Is Cycling Safe?

The quick answer is: Yes, cycling is a low impact exercise that is considered safe for the a large majority of individuals.

But, since you landed here, you're probably already read that in your internet search. You're looking for more information on what makes it safe and for what people it may not be the safest choice of exercise.

What's low impact mean? When you hear the term low impact in regards to physical activity, it can mean a few things or a combination of them. Some movements put less stress on your joints, which categorizes them as low impact, while others put less strain on your cardiovascular system or allow you to slowly raise your heart rate. A true low impact exercise would be include at both of these elements. Low impact movements are considered safe for a majority of general people, which is why cycling is considered a safe form of exercise.

Cycling is considered a low impact form of movement for your joints. Unlike running, you body is not consistently being met with resistance from a solid unchanging surface, such as concrete. Cycling allows your ankles, knees, and hips specifically to acquire less stress than other activities, because you can adjust the resistance of the flywheel on your bike. By gradually adding more resistance each time you ride, you build up muscle strength to support your joints in movement. Additionally, your body is kept in alignment on your bike because your feet are strapped (or clipped) into the pedals. This greatly decreases the possibility of acquiring an injury due to twisting a joint.

A well balanced cycling class will always include a warm up. This allows your body time to slowly increase its heart rate, which is another form of low impact when it comes to exercise. Once your body is warmed up, the bulk of the higher activity will take place in the middle of the class. A cool down should also always be included in a good cycling class. A dynamic cool down allows your body to gradually lower its heart rate through less intense activity.

So is there anything cycling isn't safe for? Yes, depending on your specific health history, you may want to ask your physician before starting any physical exercise. Some conditions that a doctor may be cautious about when asked about cycling include: severe asthma (especially exercise induced), heart issues, lung issues, recent or current pregnancy, or injuries that you have yet to fully recover from. It's always best to chat with your doctor if you're unsure.