Have you been making excuses to get out of exercising? Have you been procrastinating your pedaling, avoiding that evening jog, putting off those push-ups? Well here’s your sign that it’s time to get up and get moving: November 22 is national Go For A Ride Day!
That’s right, it’s time to bust out that bike and get your blood pumping! Cycling is a great source of exercise and some experts say it can even improve your sleep. Here are five reasons why you should get out your old 10-speed and start cycling your way toward a better night of sleep today.
1. Cycling is great exercise
Cycling is a great way to get active because it uses all of your major muscle groups without placing too much strain on your body. It’s a great cardio workout and it’s totally customizable – unlike team sports or other forms of exercise, you can choose exactly how intense your workout will be at any given time. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly! Whether you’re an old pro or brand new to this whole exercising business, cycling is an awesome way to exercise.
2. Exercise is proven to help you sleep better
A 2013 study by the National Sleep Foundation found that over 75-percent of exercisers report getting good or very good quality sleep overall, compared to just 56-percent of non-exercisers. Non-exercisers also tend to be drowsier during the day and feel less rested when they wake up. Just a few hours of gentle exercise every week can make a difference, so even if you don’t plan to go full bodybuilder, incorporating just a little extra activity in your routine can help you get major Z’s.
3. Cycling is easy on your body
Unlike other high-impact exercises like running, jumping, or tackle football, cycling is a relatively gentle workout. It engages your whole body without putting too much strain on bones and joints, which significantly decreases your risk of getting hurt. It also means you won’t be bothered by brand new aches and pains when you get into bed at the end of the day, so you can slip easily into slumber. If you’re still battling achy joints a few weeks after starting your cycling habit, the problem could be your mattress. If your mattress is sagging or it’s just not supporting you well enough, come by our store and find one that gives your back some relief.
4. Exercise helps fight and prevent sleep disorders
Some doctors say that regular exercise can reduce your risk for unpleasant sleep disorders like chronic insomnia and sleep apnea. Nearly half of all people who don’t exercise regularly have moderate risk for sleep apnea, compared to less than 20 percent of people who exercise regularly. Exercise at any time of day has also been shown to help you fall asleep and stay asleep and counter some of the negative effects of insomnia. A good mattress can also help out with that, so if even getting active doesn’t seem to help with your snoring or sleep problems, come by our store and see what we have to offer!
5. Cycling can help fix back problems
If you’re waking up every morning with an aching back and a stiff spine, cycling may help you loosen up. Because it keeps your large muscle groups moving without placing much stress on your back, cycling is an ideal way to work out sore muscles and get you sleeping better without the risk of making your back pain worse. After a few weeks of regular cycling, your back muscles should start getting stronger, and your joints will start moving more easily, which will help you fall asleep and stay asleep much more easily.
Of course, cycling can only do so much for you and your sleep if you don’t have a good mattress to support you. Hopping on your bike for a few hours each week should help relax your body and get you to sleep faster, but if you’re still tossing and turning or waking up with aches and pains, make sure the problem isn’t your mattress.
If you need some help upgrading your bed, stop by Matthews Mattress. Our associates would love to help you find a bed that gives you the unique support you need, and get you sleeping soundly every night!