Nothing can compare to the feeling of sunshine and fresh air on your face and in your hair. Outdoor exercise is one of the most enjoyable ways to improve muscle strength, gain cardiovascular benefits galore and even get a mood boost. Looking for a great summer exercise that’s fun to share with the whole family? Consider bike riding! If you haven’t been on a bike in a while, you might be surprised at the sheer joy it can bring.
Plus, bike riding is:
Easy on the Joints
One of the greatest things about riding a bicycle is that it is a low impact activity. Per Health, biking is, “non-weight bearing and low impact, so you can work up a sweat without stressing your joints.” That’s great news for those with sore knees, hips and ankles. So, bring the grandparents too! In 2016, bicycling.com stated that, ”a recent study found that elderly patients with knee pain and osteoarthritis actually improved their condition when cycling was introduced to their routines.”
Heading to a local beach or pool and hoping to avoid the hassle of parking? Hop on a bike! You’ll be warmed up and ready to swim by the time you arrive and you can take in some beautiful scenery along your route! And you are helping the environment by saving energy. Win-win!
A way to feel the burn
If you are looking to lose weight or keep fit, cycling is a wonderful choice. In fact, according to Cycling Weekly, “Cycling burns calories: between 400 and 1000 an hour, depending on intensity and rider weight.”
What does 400 – 1000 calories look like? Per The Daily Meal, it could be a McDonald’s Premium Crispy Club Sandwich paired with a medium fries or an original Chicken Sandwich at Chick Fil-A with a small chocolate milkshake! But we know that you’ll make a healthy choice and head over to one of the local farmer’s markets instead…Right?
The point is, that’s a lot of calories, which means you can stay healthy while still having lots of fun!
All about discovery
Oftentimes finding new bike paths is the best part. You can take your family all over New Hampshire finding new and interesting spots to explore. If you would like to start locally, you need look no further than the 3.6 mile Derry Rail Trail!
Trail Link provides a great description of the ride. “This exquisitely maintained trail slices through forested areas and wetlands for a wonderful experience in southern New Hampshire. The trail will eventually be part of the Granite State Rail Trail, which is realizing the grand vision of creating a 125-mile trail from the Massachusetts to Vermont border. The Derry Rail Trail already makes a seamless connection with the 4.3-mile Windham Rail Trail at its southern endpoint and will eventually connect in the north with the Londonderry Rail Trail, which stretches 3.3 miles to Manchester. You can also access the 18.3-mile Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Fremont Branch).”
You can find more details here.
Wicked Smart
Want to boost your own brain power and get the kids ready to go back to school at the same time? Ride bikes!
Bike Radar reported, “Researchers from the University of Illinois found that a five percent improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness from cycling led to an improvement of up to 15 percent in mental tests. That’s because cycling helps build new brain cells in the hippocampus — the region responsible for memory, which deteriorates from the age of 30.”
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So grab your helmets and have a blast racking up all the benefits that biking has to offer!
As with any new exercise, we recommend that you consult with your primary care provider. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen yours or you are searching for a new one, please click below!
