Regular aerobic exercise is going to keep you fit and healthy. It strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep, and can help with weight loss.
The problem is that some repetitive cardio workouts can be a little boring. So how can you keep your mind more stimulated and get the amount of exercise you need? Read on to find out why an eBike could be the solution.
Cardio Exercise Improves Your Mood
Any aerobic exercise is beneficial, partly because it causes a release of endorphins. These are the hormones that inhibit pain and can make you feel good. They can also help those suffering from depressive illness.
Let’s start by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of both eBikes and treadmills.
The Pros and Cons of eBikes
Pros:
- Improve flexibility of leg muscles and ligaments
- Reduce pressure on the lower back
- Increase inhalation of lots of fresh air
- Can improve mindfulness and relaxation
- Are more engaging and less monotonous
- Give you extra help when you most need it
Cons:
- Are likely to burn fewer calories compared to other workouts of similar intensity
- Bad weather might cause discomfort
The Pros and Cons of Treadmills
Pros:
- Burn more calories than other cardio exercises
- Offer a range of work out plans and programs
- Are easier on knee joints than running outside
Cons:
- Mean a lack of inhalation of fresh air
- Are very monotonous
- Put pressure on the lower back area
- Make it easier to miss footing and fall
eBikes and Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness has many key benefits. These include:
- Relieving stress,
- Lowering blood pressure
- Better sleep
- Improving mental health
Doctors prescribe mindfulness courses as an alternative to traditional types of medicine. eBikes offer you a great opportunity to put mindfulness into practice.
When you ride a bike, you have to be fully aware of your surroundings in order to stay safe. Being mindful helps you maintain focus. In the great outdoors, you’ll get to experience the beauty of nature and enjoy the moment you are present in.
You should focus on your breathing while cycling. Try to take slow, deep breaths rather than breathing at a quicker pace. You can even synchronize your breathing with the rhythm of your pedaling.
Be aware of how your breath changes when you change the speed of your bike.
Enjoy the Benefits of Being Out in the Fresh Air
The air we breathe indoors sometimes has a suboptimal balance of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. This is particularly true when we exercise in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.
Fresh air generally has higher levels of oxygen and lower levels of pollution. Getting more oxygen leads to the blood vessels in your lungs dilate. This improves cleaning and tissue repair inside the lung area.
When your lungs take in more fresh air, your oxygen levels will increase. This means more of it gets to your brain, helping you to feel energized. It will also improve your ability to concentrate and remember things.
Increase Your Vitamin D Intake
You may have heard Vitamin D referred to as the sunshine vitamin. It plays a vital role in our overall health by promoting healthy bones and supporting the immune system.
It helps to control the quantities of calcium and phosphate in the body. We need these to keep bones, teeth, and muscles in good condition.
When you’re outside on an eBike, you’re going to increase your vitamin D intake compared to exercising indoors on a treadmill.
Burning Off Calories
It is true that minute for minute, you are likely to burn up more calories during a workout on a treadmill. This is mainly related to the position of your body.
On an eBike, the seat acts as a support for your weight. When you run, you are carrying all your weight and propelling your body forwards. You will also experience less movement of your upper body on an eBike.
eBikes Could Mean You Could Exercise for Longer
Although you may burn more calories on a treadmill, you could find you are more likely to spend longer exercising on an eBike.
That’s because you’ll put less pressure on your joints and therefore feel more comfortable for longer. It’s also because you’ll have a more interesting workout.
In the end, you may find you actually burn up more calories on an eBike. That’s because you prefer spending longer on it compared to the time you would spend on a treadmill.
Impact on Your Joints
If you run correctly, you are more likely to mitigate the impact of running on your knees and other joints. The problem is that most of us develop bad habits which are difficult to kick.
Using an eBike reduces the constant impact on your joints that occurs when you run. If you are carrying a little bit of extra weight, riding an eBike could be a better option than pounding a treadmill.
Using an eBike to get from one place to another also gives your exercise some extra purpose. That means you are more likely to stick with it.
Choose an eBike for Added Health Benefits
eBikes and treadmills give you excellent, vigorous aerobic exercise. They can be very effective in helping you to shift the pounds.
There’s no guarantee that the sun will always shine but the outdoor health benefits of an eBike are many. You’re also less likely to damage your joints because of the lower impact. Click here to find more useful tips for a healthier lifestyle.