Author: Kraig Becker

Looking for ways to enhance your usual workout while having some fun at the same time? Why not try mountain biking? Not only is the sport a great enhancement to any existing fitness routine, it can also provide a much needed dose of adrenaline from time to time as well. But mountain biking can do more than just deliver thrills. It is a bonafide way to get in shape while enjoying the outdoors. Here are five ways mountain biking will help improve your level of fitness and well-being.

Build Strong Legs

Riding off-road brings a host of new challenges that makes mountain biking very different from road cycling. One off those challenges is riding on trails that require a lot more effort to get up and down. Additionally, a mountain bike is heavier than a road bike, which means you’ll have to work even harder, and probably won’t be going nearly as fast. But the end result is a great workout for the legs, building and toning muscles with surprising efficiency.

Work the Core Too

Mountain biking doesn’t just provide a great workout for your legs however. It is actually one of those activities that works your entire body, including your arms, legs, chest, abs, and back too. Having to maintain balance while riding over rough terrain requires strength and flexibility, and while your legs will certainly drive the bike forward, it is your core that will keep it upright and stable. Additionally, a strong core is vital when climbing steep hills, where strength and balance must work together to help you reach the top.

Burn Calories Fast

We already know that cycling is a good, low-impact, way to lose weight, but it turns out mountain biking is even better. Taking your bike off-road causes your body to burn even more calories, helping to shed pounds at faster rate. Mountain bikers can burn as many as 1000 calories per hour depending on the terrain, and the intensity and speed at which they ride. That’s on par with running, which is widely considered to be one of the most calorically demanding types of exercise.

It’s Good For the Mind

Since mountain biking takes you away from crowded, busy streets, and onto trails surrounded by nature, it can have a highly positive effect on your mind too. Studies have shown that people who spend time in the outdoors tend to be happier, have better cognitive skills, and face fewer problems with depression as well. Additionally, being outdoors provides exposure to the sun, which stimulates vitamin D production too. The long term health benefits from that alone are amazing.

It’s Social!

When it comes to exercise, there are few things more motivating than having a friend or two to workout with. A bit of spirited competition can increase the intensity level dramatically, but the social aspects of interacting with friends makes it more enjoyable. It turns out, mountain biking is a very social sport, and that is a large part of its appeal. Not only will you enjoy riding the trail with friends and family, you can actually challenge each other to go a little faster, climb a bit more quickly, and explore new, and more demanding, trails. Having someone to ride with will encourage you to hit the trail more often, and that ultimately is a good thing for your level of fitness too.

Exercise and nature is a killer combination, and mountain biking delivers that and a whole lot more. If you’re looking for a way to shake up your workout routine, consider what the sport has to offer. It may not be something you can do on a daily basis, but adding it in once or twice a week will do wonders for you health and raise your enthusiasm for working out

There is no denying that running is a great form of exercise that can improve cardio efficiency, increase your fitness levels, and help you lose weight. But, it is also a demanding activity that can put a lot of stress and strain on the body too. Overtraining, running with improper form, or pushing yourself too hard can often result in an injury that could leave you on the sidelines for weeks or even months. If you are a frequent runner, here are the injuries that you need to be aware of, and hopefully avoid.

Pulled Muscles

Pulled muscles typically occur when a muscle is stretched too far, causing the tendons and fibers to tear. This can happen when a runner fails to warm up properly or hasn’t stretched fully, with most pulls occurring in the quads, calves, and hamstrings. Reducing the intensity of the training can generally provide the muscle with the time it needs to heal, although a more severe pull may require taking time off from your workout routine. Icing the injured muscle can be of benefit as well, helping to reduce inflammation 6 [k88and speed recovery.

Shin Splints

Shin splints are one of the most common, and dreaded, injuries amongst runners. They’re caused by the muscles and tendons along the shinbone becoming inflamed or sometimes experiencing tiny tears. This can lead to sharp, stabbing pains that become excruciating while running, although it may not be noticeable at all at other times. Reduced mileage and more rest are the best way to recover, with a gradual return to your normal distances over time. Shin splints are often caused by ramping up your workouts too quickly, although poor footwear can also be part of the problem. If you’re experiencing this condition, it could be time to go shoe shopping.

