Pedal Faster, Live Longer

Aerobic exercise offers a wide range of benefits for your heart health. But if you want to maximize the good your bike can do for your body, pedal as fast as you can. Research in Denmark shows that intense bike riding is better for you than a leisurely excursion.

The study in Denmark showed that men who biked with the greatest intensity lived, on average, 5.3 years longer than men who merely ambled along. They also suffered less heart disease.

According to researcher Peter Schnor, “ [Our] study suggests that a greater part of the daily physical activity in leisure time should be vigorous, based on the individuals own perception of intensity.”

Schnor’s other research has shown similar benefits for vigorous walking.