If you’ve ever met a motorcycle enthusiast, you’ve most likely heard them tell you that there’s nothing more thrilling than riding a motorcycle. While the idea may be scary to some, for motorcyclists it’s both thrilling and calming.
A new study conducted by a prestigious institution shows that on average, motorcyclists are happier than the average car driver. The study revealed the therapeutic potential of motorcycle riding, with 82% of riders agreeing that riding made them feel happy, compared to only about 55% of car drivers. The study recorded brain activity and hormone levels before, during, and after riding a motorcycle, driving a car, and resting. Riding a motorcycle led to a 28% drop in stress biomarkers.
The result is that riding a motorcycle can help your mental and even physical health, and here are a few specific reasons:
1. Reduce Stress
Traffic jams are certainly the reason many of us hate going out. So, logically, riding a motorcycle can reduce anxiety because you won’t be squeezed in, at least not as much as your friends driving cars. This can reduce stress and even anxiety levels.
2. Improve Brain Health
When riding a motorcycle, keep your eyes and ears on the road. This sensory focus means the rider is more alert to what’s going on around them, which increases brain activity. Riding a motorcycle can improve alertness, just like drinking a cup of coffee.
3. Physical Benefits
On average, motorcyclists can burn up to 600 calories per hour, depending on the terrain and body size. Your body is working to maintain balance, keep you stable in the wind, and be flexible enough to maneuver. Riding a motorcycle can be likened to a low-impact sport. In addition to this, riding a motorcycle helps your posture and improves your core muscles in the long run.
Riding a motorcycle can bring the best of both worlds: the ability to ride alone, but also to be part of a larger group of motorcycle enthusiasts. Most avid motorcycle riders are part of a larger community, which can increase happiness and improve mental health.