Plantar Fasciitis

Another all-too-common injury for runners is plantar fasciitis, which is again an issue that is often the result of overtraining or worn out footwear. As with shin splints, this leads to inflamed tendons, although this time they are found running heel to toe along the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis typically manifests itself as an ongoing, nagging pain that can range from simply annoying, all the way up to debilitating. Stretching the calves and foot can help relieve the problem, but to completely recover runners will require rest and reduced activity levels.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon runs down the lower portion of the leg, connecting the calf muscles to the back of the heel. Sometimes this tendon can become very tight, which leads to irritation and soreness. Often this issue is a result of increased distance, or the inclusion of intense hill training or speed drills to your workout. Weak or overly tight calf muscles can be a contributing factor as well. Icing the sore area several times a day can help alleviate inflammation, and additional rest will speed the recovery process. Calf stretches can also be beneficial to preventing future flare-ups.

Runner’s Knee

If you routinely feel pain in your knee following a long run, while going up and down stairs, or sitting for a prolonged period of time, there is a chance that you may have patellofemoral pain syndrome, more commonly referred to as “runner’s knee.” This pain is caused by irritation of the cartilage around the knee, which is a usually brought on by the overpronation of the foot while running. It can also be the result of the repetitive stress that comes with overtraining, as well as weak hips or quads muscles too. Wearing a knee brace and taking anti-inflammatories can help alleviate the issue, but as always a reduction of mileage and increased rest is the best way to recovery quickly.

Stress Fractures

The repetitive nature of running can do more than just cause tendons and muscles to become inflamed. In fact, it can actually create tiny cracks in the bone called stress fractures. Typically found on the shins and feet, stress fractures can be very painful indeed. Generally the only way for them to heal completely is to stop running altogether and give them the proper rest and recuperation time that they need. More serious cases of stress fractures could require rehab or even some time on crutches as well.

Sprained Ankle

This injury occurs when a runner accidentally rolls his or her foot, stretching or tearing the ligaments in the ankle in the process. It can happen while doing something as simple a running on uneven terrain, hopping over a curb, or by slipping on a piece of debris in the road. Depending on the severity of the sprain, it can take weeks or even months to recover fully, during which time running is not advised at all. Severely injured ankles should be examined by a doctor to ensure more extensive damage didn’t occur during the initial trauma. An ankle brace may be required to help ease back into a running routine, as working out too quickly could cause the ankle to turn again, re-aggravating the prior injury.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

More commonly referred to as IT Band syndrome, this injury typically occurs as a result of increasing your mileage too quickly, running down hill too much, or having weak hip muscles. The iliotibial band is a tendon that runs from your hip to your knee, and when it becomes inflamed it can rub against the femur, causing severe pain. Applying heat and stretching well before running can help ease this problem, and applying ice post workout will reduce inflammation too. As always, easing back on the mileage and intensity of your workouts can be crucial as well.

Each of these injuries is quite common amongst runners, particularly those who cover longer distances with any kind of regularity. Most can be avoided by ramping up mileage in a slow and steady fashion, and giving your body time to adjust to the demands that are being placed on it. But should you suffer any one of these problems, be sure to give yourself time to rest and recover. Before you know it, you’ll be back on the road and running stronger than ever.

Ask any fitness expert and they’ll tell you that rest days are a fundamental part of any good workout routine. Those are the days that allow your body to recover, giving it the opportunity it needs to regain both strength and energy. Skip your rest days and you’re liable to overwork your muscles which could ultimately lead to overtraining and possibly even injury. But taking a day off doesn’t mean that you have to be completely inactive, nor does it give you liberty to disregard your fitness goals.

With that in mind, here are some simple tips that can help you get the most out of your rest days.

Continue To Stretch

One of the side effects of taking a day off is that your muscles and joints will tend to tighten up since they’re not getting the usual amount of exercise they would on a typical workout day. This can lead to soreness and stiffness which could follow you back to the gym when you return to your normal routine. To avoid this, take a little time to stretch on your rest day. It’ll help keep your muscles loose and improve flexibility. You also might be surprised at just how good a light stretching routine can make you feel.

Watch Your Diet

There is often a strong temptation to turn rest days into cheat days by allowing yourself to eat foods and drink beverages that you normally wouldn’t consume on days that you’re working out. While it is fine to indulge from time to time, don’t let your rest day turn into something you’ll end up regretting later. Eat normal, healthy meals that contain lean meats along with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Your body still requires fuel on its day off too, so give it what it needs with proper portion sizes. And don’t forget to hydrate by drinking plenty of water as well. Maintaining a healthy diet will help your body to be ready for a return to action when you start working out again.

