When you think of cycling, you probably picture strong thighs and a healthy heart. But did you know that your feet and ankles are also getting a great workout? As a low-impact activity, cycling offers some fantastic benefits, from fortifying foot muscles to improving their flexibility to keeping ankle joints fluid without the jarring stress of high-impact sports. In this post, we at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group will go over these biking foot benefits in detail.

Gentle on the Joints

One of the biggest advantages of cycling is that it is a non-weight-bearing exercise. When you’re running or jumping, your feet are absorbing weights that are multiple times your body weight. But with cycling, the bike does all the force absorption.

This not only reduces the stress on your ankle and foot joints, but it also gives you a great cardiovascular workout without the impacts that cause pain or inflammation. That’s why it’s perfect if you have conditions like arthritis or are recovering from an injury.

Improved Circulation and Reduced Swelling

Now, more on the heart. The act of pedaling is like a pump for your circulatory system. This consistent movement helps to push blood through the muscles in your legs and feet, which improves circulation and reduces fluid buildup.

If you tend to experience swelling in your feet and ankles after a long day of sitting or standing, a good bike ride is a great way to get the blood flowing and find some relief.

Stronger, More Stable Ankles

Up to this point, we’ve said that cycling is low-impact. But for your ankles, trust us, you’re getting a workout. Because your feet and ankles are constantly working to stabilize your position on the pedals, it strengthens the muscles that support your ankle joint.

A strong and stable ankle is less likely to sprain, and it can help you maintain better balance and agility when you’re not on the bike.

Maintaining Flexibility and Range of Motion

Pedaling also encourages a fluid and controlled movement in your ankles. If you’re ankle is stiff, or you have stiffness from Achilles injuries, or plantar fasciitis issues, this helps to maintain and improve your range of motion.

Why do you see your favorite athletes pedaling on the stationary bike on the sideline after they were injured in the game? They’re maintaining their ROM without placing any stress on their feet.

A Different Kind of Workout

While running strengthens your bones through impact, cycling strengthens muscles and improves circulation without it. It is a fantastic option if you need to stay active but need to protect your feet. We highly recommend that our geriatric patients, patients rehabbing an injury, or anyone else prone to injury, try out cycling.

If you’re worried about your foot pain, come see the expert team at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.