Cycling is a low-impact cardiovascular workout that people of all ages can enjoy. It offers a range of physical benefits, from strength building and muscle tone improvement to weight loss and reduced risk for coronary heart disease. The benefits, however, are not just exclusive to physical fitness; they extend to improved mental health, too. A growing body of research says that cycling sharpens cognitive skills, including improved memory skills, quicker thought process, and greater concentration.

1. The Cycle of Brain
Benefits: How Biking
Improves Mental
Health
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2. Cycling is a low-impact cardiovascular workout that people of all ages can enjoy. It offers
a range of physical benefits, from strength building and muscle tone improvement to
weight loss and reduced risk for coronary heart disease. The benefits, however, are not
just exclusive to physical fitness; they extend to improved mental health, too. A growing
body of research says that cycling sharpens cognitive skills, including improved memory
skills, quicker thought process, and greater concentration.
Gray (and White) Matters
The brain is composed of two types of tissues: gray matter, a major component of the
central nervous system that uses synapses, and the white matter, which serves as the
communication center that uses axons to connect the different components of gray
matter. More white matter in the brain means faster connections and improved brain
function. One particular research reveals that cycling contributes to increasing white
matter, which improves both the integrity and volume of the white matter.
Formation of New Nerve Cells
Neuroscientists also say that
pedaling activates more nerve cells,
which helps boost the production of
proteins like brain-derived neurotrophic
factor (BDNF) and a compound called
noggin. These chemicals stimulate the
creation of new brain cells, literally
building the brain and promoting better
performance.
The protein BDNF is crucial not just for improving cognitive skills like memory, but also
for regulating stress and mood. The release of these chemicals explain claims made in
other studies that cycling lowers the risk for depression.

3. Brain Growth in the Aging Process
Cycling also increases the volume of the hippocampus, a major brain structure
responsible for memory and learning. One particular study found that the hippocampus
grew by 2%, which resulted in a 15-20% increase in memory and problem-solving skills
level among participants who engaged in cycling exercises for 6 months.
The cyclists also reported greater ability to concentrate and improved attention
span after the study. More importantly, the research team found that the exercise
prevented brain function loss linked to normal aging, as manifested in the cyclists’ brains
being 2 years younger than non-cyclers.
Cycling promotes growth in the brain, which is vital for health. As cycling increases
the volume of the brain and improves mental skills, fitness enthusiasts are able to enjoy
sharper memory, problem solving skills, and concentration.
RESOURCES:
http://www.wildtrek.co
http://news.discovery.com/adventure/the-top-7-health-benefits-of-cycling.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25829377