May is National Bike Riding Month and we thought it was a great time to bring attention to the many health benefits of this fun exercise. Most of us learned to ride a bike as a child which is why it’s one of the easiest ways for beginners to start exercising. 

The great thing about bike riding is that it doesn’t always feel like a workout, thanks to factors like changing scenery and fun destinations such as the local park or even a smoothie stop. Bikes are also available on just about any type of budget, which makes them more affordable than most exercise equipment. And if you have kids, bike riding is the perfect way to spend time together and get in your daily physical activity at the same time. Need more reasons why bike riding is good for your health? We’ve got at least 11 more physical and mental reasons to dust off your helmet and start riding today.

1. Weight management. Bike riding, especially high-intensity riding (which you can work your way up to over time if you’re a beginner) is a great cardio workout that lowers body fat.
2. Better sleep. Regular riding helps regulate your circadian rhythm and reduce cortisol and stress hormones that can affect your sleep.
3. Improved leg strength. Biking does wonders for your lower body and core muscles, including your leg muscles, without causing too much stress on the body. 
4. Core workout. Want to work your core muscles without situps and planks? Biking is the way to go.
5. Cardiac issue prevention. Biking, like other cardio exercises, helps improve your heart health.
6. Reduces stress and anxiety. Just 10 minutes of riding can instantly lower your stress levels.
7. Reduces depression. Biking releases endorphins, gets you outside in the sunshine which gives vitamin D that fights depression, and gives you a change of scenery which helps clear the mind. 
8. Improves balance, posture, and coordination. Are you a klutz? Bike riding could actually help with that! It’s been proven to strengthen your balance, posture, and coordination.
9. Improves memory. Bike riding helps rebuild hippocampus cells, the part of the brain that is responsible for memory recall. 
10. Improves creativity. It could be the endorphins. It could be nature and the great outdoors. We don’t know all the reasons behind it, but bike riding is the perfect muse.
11. Boosts productivity. Happiness, creativity, and plenty of energy are perfect ingredients for increasing productivity levels at work or home.