Riding an Electric Bike Has Health Benefits — Find Out What They Are
Riding an electric bicycle (e-bike) can positively impact one’s health and well-being—similar to riding a traditional bicycle—but these benefits would mostly be underestimated since it has a motor that assists the rider when pedaling. Sure, riding an e-bike may not require as much force as one exerts with a regular bike, but you may still level up your game to align it with your health goals. Any physical activity such as riding an e-bike is equally beneficial for the body as much as any other exercises.
This article may give you a little bit of an insight how an electric bike can help improve our overall health:
Cardiovascular Benefits
Cycling is a way to strengthen your heart and lungs while improving blood circulation. It keeps your heart pumping, a fact that does not change even with an electric bike. Riding it is also not as strenuous as it is with riding a classic one because you can rely on the bike’s Pedal Assist System (PAS) or its throttle-only mode (if available) to avoid exhaustion. Although an e-bike only burns as many calories as a walking exercise, you may still opt to ride on uneven terrain, use leg or arm weights, and increase speed to add complexity and raise your heart rate a bit more.
A Form of Low-Impact Exercise
Riding a bike is kinder to your bones and joints compared to other forms of exercise. It involved controlled and fluid movements with regular frequency. It also incorporates muscle groups, which cause less wear and tear on bones and joints. Since it is a low-impact exercise, it is beginner-friendly and a good starting point for anyone’s fitness journey.
Resistance Training
Even though not typically, pushing a bike’s pedal is considered resistance training with high repetition for the bottom half of the body. The muscle developed during this is enough to tone your body but not too much, which prevents you from bulking unintentionally.
Lowers Stress Levels
Cycling releases endorphins, commonly known as the “feel-good” hormones, which aid in relaxation, anxiety, and mood. We face life as it is everyday and there are days that can be too overwhelming. Riding an e-bike can be an outlet to let loose and manage stress.
Improved Vitamin D intake
Residents from Canada do not usually get enough Vitamin D, so an outdoor activity like riding an e-bike may encourage you to go get your daily dose of Vitamin D. This vitamin helps regulate mood, supports heart health, aid weight loss, and increases immunity.
Increased Brain Function
Cycling is known to be a form of physical activity that enhances our body, but cycling has always been impactful to mental health as well. It has numerous benefits in terms of brain function. It improves mood, well-being, sleep patterns, creative thinking, and memory. Cycling is an excellent way to keep your mind and body healthy.
Strengthened Core
Cycling requires stability and balance, which engages the core. Incorporating a bike into your daily routine will strengthen your core. The midsection muscles—the abdominal, lower back, and oblique muscles—are usually used in cycling while utilizing the rest of your body. A strong core is essential in preventing injuries as it reinforces form and helps balance.
Consistency
Riding an electric bicycle is much easier than riding a regular bike — Allowing you to ease into the routine and consistently incorporate the bicycle into your daily habits. The user can use the pedal assist or the throttle mode anytime during the ride. The consistent habit of using the bike will help you exercise without even realizing it.
Active Recovery Day
No matter how athletic a person may be, there should always be an active recovery day after an intense workout week. On this recovery day, it is advised to maintain your heart rate at around 30-60% of its maximum. Since cycling is a low-impact exercise, it is perfect for an active rest day.
Rehabilitation
Cycling is a reliable form of activity when dealing with injuries due to its mental and physical benefits. It has minimal impact on bones, improves joint health, assists mobility, and facilitates recovery. So, whether you are using the bike for commuting or someone recovering from injury, using an e-Bike with pedal assist, you would not risk aggravating your injuries.
