Learning to ride a bike is something that most children do, it is almost a rite of passage for some and is great fun for all. Biking is good for you in so many different ways that it is almost impossible to list them all without going on forever, be that through your mental or physical health. In this article, there will be five reasons why you should start biking.
It Can Save You Money
How much on average do you reckon we all spend on our daily commutes? It doesn’t matter whether you are driving or whether you are using public transport, the cost of getting to and from work and other locations can definitely build up especially with the rising fuel costs. So, one way to save money on transport is to start cycling as a means to get around, which will also help you to avoid the majority of traffic jams and other delays. Another way that this method of transport can help you to save money is that you probably won’t need to pay for a gym membership as well because you will be getting your daily exercise during your travels instead.
The Benefits to Your Mental Health
When we think about the reasons that we should start a certain form of exercise, we generally begin to think in terms of the impact it will have on our physical health, but biking can have a massive impact on our mental health as well. By biking, you will be helping the body to release more of a chemical called serotonin into your bloodstream. This chemical is what is responsible for making you feel happy and less anxious. Biking can also help to lower your stress levels by allowing you to focus on something else while getting your blood pumping.
The Benefits to Your Physical Health
Obviously, as with any form of exercising, biking can help your physical health immensely. Cycling is considered a low-impact sport, so even if you are just recovering from an operation or illness which has meant that you haven’t been able to follow a more rigorous schedule, biking should be able to help you build the muscle and stamina back up. Biking has also been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and strengthen your lungs. If you are looking for an activity that is simple but will still have the same long-term benefits then biking is the sport for you.
But if you are one of those fitness fanatics who wants to engage in intense workout routines then why not do both exercising and biking at the same time. You can choose to exercise one day with your spinning bike at your home gym and the next day you can move to your favorite bike. As long as you put effort into your health, you’ll see the results very soon.
Socialising and Exploring
How many of us find it difficult to balance a social life, work, and relaxation? Biking is a way that you can combine your social life and relaxation time into one, as it is an activity that is easy to do with others. Whether you are looking for an activity to do as a family or something as a group of friends, biking is something that everyone can do. A fun day out could be a group of you following a cycle path, perhaps stopping for a picnic lunch or to eat at a local pub before continuing. The more picturesque, the better. Also, by cycling around your neighborhood you will be able to explore the area where you are living in a way that you wouldn’t be able to do with a car.
Motorized Biking
If the physical side of cycling is something that you are unable to do, or you are worried that you won’t be able to keep up with others, there is no need to worry. You will receive the same benefits, especially the reduced stress levels and mental health benefits by choosing a motorized bike instead of a traditional one. It doesn’t matter if you are choosing this new method, or the old one, you will be feeling better in no time once you begin biking.
Final Words
Biking is one of the easiest activities that you can pick up. It has so many benefits and is something that is suitable for all ages and abilities. Whether you are using a traditional bike or not, by cycling you will be able to save money, improve both your mental and physical health and explore your area more.
Article by Oscar Whinprey
Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash
