FROM RECREATION TO ELITE SPORT: CYCLING AS A LIFESTYLE AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS

Dejan Dašić; Borivoje Baltazarević; Milan Stanković

doi:10.58984/smb2502091d

Authors

Dejan Dašić Information Technology School + Faculty of Sport, University Union “Nikola Tesla”, Belgrade, Serbia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8245-1117
Borivoje Baltazarević Research Fellow, Institute for Serbian Culture, Priština – Leposavić, Serbia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6798-6981
Milan Stanković MB Univesity, Belgrade, Serbia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58984/smb2502091d

Keywords:

cycling, lifestyle, health, well-being, social connectedness

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine cycling as a lifestyle, from leisure to competitive levels, with a focus on the effects it has on people's physical and mental health as well as their social connections within communities. The objective is to investigate the health advantages of regular cycling, such as the prevention of chronic illnesses, the increase of cardiorespiratory endurance, and the strengthening of the musculoskeletal system, by means of a review of pertinent research and the literature currently in publication. Both psychological effects—like stress reduction, improved subjective well-being, and boosted self-confidence—and social aspects— like how cycling contributes to the development of sports culture, community, and social capital—are given special consideration. Examples of cycling competitions, such as the Tour de France, are also analyzed as global sporting events that influence the popularization of cycling and its integration into different spheres of social life. The paper seeks to demonstrate how cycling, in all its forms, represents a powerful instrument for promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

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