Take advantage of the health benefits of biking with a connection between physical activity and mental health!
David LePere, CCBS Executive Director, preparing for BOTO’s Big Ride 2024! Stay tuned for more about our upcoming 2025 Big Ride!
At Cherokee Creek Boys School, we know it’s important for boys, and all of us, to stay active in our lives.
According to a great article by All Kids Bike, biking is a great activity for both our physical and mental health!
“When we think about the health benefits of biking, most people are probably quick to jump to thinking about the physical benefits, such as weight management and cardiovascular health.
But aside from maintaining physical health, bicycling is also an excellent (and cheap!) way for both kids and adults to take advantage of the connection between physical activity and mental health.”
Health Benefits of Biking
Research found that biking not only offers the same rewards that most other forms of exercise do, but bicycling offers a few unique benefits too! These can have a sizable impact on various areas of health, including:
Reduces Stress
Many forms of exercise, including cycling, release endorphins during the act. Endorphins act as a natural mood booster. The rhythmic peddling also provides a calming effect when being performed.
Improve Cognitive Function
General cognition is improved due to the increased blood flow throughout the body, especially towards the brain. This results in higher oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body promoting neuron growth for increased performance on cognitive functions like:
- Memory
- Reason
- Planning
Provides a Distraction
Sometimes a distraction can be beneficial for your health. It is always good to step away from a project or problem for a bit and allow your mind to focus on a different task. Then when you come back, you will see the project or problem with new, fresher eyes.
Opportunities for Social and Natural Connection
The health benefit of biking focuses on your social health. There are clubs and classes for almost everything you can imagine regarding biking. From scaling your local hiking trail with your friends on a mountain bike to cycling classes at your local gym, biking offers a means of connections with others and nature.
According to their research, “bicycling helps kids reduce stress levels, improve their emotional well-being and it can instill positive coping skills in them at a young age, thereby better equipping them to deal with mental health issues in the future.”
This week, may we each challenge ourselves to get in some extra activity, maybe even get that bike out of the garage or storage shed … and enjoy a ride!