Learn About The Benefits Of Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is considered a risky sport, so you must take the necessary precautions and use protective equipment when doing this activity. With these cares, there are many benefits that you can take advantage of.
If you are passionate about extreme sports and exercising in natural spaces, practicing mountain biking can be an excellent call to fill your life with adventure. Exploring the mountain on two wheels is not only an activity that will put adrenaline in your life: it will also be a great ally for physical, mental and emotional health.
If at any time the idea of starting this practice has crossed your mind, you should keep a few issues in mind. Here are the reasons why mountain biking is a great option for your body and mind.
What is mountain biking?
If you thought that to practice mountain biking, you just have to take the bike you use in the city and head to the mountains, you should consider that it goes much further than this. Mountain biking, also known as MTB for its acronym in English – mountain bike -, is considered a risk sport.
It is a competition that takes place on natural circuits, almost always through forests or narrow paths, with steep slopes and very fast descents. There are different specialties of this sport:
- Cross Country or Rally (XC) : it is the best known variant and consists of the competition for ascending and descending terrain.
- Downhill: is a term related to downhill routes.
- Uphill: unlike the previous one, it is about promotion races. The winner is the one who manages to travel the greatest distance in the shortest time possible.
- Cross Country Olympics : it is a competition that follows Olympic rules.
- XCR: this is a competition in which relays are given at the end of the race.
- XCE: consists of a modality in which the last one to reach the goal is eliminated.
Over time, more and more variants of this extreme sport have emerged. Among the endless modalities that exist, each one has its rules and its charm.
Mountain biking benefits
Beyond the benefits that we will list below, you should know that mountain biking is not a discipline suitable for everyone. As explained in a publication of the Spanish Society of Sports Medicine, this activity is not recommended for those who suffer from any of these conditions:
- Heart or respiratory or kidney failure.
- Chronic rheumatisms.
- Hemophilia.
- Insulin-dependent diabetes.
- Locomotor system disorders that affect balance.
As well as those listed there are other contraindications to consider. However, there are also many benefits and positive consequences for health. Here we present the most important ones.
It helps control weight
This extreme sport will allow you to maintain a good figure. If your goal is to lose a few kilos and tone your body, mountain biking is a good plan to achieve it. Its constant practice will help you burn fat, tone the muscles and, as a publication of the Heart Foundation indicates, it will be useful to control body weight.
Long-distance workouts make the body contribute much more oxygenated blood to the muscles that work during physical practice. In addition, spending more energy will cause the body to burn more fat, as explained in a study published by the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism .
It connects you more with nature
Connecting with nature can sometimes be the best therapy. Unlike urban cycling, mountain biking will help you enjoy forests, jungles and other natural spaces more intimately.
In addition, a walk in the mountains also means a break from the scenarios that you face on a day-to-day basis. A respite from the routine!
Supports cardiovascular health
In general, cycling is highly recommended for patients with cardiovascular diseases, as long as the doctor’s instructions are followed. If done frequently, this practice reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, according to a study published by the American Family Physician .
As if that were not enough, these exercises positively influence circulation and bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood is significantly reduced, as indicated in a publication of the Merck Manual on physical activity. In addition, pedaling stimulates circulation and thus helps prevent the appearance of varicose veins and stretch marks.
Strengthens the immune system
Mountain biking is an ideal activity to avoid a sedentary lifestyle, which is harmful to the body’s defenses. According to a study published by Surgery and Surgeons, exercise promotes an anti-inflammatory state that prevents the appearance of various diseases.
Benefits mental and emotional health
This sports activity has a great impact on brain function. This is because cycling, as in most physical exercises, releases endorphins, known as “the hormone of happiness. “
These neurotransmitters work as natural pain relievers that make you feel in better spirits and create a sense of well-being. This link is confirmed by a study published by Sports Medicine in 2012.
Try mountain biking to improve your health
As a last recommendation, it is worth noting the importance of consulting a doctor in case of suffering from one of the risk factors associated with cycling in general. In this way, you will be able to know whether or not its practice involves risks to your health.
By taking all the necessary precautions, you now have more reasons to start exercising through mountain biking. Cheer up: body and mind will thank you.
