Riding your motorcycle is a convenient and fun way to get around town, but did you know that there are health benefits as well? Riding a bike won’t replace the need for proper diet and exercise, but you might be surprised by some of the ways it can help you relax, practice focus, and even help with some muscles you might not normally use. We’ve gathered some of the most notable health benefits below. If you’re still in the market for a new set of wheels, get in touch with us at CalMoto at one of our locations in Mountain View and Livermore, California, and take a look at our motorcycles for sale.

Core Strength and Stability

Just cruising and enjoying a scenic view, or riding to the grocery store down the street can help improve core strength. Each time you hit the road, you’ll need to stay in control of your bike, which requires plenty of stamina and strength. After all, you’ll be engaging your back, neck, core, and shoulders to maintain proper riding posture.

Your leg, knees, and thighs get a workout as well from all the balancing and steering. Add in the wind and you might be able to cancel your gym membership! Riding a bike increases insulin sensitivity, too. This can help with your metabolism, as your body will be able to burn more calories and store less fat. The best part is that you’re able to head to a fun destination on your motorcycle while doing low-impact strength exercises.

Stimulation for Your Brain

When you ride a motorcycle, your brain engages differently than it does while driving a car. When you drive a car, your brain tends to be much more passive. It’s not long before highway hypnosis takes over and suddenly you realize that you’ve been driving for several minutes, but you can’t recall the last stretch of the street you just passed by. You use your hands to steer, but your body remains fairly still. The only time your brain really becomes engaged is when you’re reacting to a safety issue, such as an animal coming into your path or sudden braking by a motorist.

Riding a motorcycle is an entirely different experience. Your brain becomes much more engaged as you’re facing more obstacles as you ride. You drive around much larger vehicles, and obstacles, like potholes, are more threatening to your bike. You’ll be actively scanning the roads more often as the hazards affect you more. Undoubtedly, your brain gets an intense workout as you ride.

Better Mental Health

While a more active brain isn’t going to directly benefit your mental health, it does relate to the release of feel-good chemicals, like adrenaline and endorphins. The fun of riding a motorcycle can improve your mood drastically and you’ll generally feel more positive. These effects tend to last long after you finish your motorcycle ride.

Additionally, you might be able to reduce negative emotions, like stress. Stress can damage every major system in your body from your nervous system to your digestive system. Plenty of research studies show that stress is a leading factor for most doctors and hospital visits. Cruising down the highway on your motorcycle is a great stress-buster, which helps keep those negative health effects at bay.

Let’s not forget that hitting the road on your bike also exposes you to sunshine, so you’re sure to soak up some vitamin D in the process. Remember, though, that it’s still vital to wear sunscreen to keep your skin protected from those harmful UV rays.

If you’re ready to take advantage of these health benefits, hop aboard a motorcycle and hit the road for a long ride! If you’re still looking for your dream bike, visit one of our locations in Mountain View and Livermore, CA. We offer a wide range of motorcycles for all budgets and riding styles, and our friendly staff will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for. CalMoto proudly welcomes all those coming from San Francisco and San Jose.