Motorcycle Riding And Its Health Benefits

Your motorcycle is more than just the promise of freedom and a chance to chase down a horizon. It’s a way of life, and it turns out it makes life better at the same time. These rides are actually good for you in a number of ways! 

We here at St. Charles Harley-Davidson want you to know exactly what your motorcycle is doing for you, so we’ve collected a few of the biggest health benefits riding has. If you want to know more about what riding does for you, or you’re just looking for your next “exercise” bike, contact our store in St. Charles, Missouri. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will work with you to find what you need at the prices you want.

Brain Benefits

Some of the less obvious health benefits associated with motorcycle riding have more to do with your brain than your body. While cars might be more convenient, they don’t activate the parts of your brain you need for bike riding. 

Activity

When you’re driving a car or truck, all you’re really doing is twitching your foot and moving your hands. Sure, you need to pay attention to your surroundings, but with the safety features and comfort of your average car, the brain tends to fall into familiar patterns and lets you tune out. Especially on routes you’re familiar with, it doesn’t take much for your thoughts to wander off, then suddenly you don’t remember the last twenty minutes. Your body is still, you’re comfy, and your brain just doesn’t feel needed.

On your motorcycle, things are a little different. Part of this is that, on a motorcycle, you’re facing more numerous and consistent threats on the road than you would in a larger vehicle. This forces your brain to constantly be engaged, which is also helped by the fact that you’re steering with your whole body, not just your hands. Your brain is coordinating much more just to stay upright, moving, and away from obstacles that might not even register to a car driver.

Chemicals

You’ve probably realized this by now, but riding your bike just feels good. It’s thrilling, it’s fun, and it tends to release a whole lot of feel-good chemicals in your brain. The adrenaline and endorphins make you feel better and keep your focus sharp, granting boosts of energy and positivity that can last for quite a while after you’ve parked.

Riding also reduces the number of stress-related chemicals in your system, which, obviously, makes you less stressed out. Stress is more than unpleasant—it’s actively harmful, potentially damaging every system in your body from your digestive system to your nerves. More and more scientific studies point to stress as a key factor in most doctor and hospital visits. Lucky for you, you’ve got your prescription parked out front and can take it as needed.

And of course, catching plenty of sun while you’re on the open road is always a bonus. Unlike the metal roof on most cars, your motorcycle leaves you open to sunshine, which provides plenty of Vitamin D via any exposed skin. Vitamin D plays a big role in improving your mood and reducing stress further. Just make sure to apply sunscreen before you ride. It won’t prevent you from getting the benefits from the sun, but it will help block out damaging UV light.

Full-Body Workout

Obviously, your bike does more than just make you smile. Riding a motorcycle is a full-body workout, forcing you to exercise your core, neck, back, and shoulders just to maintain the proper riding posture. Leg and arm muscles are engaged every time you steer or course-correct. With each ride, you’re building up strength and stamina in the same muscles you use for just about every other physical activity. Your bike grants you the benefits of a gym membership with the added bonus of exploration and excitement.

Now, if you don’t yet have the benefit of one of these mobile workout machines, you’re just going to have to contact us at St. Charles Harley-Davidson. We’ve got you covered, whether you want information or riding advice or just a new motorcycle. We proudly serve the people of St. Louis and St. Peters, Missouri—let us serve you today!