We’ve all heard the concerned friend and relatives plea against the dangers of riding. But what good in life doesn’t have its risks? When we take every safety precaution, motorcycling can be enjoyed as much as any other sport – And that’s exactly what it is- a healthy, low-impact, aerobic sport activity that could help you achieve Mental and Physical Fitness.
When you are in the inevitable midst of a loved one’s fear for your safety, try to share the positive aspects of riding, like the medical and physical health benefits it brings you.
1. MENTAL FITNESS
Concentration:
Navigating a motorcycle requires a lot of physical and mental work, which activates the prefrontal areas of the brain. In lay terms, this means riding keeps your brain functioning at its current prime and helps establish higher levels of concentration.
Cognitive skills:
The University of Tokyo, Kawishima did a study, titled “The relationship between motorcycle riding and the human mind,”. This study tested motorcyclists between the age of 40 and 50. They evaluated two groups, regular use motorcyclists and a non-rider control group. Each individual was examined for brain function and cognitive skills. After two months on a motorcycle, research results were able to conclude riders who rode their motorcycles to their work place daily had increased cognitive functioning when compared to those who did not. The same set of people were then asked to arrange a set of numbers in reverse order, consistent motorcycle riders’ scores had increased more than 50 percent. In contrast, the non rider group’s scores slightly decreased. It was also found that these improvements would be lost if regular use of a motorcycle ceases.
Reducing stress:
In addition to keep your mind on its best game, riding has been proven to have a positive impact on mental health, helping mood and reducing stress. The study’s rider participants noted that after 60 days of consistent motorcycle use, they had reduced stress levels and were generally happier. There’s an endorphin release every time you accelerate on your bike. Not only do endorphins feel great, they help improve your mood as well. Indirectly, riders gain more exposure to direct sunlight, which increases Vitamin D and helps the overall mood. There’s a significant amount of money saved from spending on fuel for a motorcycle as opposed to a car, SUV or truck. This saving of money can also help bring down personal stress levels. As substantial as they are, the benefits of motorcycle riding are not solely mental. They’re significantly physical as well.
2. PHYSICAL FITNESS
Burn Calories:
Did you know that you could cover your entire daily full body exercise through riding? It is like a calorie burner very similar to brisk walking, motorcyclists generally burn around 200 to 300 calories every riding hour. Want to burn more calories? Ride against the wind! Along with burning calories, you’re also doing a full body workout. The muscle use and energy required to manoeuver a motorcycle helps make your abdominal muscles stronger. Who doesn’t want to be able to say they maintain their six-pack motorcycling? As motorcycles weigh at least a few hundred pounds, riders have to use their bodies to help safely balance and steer. This demands the use of almost every muscle in the body, which, over time, improves muscle tone!
Diabetes- potential cure:
Riding has also been proven to make a positive difference for individuals suffering from Type 2 diabetes or weak knees. The passive exercise one does from riding impacts body chemistry and decreasing insulin use. This decreased insulin use facilitates your body to store less fat, which can help you achieve your weight loss goals. Similar to any other form of exercise, no one is claiming riding is a cure for diabetes. Nonetheless, it can help! As a result of the continuous use of thigh muscles while riding, riders end up with stronger knees and become less susceptible to knee injuries. So, next time you get bored of your daily run or solving tedious puzzles to keep your mind running strong or if just don’t have time for any extra personal maintenance in your day, change things up! Try achieving that mental and physical fitness which you always yearned for by doing something you already love- like motorcycling.
This article is referred from motorcycle riding centers
By Atikulla Merchant
Great info. Luckoy me I discovered your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved as a favorite for later!