What Mountain Biking Can Do To Your Health?

Queen’s song “Fat-Bottomed Girls” iconic last line, “get on your bikes and ride” is a great way to encourage mountain biking. Riding mountain bikes is more than just transportation but a great outdoor activity and sport. Over the years, many diseases have increased due to food and a sedentary lifestyle. Among these diseases are cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Physical exercise is being encouraged for everybody, and mountain biking is one of those activities where you can have an outdoor workout.

Mountain biking is fun and adventurous, especially in challenging terrains. But aside from being an enjoyable activity, it also helps make people holistically fit and healthy.

Among those health benefits we can get from mountain biking is:

• Improved cardiovascular condition.

Through mountain biking, the risk of developing diseases related to the cardiovascular system like coronary heart disease and the like is decreased. It also improves the blood and oxygen supply and allows the heart to function well.

• Lesser Risk of acquiring diseases.

Mountain biking fortifies immunity. Those who go on biking are healthier than those who don’t.

• Reduced Joint Pressure.

Running and other aerobic exercises often put pressure on the joint, but since mountain biking is low-impact and non-loadbearing, there is minimal stress and decreased probability of injury on joints.

• Better Mood and Less Stress

Mountain biking triggers the release of feel-good hormones, the so-called endorphins. Endorphins alleviate pain or stress and provide an overall feeling of wellness. The act of exercising also signals the brain to stimulate serotonin. Concentration while riding is a good exercise for the brain and gives a relaxing feeling. It diverts one’s attention from negativities. It also enhances expertise in biking as develops self-image.

• Enhanced Mental Capacity

Illinois University conducted a study and results show that the betterment of cardio and respiratory health from biking also resulted in an enhancement in the mental power by fifteen percent. The memory enhancement is due to the stimulation of oxygen and blood to the brain, which triggers the receptors.

• Body Sculpting.

Muscles in the whole part of the body are utilized when mountain biking. Mountain biking does not only strengthen muscles in the legs and buttocks; but sculps the body including the abdomen. It does not only strengthen the lower extremities, but also the upper extremities. Furthermore, you can do this any time of the day without having to pay for gym fees or hiring a personal gym trainer.

• Enhanced coordination and stability.

The challenges faced by a mountain biker including rough terrains, going uphill then downward, push the biker to adjust frequently. Through mountain biking, one’s coordination of the nervous system, muscular system, and senses are significantly enhanced and practices one’s stability which will be of great help during aging and decreases threats to safety.

• Improved Slumber.

This improved sleep is not just because of the tiredness from biking, but because of lesser cortisol (body’s natural built-in alarm system). It enhances sleep patterns. But remember, moderation is the key.

• Socialization.

Since it is an outdoor activity, it allows expanding your network. You meet fellow bikers and other outdoorsy people and build connections with them. Sometimes when you hit it off with fellow bikers, you eventually go biking together as a form of bonding which makes biking more enjoyable.

• Connect with Nature.

Biking in itself can help in stress management, but one thing that also makes one less stressed is the exposure to nature while doing this outdoor activity. The feels of nature make one relaxed and appreciative of the environment. If you want to know more about mountain biking, you can visit bikeoutnow.com.

Of course, you would need the right kind of bicycle to enjoy all of these things and live a healthy life.