Why cycling could give you your best body yet

Hopping on a bicycle isn't just a fabulous way to enjoy the warmer weather and save time on your morning commute. It turns out that your favourite childhood activity has a host of health perks that can help you slim down and live a healthier lifestyle. The many benefits of cycling include burning hundreds of calories, losing weight and adding more definition to your lower half. Hopping on a bike can even help you live longer. Looking for a low-impact sport that won't pound your joints? That's just one of the many benefits of cycling! Not to mention how much fun it is and better for the environment. What are you waiting for? Hop on!

Whether you're recovering from an injury, having an off week, or simply want to keep your knees in tip top shape so that you can keep running until you're 90, cycling is a fantastic way to get moving and bring up your heart rate without putting extra stress on joints. As a low-impact sport, cycling can help strengthen your legs without damaging joints – just remember to warm-up and listen to your body!

Just like any form of exercise, engaging your muscles and getting your heart rate up will burn calories and can help you shed those extra pounds. How many? Depends on your speed and resistance, but a 70kg woman could burn more than 500 calories in one hour just by cycling at a moderate pace. Not bad!

Want lean legs and a tighter rear end? Hopping on a bike could help! The pedalling motion is great for toning and building muscles in the lower half of your body, such as your thighs, calves and bum. If you want to add more definition to your arms too, then try standing up in the saddle.

Who wants to sit in traffic on a warm summer's day? No one, that's who! Instead, get those feel-good endorphins going by hopping on a bicycle. Not only has exercise in general been proven to help reduce stress, but a recent study showed that those commuting to work by bicycle reported lower stress levels than those using cars and public transport.

Keep your ticker ticking by cycling! Getting on a bike is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness levels, plus decrease the risk of heart disease. In fact, one 2015 study showed that even pedaling around for just 5 to 10 minutes on a regular basis can help keep your heart healthy. That's us sold!

From stabilisers to seniors, one of the many benefits of cycling is that you can keep enjoying it for years. Even when certain activities like weightlifting or running may leave you feeling too stiff, cycling is a sport that you can enjoy for the rest of your life. Which is why it's a great family-friendly activity too – something for little ones and grandparents to enjoy!

Speaking of getting older, researchers at a Dutch university found that getting on your bike regularly could add six months to your life – plus make the years you do have much healthier!