Bicycling / walking are lifelong activities that do not involve a steep learning curve and are relatively inexpensive to maintain.

Both walking and bicycling can produce a number of positive health benefits including:

Improved cardiovascular fitness

> Physical activity strengthens the heart, which improves blood circulation and reduces blood fat levels and resting pulse.

> Riding as little as 30 minutes every other day meets the American Heart Association’s recommendations for a healthy heart.

> Exercise such as brisk walking for 3 hours a week — or just half an hour a day — is associated with a 30% to 40% lower risk of heart disease in women (Based on the 20-year Nurses’ Health Study of 72,000 female nurses)

Increased joint movement and less pounding

> Cycling reduces the risk of arthritis (or inflammation of the joints) caused by worn out cartilage.

> Cycling is gentler on joints and can actually strengthen them because the cycling motion provides nourishment that builds up cartilage.

Stronger immune system

> Moderate exercise causes a boost in the immune system by increasing the production of cells that attack bacteria.

Weight loss and fitness

> Exercise, like cycling and walking, burns calories, raises the metabolic rate, and builds muscle tone, so you burn more calories while at rest.

Stress Reduction

> Exercise in general has been shown to decrease anxiety and stress levels, and bicycling and walking can be fun ways to exercise.

> Keeping yourself out of traffic jams will also help in reducing stress.

Source:AARP