This Is Your Body On Cycling

Riding makes you smarter, burns mega kilojoules, and builds a stronger heart and enviable quads. Here’s how to maximise every minute, from the moment you hop on your bike to the second you hit the shower, to keep your body performing – and looking – better than ever.

- AC Shilton

1 YOU SEE YOUR BIKE

Thanks to your brain’s ability to remember pleasure, just catching a glimpse of your bike can make you happy. Recalling how awesome you felt the last time you got out lights up a section of your brain that’s responsible for – among other things – regulating emotions and behaviour. Thinking about a great ride stimulates the same brain cells that are activated when you’re pedalling, says Dr John Ratey, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Of course, not every moment of every ride is bliss (yes, I’m looking at you, Helshoogte). Luckily, exercise produces mood-boosting, painkilling chemicals called endorphins, which your body learns to crave. An article published in the journal Social Research suggests that it’s possible to desire a reward, such as a ride induced endorphin rush, without enjoying the process of achieving it (those leg-busting intervals).

2 IN THE FIRST 60 SECONDS