Mountain biking is an incredible way to get exercise, fresh air, and outdoor adventure. But it’s also much more than that. Mountain biking has many health benefits, both physical and mental.
Mountain biking isn’t just for adrenaline junkies anymore. It is a hugely popular sport and pastime enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities worldwide. If you’re on the fence about giving mountain biking a try, here are some reasons why you should do it! (Hint: number one is that it’s fantastic!)
Rest Those Joints
A person with a sedentary or inactive lifestyle is at a higher risk for developing obesity, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Mountain biking helps you get exercise without putting too much stress on your joints. Unlike running or jogging, mountain biking involves pedaling in circles rather than straight up and down, so it’s easier on your knees and other joints.
People who mountain bike also tend to have better balance and coordination than those who don’t. It is because mountain biking requires you to adjust your body position to navigate different terrain constantly.
The only thing you need is a good mountain bike. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should fit you properly. You can either buy a mountain bike or go for a test ride at a local bike shop. If you’re searching for the best selection of 29-inch mountain bikes, go to this website; and you’ll never want to return to your old bike.
Work Those Organs
Mountain biking is a great calorie burner. A 160-pound person can burn nearly 600 calories in an hour of mountain biking! And because the exercise is fun, you’re more likely to stick with it than if you were doing some other form of exercise that feels like a chore.
If you were given an option between burpees and mountain biking, which would you choose? Mountain biking, of course! We think so too.
Mountain biking is a fantastic technique to increase your heart health. When you ride it, your heart rate increases, and you start to sweat. The good news is that it implies your cardiovascular system is getting a workout.
Mountain biking can also help to improve your lung function. A study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that mountain biking can improve VO₂ max, which measures the amount of oxygen your body can consume during exercise.
Say Goodbye to Your Stress
Life can give us curveballs, but what can help us deal with stressors? Mountain biking!
Mountain biking helps relieve stress, especially when you’re out on the trails; all you can focus on is the path in front of you. You don’t have time to worry about work, bills, or relationships. For that reason, mountain biking can be a great form of mindfulness.
Pull out your headphones, put on your knee pads, and hit the trails for a good ride to clear your head.
Optimize Your Brain Power
Have you watched Inception? If you have, then you’re aware that the main character, Cobb, uses a spinning top to determine whether he’s in a dream or reality. When the top wobbles and eventually falls over, Cobb knows he’s back in reality.
We’re not suggesting that you use a spinning top to determine whether you’re in a dream or reality (although that would be pretty cool), but mountain biking can help to improve your cognitive function.
According to the research published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, mountain biking can improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain.
So, if you’re actively looking for a way to boost your brainpower, mountain biking is a great option!
A Good Night’s Sleep
There’s never enough stress placed on the importance of a good night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation can cause weight gain, decreased productivity, and a slew of other health issues.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential, but it can be hard to come by. Mountain biking may be the answer if you’re having trouble obtaining enough shut-eye.
Mountain biking can help you to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Riding difficult terrains exhausts you and enables you to relax your mind and body. Later, your breathing becomes more relaxed when you rest, improving your sleep quality.
Bathe in Vitamin D
Think of your daily dose of vitamin D as a health insurance policy. You need to have something, but you might not think about it until you don’t have it.
Vitamin D is important for good health, and most people obtain all of their daily intake from the sun. However, if you are in a location that does not receive enough sunshine or work indoors all day, you may be deficient in vitamin D.
Mountain biking is a great way to get your daily dose of sun. When you’re mountain biking, you expose your skin to the sun’s UV rays, which in turn aids your body in producing vitamin D. So, pack up and head to the trails for a healthy dose of vitamin D!
Takeaway
Try mountain biking instead if you’re bored with your regular gym exercise routine. It’s a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors, and it also comes with a host of health benefits. So, get out there and start pedaling.