Your motorcycle is more than just the promise of freedom and a chance to chase down a horizon. It’s a way of life, and it turns out it makes life better at the same time. These rides are actually good for you in a number of ways!
We here at St. Charles Harley-Davidson want you to know exactly what your motorcycle is doing for you, so we’ve collected a few of the biggest health benefits riding has. If you want to know more about what riding does for you, or you’re just looking for your next “exercise” bike, contact our store in St. Charles, Missouri. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will work with you to find what you need at the prices you want.
Brain Benefits
Some of the less obvious health benefits associated with motorcycle riding have more to do with your brain than your body. While cars might be more convenient, they don’t activate the parts of your brain you need for bike riding.
Activity
When you’re driving a car or truck, all you’re really doing is twitching your foot and moving your hands. Sure, you need to pay attention to your surroundings, but with the safety features and comfort of your average car, the brain tends to fall into familiar patterns and lets you tune out. Especially on routes you’re familiar with, it doesn’t take much for your thoughts to wander off, then suddenly you don’t remember the last twenty minutes. Your body is still, you’re comfy, and your brain just doesn’t feel needed.
On your motorcycle, things are a little different. Part of this is that, on a motorcycle, you’re facing more numerous and consistent threats on the road than you would in a larger vehicle. This forces your brain to constantly be engaged, which is also helped by the fact that you’re steering with your whole body, not just your hands. Your brain is coordinating much more just to stay upright, moving, and away from obstacles that might not even register to a car driver.
Chemicals
You’ve probably realized this by now, but riding your bike just feels good. It’s thrilling, it’s fun, and it tends to release a whole lot of feel-good chemicals in your brain. The adrenaline and endorphins make you feel better and keep your focus sharp, granting boosts of energy and positivity that can last for quite a while after you’ve parked.
Riding also reduces the number of stress-related chemicals in your system, which, obviously, makes you less stressed out. Stress is more than unpleasant—it’s actively harmful, potentially damaging every system in your body from your digestive system to your nerves. More and more scientific studies point to stress as a key factor in most doctor and hospital visits. Lucky for you, you’ve got your prescription parked out front and can take it as needed.
And of course, catching plenty of sun while you’re on the open road is always a bonus. Unlike the metal roof on most cars, your motorcycle leaves you open to sunshine, which provides plenty of Vitamin D via any exposed skin. Vitamin D plays a big role in improving your mood and reducing stress further. Just make sure to apply sunscreen before you ride. It won’t prevent you from getting the benefits from the sun, but it will help block out damaging UV light.
Full-Body Workout
Obviously, your bike does more than just make you smile. Riding a motorcycle is a full-body workout, forcing you to exercise your core, neck, back, and shoulders just to maintain the proper riding posture. Leg and arm muscles are engaged every time you steer or course-correct. With each ride, you’re building up strength and stamina in the same muscles you use for just about every other physical activity. Your bike grants you the benefits of a gym membership with the added bonus of exploration and excitement.
Now, if you don’t yet have the benefit of one of these mobile workout machines, you’re just going to have to contact us at St. Charles Harley-Davidson. We’ve got you covered, whether you want information or riding advice or just a new motorcycle. We proudly serve the people of St. Louis and St. Peters, Missouri—let us serve you today!
FAQs
Improves your cardiovascular health
Riding a motorcycle increases your heart rate and blood circulation, which in turn can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It takes strength and is comparable to a light workout because it burns calories and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Does riding a motorcycle count as exercise? ›
Motorcycle riding counts as a form of exercise.
So while riding does burn calories, don't rush off to cancel your gym membership just yet.
Does riding a motorcycle release endorphins? ›
As most bikers would know, riding your motorcycle releases plenty of feel-good chemicals into your brain. When you do something you enjoy, your brain releases endorphins and adrenaline. These chemicals then energize you and bring positivity that you can feel even long after you're done with your ride.
