10 Health Benefits of Mountain Biking

For a couple of years, Mountain biking is listed among the most popular outdoor recreational activities. Research shows that about 40 million people buy mountain bikes annually in the United States of America.

Many people are disturbed with some health complications and multiple diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart problems.

One of the reasons for these diseases is limited engagement into physical exercise. If walking or Mountain hiking don’t appeal, Mountain biking is a perfect alternative for those who wish to improve their body fitness.

Listed below are some of the hidden benefits that tempt thousands of adventurers into Mountain biking.

Improves Heart Health

For those who fancy improvement of their cardiovascular fitness, mountain biking is for you.

A research made by the British Medical Association on 10000 people showed that riding a bicycle for at least 20 miles a week lessens the risk of coronary heart disease by 50%.

The action of cycling uses large muscle groups that require a lot of oxygen. This makes the heart work steadily and increase its fitness.

Whole Body Workout

If you need to do some physicals, no need for you to get a gym membership, biking is a perfect option. One of the things that bikers don’t know is that biking always uses the muscles of your whole body.

Therefore you should know this and it’s very true. It builds strong thighs, legs, tight butt and calves. Moreover, the balance required to stay upright strengthens your core and abdominal muscles.

Sleep Better

After a ride, it is no doubt you will feel tired and this leads to regenerative sleep when you need it at night. Since biking is an outdoor activity, there is no way you can limit yourself from daylight.

Daylight helps to maintain the body’s natural circadian sleep. Riding also decreases cortisol, a hormone that usually keeps us awake.

Distance yourself from vigorous rides too late in the day because this results into the opposite. The action has the effect of releasing stimulating endorphins that keep us awake.

Social Benefits

Healthy relationships and social interactions are key to being happy in life, biking is one of the major contributors to this since it is a social activity.

It is common with clubs and groups who get out to ride together and this is a quintessential opportunity to make new friends and build personal bonds with people who enjoy the activity.

Enjoy Nature

Besides getting intimate with the thorny bushes on the trail, mountain biking rewards multiple chances to get off the beaten path where you enjoy the majesty of nature.

Multiple types of research conducted show that being out of nature improves relaxation and reduces stress. Biking through lush vegetation with cool atmospheres and endless scenic views is one of the best experiences that satisfy those who are addicted to the pursuit.

Less Stress on the Joints

Since Mountain biking is a low impact sport don’t expect it to put more stress on your joints like other aerobic activities.

It is also a non-load bearing sport, therefore there is no risk of joint injuring and the act of sitting usually takes the pressure off your joints.

Decreased Risk of Diseases

Regular exercising usually boosts your immune system and keeps your body parts more healthy.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that people who cycle for 30 minutes every day don’t easily get sick. More researches show that women who exercise regularly don’t get cases of breast cancer.

Reduced Stress and Improves Mood

Biking often stimulates your body to release natural endorphins which enables your body to feel good and get more energy.

It also boosts serotonin (this is an important neurotransmitter in the brain, it helps to prevent anxiety and depression). Besides that, gaining more biking skills helps to build self-esteem and confidence.

Increased Brain Power

Research made at Illinois University showed that a 5% improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness from cycling led to an improvement of 15% on mental tests.

This is after building the brain cells in the hippocampus, the region responsible for memory. Cycling boosts blood flow and oxygen to the brain and this regenerates receptors.

Improved balance and coordination

Biking is a dynamic activity which requires any rider to constantly adjust to the varying pitch, terrain and elevation.

Therefore you have to be steady all the time, this not only keeps you safe but also reinforces muscle memory.

To balance and coordination, you need combined resources of the senses, brain, nervous system and muscles. This maintains your systems active which staves off disability and reduces the risk of injury as we get older.