Stay Busy

One sure way to avoid thinking about your lack of exercise on a day off is to stay busy doing other things. Go run errands, get caught up on your housework, or meet friends for lunch. If you keep yourself occupied with other activities, you’ll not only find that rest days can be very productive, it’ll make the day go by much faster too. Staying busy is also a good way to burn off excess energy as well and will still provide you with a nice sense of accomplishment when the day is done.

It’s Okay To Move

While the purpose of a rest day is to let your body recover, that doesn’t mean that you should just sit on the couch all day. While you’ll want to avoid any high intensity exercises such as running, cycling, or lifting, it is okay to go for a brisk walk around the block, or better yet, take a hike in the woods. Even swimming is a good rest day activity provided you’re not trying to crank out laps in the pool at a fast pace. The point is, a bit of activity will be good for you, but limit the type, length, and intensity of the workout so that it doesn’t have a negative impact on your recovery period.

Truly Rest

That said, you also need to respect the rest day and allow yourself to enjoy the downtime that comes along with it. Do things that are truly relaxing to both your body and mind. Read a book, catch a movie, or just sit on the porch and watch the world go by. Some athletes find that they get extra fidgety on their days off because they have excess energy to burn. Learning to cope with that will help you to truly appreciate your rest days and allow you to get the most out of them too. But most of all, don’t allow yourself to feel guilty about skipping a day at the gym. Not only have you earned it, you’ll return with renewed energy and vigor soon enough.

Just remember, rest days are essential to continuing to make progress towards your fitness goals. By making the most of them, you are actually getting stronger and healthier. Plus, your body will appreciate the chance to recover, which is essential for staying on track.

Sometimes the hardest part of any workout is simply getting out the door. This is especially true when the workout in question involves a long run. It can be hard enough at times to get motivated to jog just a couple of miles, and when that distance stretches out further, it can be incredibly tough to get yourself psyched up for a little roadwork. But being disciplined and mentally tough is usually the key to achieving your fitness goals, and it can pay off in these situations too. Here’s how you can get yourself mentally prepared for that long run.

Break The Run Into Segments

Let’s face it, long runs can be really monotonous at times, and just thinking about all of the miles ahead can be daunting. You can overcome this to a degree by planning out your route ahead of time and breaking it down into shorter, more digestible segments. Then when you hit the road, think about completing those individual segments one at a time rather than powering your way through the entire run. By separating the route into smaller portions you can prevent yourself from becoming overwhelmed and stay more focused on the task at hand.

Create Smaller Goals Within The Run

Obviously the main goal of any run is to complete the distance that you’ve set out for yourself. In order to get through a longer workout sometimes it helps to set smaller goals that you can accomplish along the way. For instance, you may focus on reaching a certain landmark within a set time or completing a specific leg at a faster pace. These smaller goals can turn into little competitions with yourself that not only improve your fitness but also take your mind off the distance you’re running.

Give Yourself Something To Look Forward To

When preparing for a longer run it’s easier to get motivated if you give yourself something to look forward to while out on the road. For instance, most of us run with our smartphones and a pair of earbuds these days, which obviously helps to keep us entertained while working out. Leverage this technology by creating special playlists of your favorite songs and saving them for your longer runs, which will give you something to enjoy while you’re running. Better yet, interesting podcasts and audiobooks can help distract you from the distances you’re covering by giving you something else to think about along the way. Save those items just for your run, and you may find yourself looking forward to a workout just so you can find out what happens next.

Change Your Route. Often!

One sure way to get bored of your longer runs is to stick to the same route all of the time. When the scenery doesn’t change much, you’ll find yourself having a difficult time getting motivated to go run the same path once again. Mix it up by running in different parts of town or getting dropped off at a new starting point and finding your way back home. It’ll be a lot easier to head out the door if you know you’ll be seeing new things along the way, and you just might enjoy exploring new neighborhoods, parks, or roads.

Find A Running Partner

Running can be a lonely activity, particularly when you’re covering longer distances. Finding someone to run with can make your runs much more communal and improve your outlook and performance at the same time. Having a running partner doesn’t just mean you have a companion for those long workout sessions, it also makes you accountable to someone. That helps to keep you motivated while also giving you someone to chat with on the road. A bit of friendly competition can help push you to run a bit faster, too, as you challenge each other along the way.

