For many, riding a two-wheeler is one of the riskiest things to do. Riding a bike is considered to be more dangerous than driving a car, as you are not only exposed to the harsh surroundings but also have little protection, in the event of an unfortunate accident. This blog discusses the health benefits of riding a motorcycle, why learning to ride is a great lifestyle skill, and the precautions you need to follow whenever you take your bike out on the road.
Why should you learn to ride a motorcycle?
Most riders ride because they love the feeling of freedom and the joy that comes with it, while others merely ride to meet their commuting requirements. There is also the element of bike riding being mentally demanding, as you need to have a high level of focus and alertness in order to react quickly towards anything that may happen on the road.
Benefits of riding a motorcycle
No matter what the reason, there are several health benefits that two-wheeler riding offers.
Let's take a look at some of the benefits of riding a bike-
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Helps You Shed Those Kilos Overtime
Motorcycles are heavy machines. Riders have to use their bodies to balance and steer their bikes safely and steadily. The more rugged the terrain, the more effort the rider needs to put in. Riding a bike also impacts your body chemistry by increasing your insulin sensitivity. This tells your body to store less fat and improves metabolism. What can be a better workout than a refreshing ride to lose the calories?
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Improves Core Strength and Stability
Riding improves your core strength. How? You ask. The rider is forced to remain upright while riding, which in turn, develops your core muscles. Add the wind factor to this equation, and you’re all set for a great proverbial workout session. Maintaining your posture is a low-impact exercise that improves muscle tone and improves overall body stability.
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Helps in Strengthening Your Neck
In this age of smartphones and white collar jobs, neck muscles are being strained to never-before levels. There are many people who are experiencing problem with their necks, especially due to mobile phone addiction. Guess what? Riding your bike can act as therapy for your neck. Just ensure that you don’t have to crane your neck or strain your back to ride your bike. You should be comfortably seated in an upright position while riding.
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Helps Build Stronger Legs
Riders develop strong leg muscles over time. This is because riding demands work from the knees and thighs. Regular riding is a great way of exercising these muscles without stressing them too much. Light workout combined with regular riding can develop key leg muscles while simultaneously eliminating any pain points. No more doing painful deadlifting in the gym!
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Improves Mental Health
Health is not only limited to physical well-being, mental-health is just as important. Riding gives you an endorphin boost, which elevates your mood and makes you feel good and happy. Your weekend ride also increases your energy levels as well as your mental outlook.
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Makes You Smarter
Navigating a motorcycle requires as much mental as physical work. The prefrontal part of the brain works hard to establish a higher level of concentration while riding a bike. The constant mental stimulation and perception required in safely riding a bike on an open road and making split-second judgments improves cognitive functions. So regularly ride your bike to give yourself more brain power.
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Makes You Feel Happier and More Connected to the World Around You!
Adrenaline, a chemical produced by the brain (also known as the fight or flight hormone), creates a feeling of happiness and fulfilment. Pacing on an open road, watching the landscape fly by and feeling the breeze can give you an adrenaline boost like no other. The sense of adventure brings with it a huge dose of confidence. Bikers also feel more connected to their surroundings in ways that are hard to articulate but easy to feel. In other words, motorcycling helps you find your Zen.
These are just some of the benefits that a rider enjoys while riding his bike. So, while most may pursue riding for fun and the freedom it provides, they inadvertently end up improving their physical and mental wellbeing.
Precautions to take while riding motorcycle
While there are several benefits of riding a bike, you need to keep a few precautions in mind-
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Wear Protective Gear
Safety gear is essential in case of an accident. Always wear a well-fitted helmet that meets safety standards in order to reduce the risk of head injuries. In addition to a helmet, wear padded jackets, gloves, knee guards, and appropriate footwear. These will protect your body from road rash and other injuries during a fall.
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Stay Visible
Riders are more vulnerable on the road, especially in heavy traffic or poor visibility conditions. Wearing high-visibility clothing or reflective gear can make a difference in ensuring that other drivers see you. Always use your headlights, even during the day, to make yourself visible to others.
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Practice Defensive Riding
Motorcycle riders must be alert to the movements of other drivers. Maintain some distance from other vehicles on the road, watch for sudden lane changes, and avoid blind spots. Be extra cautious around intersections, where accidents are more likely to occur.
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Maintain Your Motorcycle
Regular maintenance along with timely repairs are vital for ensuring the safety of your bike. Before each ride, check the tire pressure, oil levels, brakes, and lights. A well-maintained motorcycle is less prone to break down or cause accidents.
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Be Aware of Weather Conditions
Weather conditions play a significant role in your safety on the road. Wet roads, ice, and strong winds can reduce your bike’s stability and increase the risk of accidents. Avoid riding in extreme weather conditions; always check the forecast before heading out.
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Avoid Riding Under the Influence
It is not advisable to ride a bike under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that impair your judgment. Riding a bike requires full concentration, and even small lapses in focus can have serious consequences.
Conclusion
Riding a two-wheeler can be pretty risky too as you are exposed to the surrounding and have little protection. Wearing proper protective gear and practicing safe riding will keep you safe. Taking out two-wheeler insurance before setting out for your ride will add to your peace of mind, as you know that your bike is insured from any untoward incidents that may happen while on the road. Compare the different options such as comprehensive bike insurance and add-ons available to choose the best protection for your rides.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.