Motorcycle riding gets a bad rap. After all, how many times have you been told it’s dangerous or that you’ll be killed if you keep riding? Well, it turns out there is some good news to tell Mom when she demands that you stop riding! Motorcycle riding is good for your physical and mental health.
- Motorcycle riding activates and strengthens the prefrontal lobe of the brain. Riders must constantly use visual spatial skills as they negotiate the roadways. This leads to increased cognitive functioning and higher concentration levels. These skills, in turn, lead to improved performance on the job.
- The release of endorphins experienced when riding a motorcycle improves mental health and depression and decreases stress levels. Endorphins improve your mood and alleviate levels of stress. In addition, your body is exposed to natural sunlight, which is known to increase levels of happiness. Riding a motorcycle eases the stress of the daily commute.
- Ryuta Kawashima conducted a study and found that the physical structure of the brain itself actually changes as people spend time on a motorcycle. Kawashima found that, “Riding motorcycles helps keep drivers young by invigorating their brains.” It turns out that the fountain of youth may actually have two wheels!
- Riding a motorcycle promotes physical fitness. Riding is a low-impact exercise and promotes healthy knees and thighs. Knee pain can actually be alleviated in some cases through regular riding. And did you know that the average motorcycle rider burns between 200 and 300 calories an hour? All that energy is spent maintaining balance, negotiating turns, using core strength, and fighting the wind. It all adds up to a great workout!
Next time someone tries to discourage you from riding, share these facts with them! The dangers do exist, but can be mitigated by riding carefully and using proper safety equipment. And, as always, should you ever be in a crash, contact Kass & Moses!
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