Give Yourself A Day Off

Running is both mentally and physically taxing, and sometimes a lack of motivation springs from the fact that you simply need to take a break every now and again. If you’re finding it hard to get excited about a longer run, go ahead and skip it. Chances are your mind and body will appreciate the time off, and you’ll feel more eager to get back on the road again afterward.

Long runs are hard, and finding ways to keep them fresh is important. Hopefully these tips will help you to continue pursuing your running goals and find the motivation you need for that next workout.

One of the most common questions that runners have is how they can improve their overall speed. Dedicated runners usually obtain a good level of fitness through regular workouts, and they can generally go for miles without stopping. But many often end up hitting a plateau in terms of how quickly they can cover those distances. If you find yourself wondering how you can improve your running speeds, here are some helpful tips that could help you shave time off of your pace.

Focus on Form and Stride

Many runners don’t actually think much about their workouts. They simply head out the door with a distance in mind, and soon find themselves lost in thought as they listen to music in their headphones. But if you concentrate on maintaining a good running form and a natural stride, you’ll learn to be a more efficient runner that can cover longer distances at a faster pace. You should run with your back straight, standing tall and leaning slightly forward, while landing with the mid-foot rather than the heel. Swing your arms in a natural movement forward and back, while avoiding moving them from side to side. Add in long, natural strides that allow your legs to flow smoothly, and you’re likely to see noticeable improvements in efficiency and speed.

Sprint Training

One of the surest ways to improve speed while running is to simply run fast. You can’t just decide to do that on your longer runs however, as it takes time and conditioning. You can switch up your workouts to include sprint training though, which involves running fast intervals over shorter distances. Running a 50 or 100-meter dash, then taking a short break before doing it again will help to build muscle, as well as improve cardio efficiency. Both of those are key elements to running faster on longer runs as well.

Stretch Daily

It is debatable whether or not stretching can help avoid injuries while working out, but it can definitely improve flexibility and loosen up the muscles. This has the benefit of shortening the time it takes for your body to warm up while on a run, which is important when you’re looking to improve your times over longer distances. You should also stretch on your rest days too, as it will keep your body limber and relaxed at a time when muscles tend to tighten up.

Run Hills

Let’s face it, hills are the bane of a runners existence, often pushing our muscles and lungs to the max. But if you want to run faster you shouldn’t avoid hills, as the effort to get up, and down them helps improve your overall level of fitness and ultimately allows you to run faster too. And once you’ve learned to conquer the hills, it’ll bring a nice sense of satisfaction and confidence to your running as well.

Cross Train

Running may be an excellent workout, but there are other exercises that can help you get fit and improve your speeds too. For instance, cycling is a good alternative to running in terms of building lean muscles while still working the legs. Sit-ups, push-ups and pull-ups are also great for the core, which is integral for improving your running times as well. Lifting lighter weights can help build strength and tone muscles without adding bulk, which can help to maintain your speed over longer runs.

Don’t Forget About Your Shoes

I’m not sold on the idea that wearing one specific shoe over another will make you a faster runner, but there is something to be said for finding the right pair of shoes that work for you. Your shoes should be comfortable on your feet and provide plenty of cushioning from the road or trail. What that means for each individual runner is truly a personal matter, and finding the shoe that works best for you will certainly help you run better. Also, don’t forget to replace them with a new pair every 300-500 miles, as once the support starts to go, it’ll put extra wear and tear on your legs that will eventually slow you down. Keeping your legs fresh are an important key to achieving improved personal times over longer distances.

The key to improving your running speeds isn’t about working harder, but more importantly running smarter. Wanting to improve your time is a natural part of the sport, and these tips can help you achieve that goal. Don’t forget to be stay hydrated, and be mindful of what you eat, as those elements can have an impact on the efficiency of your runs as well. With a bit of focus and planning, you’ll soon be taking precious second off your run times, and pushing the limits of just how fast you can truly go.

Believe it or not, one of the biggest challenges that people face after starting a successful workout routine is overtraining. Not only is exercise highly addictive, many of us have an unnatural fear of giving up the significant gains we’ve made if we don’t continue to push ourselves harder at the gym. While this mentality can prove to be an asset when first getting into shape, it can also later lead to problems that are the result of actually working out too much. It is important to let your body rest and heal if you want to continue to make progress, as overdoing it can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and even injury. Here are six telltale signs that you may be training too hard and too often.

