As the weather improves, outdoor cycling becomes a popular exercise activity. While you're planning to hit the trails, you might wonder about the exercise benefits of cycling.
Cycling can be an aerobic exercise.
To receive cardiovascular benefits, you must maintain a consistent effort, keeping your heart rate at a training level for 30-60 minutes. This is the same as for any aerobic exercise. The difficulty with outdoor cycling is that varying terrain, traffic, stoplights and pedaling style can affect the consistency of your effort. You don't get much exercise benefit coasting downhill or waiting to cross a busy street. Many people prefer to ride at a more leisurely pace, enjoying the scenery and the company of other riders.