Expert Answers
The Health Benefits of Mountain Biking
Stephen's Question.
What are the specific health benefits of mountain biking? How does it compare with the workout you get from running?
Steve Jones's Answer.
Although I am no longer an active runner (unless it involves running to get my bike loaded, or an occasional basketball or soccer game), I used to run my share of miles each week.
Both biking and running are comparable in that they give a thorough aerobic workout. In other words, you breathe deep and fast with a corresponding heart rate increase. This aerobic workout releases endorphins, the"feel good" hormones that some people get so used to they become biking or running junkies, addicted to the sensation created by intense physical exertion.
In terms of keeping the body fit and healthy, this kind of activity is good; but in terms of maintaining a functional mental condition, it is not necessary for all people. Thomas Edison, for example, avoided exercise because he believed the body only a vehicle for carrying the brain around. It's hard to argue with the miraculous success he accomplished in his life, but I can't help but wonder that had Mr. Edison been a biker (or a runner), we would all be even better off today.
One other point related to the mental health benefits received from both biking and running: after completing a run or ride, one's sense of accomplishment ("You mean I rode 10 miles? Up that mountain?") generates a feeling of confidence that carries over into other, especially mental, activities. This is one reason why companies who value employee production, creativity and satisfaction promote participation in physical fitness programs.
There are some distinct health benefits derived from biking that surpass even those obtained from running. First of all, biking requires a thorough and more intense use of more muscle groups than does running. Despite the mistaken idea that biking involves primarily the use of leg muscles, anyone who has climbed a hill on a bike will tell you that it can be an extreme upper body workout: lower back, shoulders, arms, neck — they all get involved. Also, a descent works its own muscle groups. Hands gripping brake levers will ache after a particularly long and steep descent. And, somewhat surprisingly to the novice, a different set of leg muscles are used going downhill because of the need to stand on the pedals and take the weight off the seat.
Perhaps the biggest difference I have realized while biking, as contrasted to running, comes from the way my knees feel after a ride. As I get older, my knees wake up stiffer. When I ran more, my knees would be sore from the pounding taken with each step. Biking, on the other hand, puts very little pressure on knees if the seat is adjusted correctly. In fact, the very best thing I do now for my knees is biking. I have noticed that if I lay off a few days, my knees start to ache, especially in the morning. But if I bike regularly, my knees almost never ache at any time.
