There’s no doubt that motorcycle riding is a heap of fun but are there any health benefits from going on a ride. Does riding a motorcycle build muscle?
With Americans spending more than $35 billion per year on gym memberships it’s obvious that more and more people are making the wise decision to take better care of their bodies. For us riders there’s no doubt that riding a motorcycle feels like a workout, after all we are using our bodies to maneuver a 500lb steel horse around town. Does riding a motorcycle build muscle though? Will riding a motorcycle for a few months actually lead to noticeable gains? In this article we’ll be taking a look at all the health benefits you can enjoy from motorcycle riding.
Can You Build Muscle Riding A Motorcycle?
The unfortunate truth is that motorcycle riding won’t build muscle like lifting weights will. In saying that there are numerous health benefits that come from riding a motorcycle on a regular basis including building core strength and better endurance. Whether you ride a motorcycle to work everyday or enjoy tearing up the motocross track on a dirt bike on the weekends you’ll be benefitting in the following areas.
Core Strength
You may not notice because it’s become second nature but riding a motorcycle does wonders for your core strength. Maintaining proper riding position requires you to activate your abs and glutes to support you back. Building core strength not only helps with riding but also assists with your daily life as well and significantly reduces your risk of experiencing back pain. Don’t be fooled into thinking riding will give you abs though, sorry to burst your bubble mate, better get back to the crunches!
Leg And Knee Strength
Ask any good rider and they’ll tell you tightly hugging the motorcycle with your thighs will improve control and stability when riding. Better utilizing your legs to maneuver the bike will not only lead to better riding performance but will also gradually build strength in your legs and knees. This is especially the case with motocross riders who practically ride standing up and absorb repetitive shock from bumps and jumps through their legs.
Burning Calories
Would you believe me if I told you that one hour of motorcycle riding can burn the same amount of calories as going for a 30 minute jog? Yep, that’s right, you can expect to burn up to 600 calories going for a one hour cruise depending on your body type and metabolism. It makes sense when you think about it, it’s not like you’re just sitting there letting the bike take you for a ride, you’re practically activating your whole body to ride that pony!
Concentration And Coordination
As relaxing and therapeutic as it is motorcycle riding can also be dangerous, once small mistake could lead to catastrophic events. Most riders understand this and as a result develop an exceptional ability to stay focused for extended periods of time.
Riding a motorcycle also fine tunes ones ability to coordinate multiple things at once. As a rider you’re required to maintain balance, shift gears, apply throttle, brake and be mindful of other road users, all at the same time. This is something that becomes natural over time and also translates into other areas of life as well.
To Conclude
Despite that fact that you wont get jacked there are a range of awesome health benefits that you gain from riding a motorcycle such as building core strength, burning calories as well as improved cognitive function. So don’t drop the gym membership and be sure to keep up those deadlifts but smile every time you hop on your bike knowing that you’re going to be getting a great workout as well as having a good time.
Be sure to check out our other posts for more great motorcycle content!