Mountain biking is a pleasure that is enjoyed by the true outdoor enthusiast, a person who appreciates the adventure and the thrill of wind rushing past their face, and sweat trickling down their forehead. Traditionally biking was a mildly tame sport until it got combined with vast terrain, unpredictable conditions, and bone-jarring twist and turns. Honda Freestyle athlete and Iron Horse downhill rider Ty Leary, explains the sensation of mountain biking as a feeling of being, “Free and alive… a test of self-limits and comfort.” But aside from being exhilarating, there are several other reasons to find yourself on a bike this summer!
Health Benefits
There are many health benefits associated with the beloved sport of biking. In a recent study developed by the Mayo Clinic, it was found that incorporating bicycling and other aerobic workouts into your exercise routine can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cancers, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. In another study, the British Medical Association discovered that biking just 20 miles a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50%. Along with strengthening your heart, other benefits of biking are that it improves the body’s coordination, stamina, muscle tone, and reduces stress. The healthy-living organization Care2 reports that even moderate or light bicycling stimulates the brain to produce endorphins, which boost your overall mood and serves to relax the body and mind.
Weight Management
It’s no surprise that your body eats up calories and sheds the pound while cycling. Although the amount of calories burned depends on your size, the time, and intensity of your ride. An average 150-lb person biking for one hour burns about 270 calories on a steady ride. Mountain biking burns 576 calories and at a fast pace your ride will diminish about 720 calories. Biking helps boost your metabolic rate, which causes your body to burn calories long after your ride is complete. It also improves cardio-vascular fitness and strengthens the leg muscles improving muscle tone in your legs, thighs, rear, and hips. AdultBicycling states that, “If you cycle for 30 minutes every day you would burn 11 pounds of fat in one year!”
Go Green
>With today’s rising concerns about the environment why not boost your health while reducing car emissions by biking to work, the store, or wherever you are going. Swapping 4 wheels for 2 not only helps reduce pollution, you also won’t feel the sting of rising gas prices. Whether cycling in a city, the countryside or off road trails you’ll tune into your surrounding in a way you simply don’t in a car. Hop on your bike to go to the store or just go explore and ride with peace of mind that you’re not harming mother earth.
Scenic Beauty
Disconnect from all of your electronic devices and get in tune with nature. Adventuring to the outdoors for some cardio exercise release “feel-good” endorphins, reduces stress and depression while improving well-being. Clear your head with deep cleansing breathes and focus on the beauty of your surroundings. Recreational bicycling can have a therapeutic effect on body and mind and spirit. Whether taking a relaxing or heart pounding ride you can become immersed in the true beauty of nature. Some of the most scenic trials in America to bike are found in Colorado, Montana, Utah, West Virginia, and North Carolina. What a great excuse to take a vacation and explore a new area while getting some exercise and getting back to nature.
Buddy Up
Buddy up this summer, grab your best friend, your kids, a romantic interest, or a family member and hit the outdoors on two wheels. Having a workout buddy is a motivator, a great bonding experience and it’s also a great idea in case you ever are injured on a ride. Finding a local riding team or biking club is really simple since most gyms throughout the U.S. offer biking clubs or riding associations. It’s also an opportunity to meet some new acquaintances and lifelong friends.
Gear Up and Avoid Injury:
A couple things to keep in mind before you hit the road or rugged terrain –wrist injuries are common occurrences among cyclist especially mountain bikers. The advantage to biking is that it does not strain your lower body, however your body’s main shock absorption takes place throughout your arms, wrists, and hands so it’s very important to protect these vulnerable joints. The therapeutic design of WAGs cycling wrist support wedged gel pad helps to prevent jarring of the wrist joint. Essential riding gear should also include a helmet! And don’t forget its’ important to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your ride. Now that we have covered five amazing benefits and safety precautions, what’s stopping you?—Get out and ride!
Sources
http://www.livestrong.com/article/103485-biking-good-cardio-exercise/#ixzz1PYK6b84J http://www.adultbicycling.com/component/content/article/9-bicycling-basics/37-health-benefits-of-cycling-ii.html http://www.menshealth.com/adventureguide/1/mountain_biking.php http://www.mercedrides.com/bike/benefits.htm