Persistent Soreness

If your body is sore all of the time it may be because you are overtraining. Some soreness is to be expected after a tough workout of course, but those aches and pains should pass within a few hours, or at most a day or two. If you find that your body is sore all of the time it is probably because you are not giving it enough time to recover. This can lead to muscle fatigue that can eventually end up slowing you down, and might even prevent you from reaching your fitness goals.

Insomnia

Restless nights and an inability to sleep can often be the result of overtraining. A tough workout will stimulate the nervous system, and can lead to increased hormone production, both of which can have an impact on your ability to get a good night sleep. Your body may tell you that it is ready to rest, but that doesn’t mean you’ll actually get the deep sleep you need to recover and build muscle. This makes it difficult to continually maintain the energy levels necessary to get you through a workout too.

Nagging Injuries

Do you have nagging injuries that just never seem to go away? Have you had muscle pulls, foot pain, or a sore back that just don’t seem to want to heal? These injuries are often the result of working out too much, and the fact that they aren’t getting any better is probably because you aren’t giving your body the proper time it needs to recover. Worse yet, overtraining can lead to new injuries too, as your tired muscles struggle to keep up with the demands that you continually place on them.

Getting Sick More Often

Overtraining can put a strain on your immune system, which can in turn result in you getting sick more often. A weakened immune system doesn’t have the strength to fight off common ailments, such as the flu or even the common cold. This can also lead to persistent coughs, congestion, or even headaches, which might not be bad enough to leave you bedridden, but can lower your performance in just about every aspect of your life.

Lack of Energy or Motivation

If you find yourself running out of steam throughout the day, or lacking in motivation to go the gym at all, it could be because your body is telling you that it needs more time to recover. Overtraining can lead to a malaise that makes it very difficult to muster up any enthusiasm to exercise, potentially creating a plateau that could stall out your progress towards attaining your fitness goals.

You’re No Longer Seeing Positive Results

Many people end up overtraining because they feel that if they take too many days off they will put on weight or lose muscle mass. It turns out that overtraining can cause those things to happen too as the body struggles to maintain a healthy balance within itself. Working out too much can actually reduce the production of testosterone in both men and women, while also increasing the amount of cortisol that is created as well. This can actually result in the retention of fat and an increased resistance to insulin. In other words, you may end up struggling just to maintain your level of physical fitness, but you are also just as likely to lose muscle and gain fat too.

So what is the solution to combating overtraining? It may seem counter-intuitive, but by simply taking a day or two off each week, and scheduling a lighter workout day, you can avoid most of the problems listed above. Also, don’t be afraid to skip an extra day or two here and there just to give your body a break from the routine. In the long run, those missed days won’t have any measurable impact on your level of fitness, but they could do wonders for keeping you refreshed and motivated.

Ask any long-time runner how they manage maintain a regular and diligent workout schedule without losing motivation, and most will admit to experiencing some degree of burnout at one point or another. Make no mistake, running is a great way to stay in shape, lose weight, and improve your overall health. But it can also be an incredibly demanding form of exercise that can take its toll both mentally and physically. When extreme fatigue and lethargy begins to set in it can result in runner’s burnout, which can sometimes take weeks or even months to shake.
If you’ve found yourself lacking the motivation to lace up your running shoes lately, or can’t seem to summon up the enthusiasm needed to head out for a run, than perhaps you’re experiencing a bit of burnout yourself. Here are some simple ways to get your groove back, and run with strength and conviction once again.
Change It Up!
Let’s face it, runners are definitely creatures of habit. We usually run the same set of routes, maintain a set workout routine, and often even go for a run at the exact same time each day. Sticking to a regimented schedule is typically a good thing when it comes to exercise, but it can also lead to boredom and a lack of enthusiasm. When that happens, almost anyone will start to feel burnt out.
Add a little spice to your personal running routine by mixing in some different routes in a new part of town. Better yet, get off the road altogether and run a trail in a nearby park instead. Don’t be afraid to shift the time of day that you run as well, as you may find it gives you a completely fresh perspective on the world around you. The point is, if you change up your stale routine, you may find yourself more engaged with your running workouts once again.
Leave the Watch at Home
Many runners wear watches that keep track of their pace, heart rate, and distance covered. That data can be vitally important when training for a race, but crunching those numbers can become an all-consuming obsession at times too. We all want to beat our fastest times, and as a result we end up pushing ourselves harder than we need to.
Give yourself a break from the hardcore training and leave the watch at home on occasion. This will allow you to run a natural pace without constantly watching your time and distance. It may also remind you of why you fell in love with the sport in the first place, because when you’re off the clock the pure joy of running can return.
Cross Train
Sometimes runners stay motivated out of the irrational fear that if they take time off, they’ll start to gain weight or lose some of the level of fitness that they worked so hard to achieve. Cross training can help alleviate those issues, while still allowing us to take a break from running at the same time.
They say variety is the spice of life, and by simply adding a bit of cycling, swimming, yoga, or other exercises to your routine you’ll manage to break up the monotony that comes with running on a constant basis. This change in activities can help stave off burnout quite nicely, and you may even find that when you do start to run again, it will be with a renewed sense of zest as well.
Take a Rest Day… or Week!
No matter how hard you train, each and every one of us should be taking a rest day or two during our normal weekly workout schedule. Not only do those days off give you a break from the grind, they also allow nagging injuries to heal and give you a chance to recharge your batteries too.
But on occasion it is also okay to take a rest week. That isn’t to say that you don’t exercise at all during that time period, just that you step away from the running schedule and do other things instead. Use the time off to revitalize the legs and get a boost to your spirit. Relax, take it easy, and savor some down time. Chances are you’ve earned it, and you’re likely to return to your normal schedule with renewed vigor.
Perhaps the most important step in avoiding burnout is to learning to recognize the warning signs ahead of time. That way you can take steps to avoid it before it become a significant problem. But if you do start to feel those feelings coming on, recognize that it is a common problem for runners. Don’t be afraid to relax, step away from workout routine, and get some rest. Chances are it will help you get your mojo back, and you’ll be eager to start running again soon.

