There are countless benefits to riding your bike, and improved physical and mental health is one big bonus! Here are seven of our top biking health benefits:

1. Cardiovascular Health

People who exercise regularly are at significantly lower risk of cardiovascular diseases such as strokes, high blood pressure, and heart attack. 

Riding a bike strengthens your heart muscles, stimulates your lungs and circulation, reduces your resting heart rate, and decreases fat levels in the blood. In addition, those who travel by bike inhale less pollution than those who travel by car, which leads to further improved lung function and heart health. Now you can see why we ❤️ riding so much! 

2. Low Impact

Riding a bike is for everyone, whether you’re at full health, building up strength, or recovering from injury. Biking’s low-impact exercise is easy on joints and perfect for maintaining mobility. Riding a bike will improve your strength and balance and lead to a lower risk of falls and fractures.

3. Mental Health 

 Moderate levels of exercise are incredibly beneficial in reducing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Not only does riding a bike encourage the release of endorphins, but connecting to your environment and taking in fresh air is an excellent mindfulness activity. 

4. Max Your Mind

Studies have shown that riding a bike can help boost our brains, sharpen our memories and help us solve problems. 

People who ride regularly also manage to lower the age of their brains! When we push those pedals, our neurons start to fire, thereby promoting the formation of new brain cells. Arthur Kramer, Ph.D., a neuroscientist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign states "Our research finds that after only three months, people who exercised had the brain volume of those three years younger." How cool is that?

5. Sleep Better 

Outdoor exercise facilitates deeper, more restful sleep and reduces the time associated with falling asleep. But that’s not all - the physical benefits of riding a bike (reduced joint pain in particular) will contribute to a more comfortable sleep uninterrupted by physical pain or discomfort. 

6. Immune Booster

Folks who ride their bike regularly, experience an improved immune system, studies have found. A strong and healthy immune system means that we won’t get sick and we could live longer! Plus, the more people ride their bikes, the less likely they are to call in sick to work.

7. Boost Metabolism

Your basal metabolic rate - BMR - is the measure of the calories you burn during normal, daily activities such as eating and sleeping. When we ride our bikes regularly, our BMR can increase, which means more calorie burning throughout the day. This is because, through regular riding, your heart, lungs, and other areas of your body will have strengthened and will require more energy. As your body works to maintain these new, stronger parts of your body, your BMR begins to increase.

So there you have it, biking is brilliant for your body, from your helmet topped head to your pedal pushing toes! If you want any further information about a healthy fitness regime that works for you, make sure you consult a health and fitness professional. 

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