Here are three reasons why you should start mountain biking.

Connor Crenshaw
3 min readFeb 3, 2023

Incredibly fun and practical, mountain riding is also a great way to get in shape. It’s fun to socialize and keep fit in the fresh air.

Mountain riding, like other forms of cardiovascular exercise, can benefit heart health and reduce blood pressure. Increased lung capacity means more air and oxygen can be taken in by the body.

Mountain biking is an excellent activity for those who like to spend time in the great outdoors. It’s a fantastic way to get in shape and disconnect from the stresses of city life.

It’s an entirely natural method of boosting your mental health, which has been shown to benefit your physical health. Scientists have discovered that spending time in nature can help alleviate stress, a significant factor in the development of cardiovascular disease and other health issues.

Mountain biking is one of a kind since it challenges your entire body, and the terrain is always different. While climbing uphill puts more of a strain on your legs and arms, descending downhill works your core and upper body.

The sport of mountain biking has several advantages, one of which is the enhancement of balance and coordination. This is because of the rocky nature of the trail and the mental exertion needed in making split-second decisions while following them.

Because of its broad appeal, many people regard it as a valuable medium for imparting important life lessons while getting participants moving. Regular riders develop resiliency and self-esteem while enhancing social skills in an enjoyable team activity.

Mountain biking has several positive effects on one’s health, including increased stamina and strength, better immune system function, and decreased stress. Plus, it’s a beautiful opportunity to commune with the natural world. The practice of “forest bathing,” known in Japan, is beneficial for stress reduction and relaxation.

Cardiovascular fitness can be improved with regular riding, which in turn helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, those who biked at least 20 miles each week cut their risk of coronary heart disease by nearly half.

Mountain biking has the bonus of being low-impact, meaning it’s easier on your joints than another aerobic exercise like running. This support makes it less challenging to maintain your exercise routine and reduces the risk of injury.

Your body’s generation of vitamin D, a hormone essential for bone health and immunity, is boosted by exposure to natural sunlight during a mountain bike ride. Growing your time in the sun also causes your body to produce more of the hormone melatonin, which controls your circadian rhythms (the time of day you feel sleepy and awake).

Remember that balance and coordination are essential aspects of any endurance sport, whether riding up a hill or on the trails. To keep yourself safe and secure in the world, you’ll need to practice and improve these abilities over time.

Taking your bike out for a ride is a fantastic opportunity to start conversations with locals and form lasting friendships. Additionally, it’s a beautiful method of meeting new people and gaining insight into your local area.

Many mountain bikers have an upbeat, exploratory personality and value time spent in the great outdoors. They have a wide circle of friends and like to have fun with each other, so you can usually find them at the local mountain biking club.

Interacting with other riders, whether you join a local group or ride solo, will help you become a more competent and confident trail user. You can pick their brains and pick up some helpful riding advice from them.

Getting noticed in the competitive world of mountain biking requires patience and humility. Don’t squelch the sense of achievement from conquering a challenging hill or clearing a rock garden; remember that it’s all a learning experience.

Start by inviting a friend who is curious about mountain biking out on a trail with you. Then, put them in touch with other cyclists and demonstrate how to locate rides with a larger group. In all likelihood, once they’ve ridden with you once, they’ll want to do it again and again.

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Connor Crenshaw

In June of 1997, Connor Crenshaw was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Connor Crenshaw attended Louisiana State University and will graduate in May 2021.