Mountain biking
The average person can burn approximately 680 calories per hour during a moderate mountain bike ride, making it one of the best outdoor activities for losing weight, although this can vary massively depending on bike mass, terrain and the rider’s fitness.
But from increased strength to an improved immune system the physical health benefits of mountain biking are endless.
One of the things that makes mountain biking so beneficial is that it is a ‘green exercise’ meaning that it’s an activity that takes place in nature. Many health professionals regard green exercises as ‘nature’s medicine’ due to the double-dose of endorphins released by the physical activity combined with the feeling of being outdoors.
Additionally, being out in the open all day is a great source of vitamin D as bikers naturally soak up the sun. Although overexposure to sunlight is considered a risk, research shows that 86% of Europeans are actually Vitamin D deficient.
Vitamin D is important for your bones, skin and weight management, so mountain biking is a great way to increase your exposure to natural sunlight.
All that Vitamin D naturally increases your body’s melatonin levels. Melatonin is a vital hormone that is responsible for regulating your sleep cycle. Therefore mountain biking during the day can help to improve your sleep at night, resulting in lower stress levels and a positive impact on your mental health.
The Adventure Index campaign has discovered five great mountain biking circuits in the UK ranging from Edinburgh to Gwynedd.