Why riding a motorcycle is good for your mental health? ›
Moreover, the physical activity involved in riding a motorcycle releases endorphins and reduces stress, promoting a sense of well-being. Additionally, the focus required to navigate the road and make split-second decisions enhances mindfulness and improves concentration.
Does riding a motorcycle burn belly fat? ›
Riding a motorbike requires you to utilize your muscles to support your body weight, motorcycle, and cargo whenever you are seated, controlling, or turning. You may need to engage all of your muscles to maintain control, thus burning extra calories and strengthening the muscles in your neck, abdomen, legs, hands, etc.
Is riding a motorcycle good for your heart? ›
It is a heart-healthy activity. Riding a motorcycle is good for your health because you are outside as well. Depending on your gear, you may not get all the vitamin D benefits from the sun. However, many motorcycle rides include outdoor activities, so you may end up boosting this vitamin intake.
Does riding a motorcycle increase testosterone? ›
A study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior found that men who engaged in risk-taking behavior, such as motorcycle riding, had higher levels of testosterone compared to men who did not engage in such behavior (Nave et al., 2011).
Does riding a motorcycle change you? ›
It provides physical benefits like improved muscle tone and circulation and promotes improved brain health by stimulating both body and brain. Motorcyclists have reported feeling higher levels of alertness after riding their bikes and an increased overall mood.
How many miles should I ride my motorcycle a day? ›
On a comfortable motorcycle with a large gas tank, a determined enough rider can ride up to 1,000 miles in a 24-hour span—this is commonly referred to as an Iron Butt. However, it's more realistic for the average rider to travel between 200 and 400 miles in a day.
Why do I feel good after riding motorcycle? ›
There's no denying the adrenaline rush that comes from a motorcycle ride. This thrill, this exhilaration, stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This biochemical reaction partially explains the sheer joy many riders experience.
Riding motorcycles promotes the generation and release of endorphins while reducing the activity of cortisol, a stress hormone linked with feelings of tension and anxiety. Therefore, with regular motorcycle use you may find yourself in a happier state of mind with an overall better quality of life.
Why are motorcycles so tiring? ›
It's difficult to take on fluids while you are riding so riders often find themselves dehydrated which causes loss of concentration. Motorbikes can be noisier (up to twice the permitted sound volume as a car - 100dB [or decibels] vs 90dB) and noise creates fatigue.
Are people who ride motorcycles happier? ›
Riding a motorcycle can give you an adrenaline rush and make you feel happier, due to a release of dopamine. This hormone controls mental, emotional, and motor responses. The endorphins being released into your body while you ride, make you associate riding with happiness and freedom.
What does riding a motorcycle do to your body? ›
A motorcycle does so much more than get you from point A to point B. It can enhance brain power, boost happiness, improve core strength, strengthen legs, build muscle, and burn calories. If you already have a bike, take full advantage of it.
Why is riding a motorcycle so enjoyable? ›
Motorcycling is often seen as an escape from the stresses of everyday life. The feeling of the wind in your hair, the sense of freedom, and the thrill of the ride can be incredibly exhilarating.
Is riding a motorcycle hard on your body? ›
Yes, riding a motorcycle can be hard on your body due to the physical and mental demands of riding, as well as the potential for long-term effects such as back pain, hand and wrist pain, leg pain, hearing damage, fatigue, and stress.
What are the positive effects of motorcycles? ›
It Reduces Stress Levels
Scientific studies have also proved this theory. Riding motorcycles has a positive impact on the mental and emotional state of the rider. Riding also decreases the stress level. You will feel positive and happy once you take your bike for a ride.
Does riding a motorcycle affect life insurance? ›
Yes, it's completely possible to secure life insurance as a motorcycle rider. While life insurance is assessed on the level of risk you pose to insurers, it's unlikely you'll be declined due to motorcycling alone. Other aspects of your life will also be taken into consideration at the point of application.
Are bikers healthy? ›
Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Your motorcycle is more than just the promise of freedom and a chance to chase down a horizon. It’s a way of life, and it turns out it makes life better at the same time. These rides are actually good for you in a number of ways!