Mountain biking has been growing in popularity over the years and it is a very popular outdoor activity with both young and older people. As the world’s population is getting fatter due to the fast lifestyles that we lead, this is a time when you really need to start getting in touch with nature again and improving on our physical and mental well-being. There are many different outdoor activities that you can take part in but as you get older, you need to make choices that will reduce the chances of you getting an injury and you need to try to find something that is easier on your joints. Cycling is perfect for that and not only is it much easier on your body, it also allows you to explore the countryside and the forests that have been right beside your home but you have never taken the time to go see.
If you’re not sure where to start, then many popular stores have mountain bikes currently in stock and there are so many different models to choose from. There are bikes for kids, teenagers and adults and they come in many different colours, shapes and sizes. Modern bikes nowadays, are incredibly robust and so they will last you a very long time, as long as you perform the necessary maintenance. Modern biking is a lot of fun and it is a very exciting way to improve your level of fitness. The following are just some of the many benefits.
- Better heart health – Any doctor or fitness expert will tell you that in order to improve your cardiovascular fitness, you need to engage in regular exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. The great thing about riding a bicycle is that it is so much fun and you don’t even realise that you have cycled 20 miles or more in such a short period of time. When you go mountain biking, you are using the largest muscles which are in your legs and to do that, you use up a lot of oxygen. Taking in more oxygen gets your heart to work harder and this will increase your overall fitness.
- Less stress on your joints – When people decide to start an exercise routine, they immediately think about jogging but if you haven’t jogged in some time, then this is going to play havoc with your joints, especially the knees. It is better that you partake in an exercise that is easier on the joints and mountain biking is perfect for that. Cycling is known as a non-load bearing sport, which means that you were sitting for the vast majority of the time. Not only do you get much better but you are also doing the best exercise to build a better butt. Like every other activity, you need to make sure that your mountain biking is done safely and for free advice about that, have a look here.
If you want to decrease your chances of disease and to reduce your stress levels, which in turn will improve your mood, then mountain biking is the perfect exercise for you. It helps with your balance and coordination and provides you with a full body workout.