggle to find time to exercise and want to lose weight, consider using a bicycle as your means of transportation to work, for example. It's a great way to stay active without disrupting your routine," suggests Ulloa.  

It helps prevent diabetes

Another study, published in the journal PLOS ONE , also indicated that people who cycle regularly have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research followed more than 50,000 Danish adults between the ages of 50 and 65 for approximately 14 years. The results showed that both recreational cycling and using a bicycle as a means of transportation are associated with a reduced risk of the disease. Even those who started cycling after the study began experienced a significant drop in their risk of diabetes. “This reinforces the idea that it’s never too late to adopt the habit and reap the health benefits,” Ulloa commented.

 Improves mental health

Regular cycling can also help reduce stress and anxiety levels, as well as improve mood and self-esteem. This is according to a study published in the The Journal of Transport & Health found an association between regular cycling and less psychological distress, as well as greater life satisfaction.

 It offers cognitive benefits

The same study shows that regular cycling improves executive function and well-being in older adults, suggesting a positive impact on cognitive function—especially problem-solving ability—in older adults.

 

Increase your lifespan

Want to live longer? Then hop on a bike! A UK study followed more than 82,000 people for 18 years and revealed that those who cycled to work had a 47% lower risk of death from any cause, a 51% lower risk of dying from cancer, and a 24% lower risk of being hospitalized for heart disease.  

 

And there's more: according to research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology,  According to the Copenhagen City Heart Study, people who cycle at a moderate or brisk pace live, on average, three to five years longer than those who cycle at a slow pace. "In other words, besides cycling, it's worth picking up the pace a little," the specialist concludes.

About Herbalife Ltd.  

 

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a leading health and wellness company, community, and platform that has been changing people's lives with excellent nutrition products and an attractive business opportunity for its Independent Distributors since 1980. The Company offers high-quality, science-backed products to consumers in more than 90 markets through its Independent Distributors, who are entrepreneurs offering personalized support and a supportive community that inspires customers to adopt a more active and healthy lifestyle to live their best life.  

 

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