Riding your motorcycle is a convenient and fun way to get around town, but you might be surprised by some of the ways it helps you relax and get a workout. There are actually several unique advantages of riding a bike, which we have outlined below. If you’re still in the market for a new set of wheels, get in touch with us at RideNow Powersports Austin! We are your premier motorcycle dealer in Austin, TX, and we proudly serve all those in San Marcos.
Increased Brain Activity
There’s no way around the fact that your brain engages differently when you ride a motorcycle as opposed to driving a car. When you sit in the driver’s seat and get around town, it’s a fairly passive activity. It doesn’t take long for highway hypnosis to take over and you find that you’ve traveled for several minutes but can’t even recall that part of the journey. Other than using your hands to steer, your body remains still for the rest of the car ride. At most, your brain will become more engaged when a threat appears.
Fortunately, riding a motorcycle couldn’t be more different. Your brain is much more engaged since you’re facing constant obstacles on the road. Everyone around you on the road is bigger and potholes are more dangerous. You’ll regularly be scanning the area to check for any hazards. You can look at it as a workout for your brain!
Feel-Good Chemicals
It should come as no surprise that riding a motorcycle also releases various feel-good chemicals in your brain. Whenever you engage in an enjoyable activity, your brain releases adrenaline and endorphins. These chemicals provide you with positivity and energy, which are effects that can be felt long after your ride is complete.
Additionally, riding your motorcycle can also help keep negative emotions at bay, such as stress. It’s important to note that stress is much more than an unpleasant sensation. In fact, it can actually cause damage to every system inside your body, from the nervous system to the digestive system. Today, more and more scientific studies are finding that stress is a leading cause of many doctor and hospital visits. Luckily for you, all you need to do is hop onto your bike and you’ll feel the stress melt away.
Lastly, when you hit the road, you’re exposed to sunshine. This is an excellent way to get some vitamin D, which plays a key role in keeping up a good mood and reducing stress levels. When you head outdoors and go for a ride, you’ll be getting a nice dose of vitamin D. Of course, you’ll want to wear sunscreen so your skin is protected.
Full-Body Workout
Motorcycle riding is not for the weak. You’ll need to be in control of your bike, which requires a lot of stamina and strength. As you ride, you engage your core, back, neck, and shoulders to maintain a proper riding posture. You also engage your leg muscles as you steer. When you think about it, riding your motorcycle is like a full-body workout that’s much more enjoyable than hitting the gym and doing a bunch of reps. The best part is that while you engage in this form of low-impact exercise, you’ll be heading to an exciting destination on your bike, rather than sitting in a stationary vehicle.
Without a doubt, bikes are great fun to ride and you also get to enjoy some amazing health benefits. If you’re looking for motorcycles for sale in Austin, TX, give us a call or visit our dealership. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you find your dream bike. RideNow Powersports Austin welcomes all our friends coming from Round Rock and New Braunfels.
FAQs
In addition to a physical and mental workout, motorcycle rides boost your insulin sensitivity, which can help your metabolism so you can burn calories and fat. A motorcycle can give you that full-body workout you need to lose weight and stay in shape.
Is riding a motorcycle good for your health? ›
In addition to a physical and mental workout, motorcycle rides boost your insulin sensitivity, which can help your metabolism so you can burn calories and fat. A motorcycle can give you that full-body workout you need to lose weight and stay in shape.
What does riding a motorcycle do to your brain? ›
Brain Chemicals
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.
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).
Is riding a motorcycle good exercise? ›
You're not just passively sitting on your motorcycle the way you would relax on your couch at home. You trigger a series of muscles each time you ride. These include your lower back, hips, legs, shoulders, arms, and torso. If you're an off-road motorcyclist especially, the potential to burn calories is even greater.
Does riding a motorcycle burn belly fat? ›
Not only will your legs get stronger, but you can also strengthen your abdomen because of how much you'll rely on your core muscles to operate your bike. This can allow you to burn a lot of belly fat and even become more toned.
What is a positive effect of a motorcycle? ›
Improves your mood and reduces stress
This helps to clear your mind and relieve stress. A study published by Science Direct found that that: Riding a motorcycle decreased hormonal biomarkers of stress by 25%
What is the negative effect of motorcycle? ›
Risk of accident
Perhaps the biggest health risk is the high chance of getting in a road accident and the greater risk of such an accident causing injury/being fatal. Motorcyclists that are involved in a road accident have an 80% chance of getting injured.
Why do I feel good after riding motorcycle? ›
Increased Mindfulness
The feeling of riding a motorcycle out on the open road can provide a sense of calm and relaxation that is hard to find in other activities. The focus and concentration required for safe riding can also help clear your mind and provide a sense of mindfulness.
Why is riding a motorcycle so addictive? ›
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.
Exposure to heat and cold
Motorcyclists can be prone to heatstroke in hot weather – especially when wearing full safety gear. At the same time, riding in very cold weather or rain can come with an increased risk of hypothermia. Most motorcyclists don't experience these health problems.
Does riding a motorcycle give you muscles? ›
Motorcycle riding will definitely build some muscles, but not in obvious ways like working a body part in the gym. Riding is more of a total body workout, but it does work some particular muscles like the core, wrists, and arms.
What are the cons of riding a motorcycle? ›
Dangerous to drive
Even if you have complete protective gear and take all the necessary precautions, motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. Riders are difficult to see, and there are no airbags to protect them from impact. Accidents can be much more severe for motorcycle riders than for those in a car.
How many miles can you comfortably ride a motorcycle in 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.
Riding your motorcycle is a convenient and fun way to get around town, but you might be surprised by some of the ways it helps you relax and get a workout. There are actually several unique advantages of riding a bike, which we have outlined below. If you’re still in the market for a new set of wheels, get in touch with us at RideNow Powersports Austin! We are your premier motorcycle dealer in Austin, TX, and we proudly serve all those in San Marcos.