Are you looking for an activity to enjoy with the whole family? Do you crave an adrenaline rush? Does helping the planet excite you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then maybe starting to ride a bike is for you! If you have not tried riding a bike recently, you are missing out! With bike technology pedaling towards being stronger, lighter, and more user-friendly, you can forget some of the bad experiences you had in the past. And if that’s not enough and with May being National Bike Month, we thought it would be good to give you four more benefits to riding your bike.
Good Exercise
One of the benefits of riding your bike is that it is an excellent form of exercise. According to a Harvard study, a person who weighs around 155 pounds will burn almost 300 calories in about 30 minutes if they average approximately 12 to 13 miles per hour, a speed that most people can easily achieve and maintain with light training. Cycling is also a low impact compared to other forms of exercise. Plus, you have the added psychological benefit of covering a significant amount of distance while biking. Still not convinced? Here are plenty more reasons why cycling is an ideal form of exercise.
- Works out all the core muscle groups.
- Improves heart health
- Great way to increase endurance and stamina
- Studies have shown that cycling increases balance
- Can improve overall mental health
Family Bonding
Another benefit of riding your bike is that it is an ideal way to bond as a family. What better way to spend an afternoon than a bike ride to the park or nature trails? Or, a leisurely ride through the neighborhood can bring the whole family together. Even the process of starting to ride a bike is a great activity to bond over. Teaching a kid how to ride a bike helps them learn the importance of perseverance and how to receive and interpret instructions. Not only will they feel accomplished when they can ride their bike without assistance, but they can also now join you in exploring the neighborhood, park, or trail. If you aren’t sure what bike is suitable for your needs, read our blog post on how to choose your first bike!
For Beginners and Adrenaline Junkies
Bikes are not just for a leisurely ride through a park. You can also get your adrenaline fix with a mountain bike. Imagine riding down steep trails filled with ramps, hills, jumps, and more! You’ll be able to feel the wind rush past your face as your ride down the mountain. If the mountain isn’t your scene, then maybe a bike or skate park is. Many urban areas have specialty parks designed for bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters. These parks have ramps, halfpipes, rails, and other obstacles. With a BMX bike, you learn how to do tricks like jumps or 360s with a little practice.
Zero-Emission Commute
If you are looking for a green way to commute to work or school, a bike is a perfect vehicle. Powered by human energy, you won’t have to worry too much about your carbon footprint. Together with lower maintenance costs compared to a vehicle, you’ll have a reliable ride to and from work. Consider a road bike for your daily commute. Road bikes, as well as commuter bikes, are sleek and fast, designed to get you from point A to B as quickly as possible. Newer frame materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber have only made these bikes strong but also extremely light.
These are just a few of the many reasons why you should get a bike. If any of this interests you, or if you are looking to upgrade your current ride, come see us at Sun & Ski Sports for all of your biking needs.