Learning to ride a bike is one of those rites of passage that most of us went through as a kid. Figuring out how to balance on just two wheels seemed like quite an accomplishment at the time, often coming after plenty of painful trial and error. But our bikes would eventually become our most prized possessions; providing endless hours of fun while giving us our first tastes of true independence.
We didn’t know it at the time, but learning to ride also provided us with a skill that could lead to a much happier and healthier lifestyle too. It turns out that riding a bike is a great way to exercise and burn calories, even as an adult. Whether you’re on a stationary bike indoors, or a road bike outside, here are five ways that cycling can help you to achieve your fitness goals.

1. Lose Weight

Cycling is a great way to lose weight, with riders burning as many as 500 calories or more per hour. To do that you’ll need to maintain a quick pace, and a high cadence, which is the number of revolutions that the crank on your bike makes in any given minute. By constantly pedaling, and rotating that chain, your body will achieve an elevated heart rate and burn calories at a surprising rate. A nice, leisurely bike ride is good for when you want to take it easy, but if your goal is to shed some pounds, you’ll need to work hard.

2. Improved Cardio

In addition to burning plenty of calories, keeping a high cadence will also work the lungs and heart as well. That leads to better levels of cardiovascular fitness, which translates into all kinds of benefits, including increased stamina, reduced risk of heart disease, a longer lifespan, and better energy levels.

3. Build Lean Muscles

Everyone knows that cycling is great for the leg muscles, but did you know that it can tone the muscle throughout the rest of your body too? Riding a bike is an excellent all-around workout that actually works the arms, chest, back, and shoulders along with the calves and thighs. This is particularly true while climbing hills, so don’t avoid those parts of your riding routes as they are often the most beneficial.

4. It’s Low-Impact With High Returns

As already mentioned above, cycling is a great way to burn a lot of calories and lose weight, But, it also happens to be a low-impact sport, meaning it puts much less stress on your joints than some other types of exercise. This makes riding a bike a great change of pace for runners, or athletes who are recovering from an injury. It also makes cycling a good option for cross training too, as it allows your body to recover from more high-impact activities, while still providing a tremendous workout.

5. A Stronger Immune System

Regular exercise can provide a significant boost to your immune system, helping you stave off such ailments as the flu or even the common cold. Riding your bike a few times a week can help contribute to improved immunity from these types of viruses, while also helping to create a lifestyle that is healthier in general.
Obviously cycling provides undeniable health benefits, which has helped to make it a popular activity for those looking to improve their overall levels of fitness. But riding a bike also happens to be a lot of fun too. We knew this as kids, and we can still appreciate those same exhilarating feelings of speed and freedom today. If you haven’t hopped on a bike in awhile, perhaps now is the time. You may discover that you not only still enjoy it, but it makes you a healthier person too.