7 Reasons Why You Should Ride a Bike as Often as Possible ...

1 It Burns Calories

One of the best reasons why you should ride a bike is that it has the potential to burn mega calories. Burning more calories than you take in is the single best way to shed weight. If you’re looking to drop a few pounds, consider getting yourself out there and pedaling your bike around the neighborhood. Take your kids for some quality time.

2 It Works Your Muscles

All that pedaling is a great way to work the muscles in your legs, hips and even your lower back. That’s good news because building lean muscle is a great way to boost your metabolism and burn more calories. And strong legs make many day-to-day activities, such as running up the stairs, much easier. Plus it’ll give you killer legs you can show off in shorts!

3 It’s Good for Your Heart

Provided you’re actually pedaling so your heart rate increases and not just coasting down the hills, biking is a great form of cardio. That means it can protect your heart by keeping it active and healthy. That translates to less of a risk of heart problems now and as you get older. So, keep your ticker happy by riding your bike whenever possible.

4 It Improves Balance and Coordination

Let’s face it – riding a bike takes a certain amount of grace. Once you get the hang of it, though, it’s easy. Getting on your bike and staying upright requires good balance. Anytime you balance, you activate your core muscles, which gives them a great workout. At the same time, you can improve your coordination by timing your pedaling and steering to get around obstacles and stuff in your way.

5 It’s Relaxing

True, you’ll work up a sweat, but riding a bike is how many people burn off steam and relax. As you ride, you’ll have the chance to clear your mind and focus on your surroundings. This can be incredibly calming. You might even figure out the solution to a problem that’s been nagging for some time. So, for the benefit of your mental health, you really can’t go wrong with a bike ride.

6 It Builds Stamina

If you’re new to biking, you might find that a short ride winds you. With time, however, you’re likely to notice that you can go for longer and longer rides without feeling winded at all. That’s because biking helps improve your stamina and endurance, which makes riding a bike much easier. At the same time, you’ll have the stamina for other physical pursuits, such as dancing, running, swimming or team sports.

7 It Protects Your Immune System

Regular exercise protects your immune system, helping cut back on the risk that you’ll get sick. And that includes anything from the common cold to cancer. Biking counts, so it’s an easy way to stay healthy your entire lifetime.

Do you like to ride a bike? I enjoy it as long as it’s not cold, but I plan to get out there and ride more often now. What about you? Don’t forget your helmet!