“It’s as easy as riding a bike!” This familiar phrase rings very true. You can never quite forget how to ride a bike. Whether you’re a pro or you haven’t ridden in years, biking is an easy and fun way to get active this summer. It’s incredibly easy, even if you haven’t so much as sat on your bike in years. Trust me, I got on for the first time in five years and managed somehow to bike 10 miles (very slowly) in one night. The health benefits and personal gains that accompany this fun activity will make you want to dust off the old bike and go for a ride, too!

1. Get out there

Another winter has come and gone, and the weather is getting warmer. Get out there! Fresh air in itself is a great health benefit, and it’s a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful day!

2. Decrease your stress levels

It’s that time of year again. Whether you’re finishing up final exams, studying, working, or just dealing with everyday life, chances are that you’re feeling under some form of pressure. Exercising is one way of decreasing those levels of stress. Biking gives you the time to clear your head.

3. Low-impact exercise

If you’re anything like me, an excess of walking or running makes your knees ache terribly. Thankfully, biking is a low-impact exercise, and takes a majority of pressure off joints, allowing you to push yourself further without those aches and pains setting in too soon.

4. It builds body strength

Do you want strong legs? Do you want better stamina? Look no further. Regular biking, especially on an incline, can build up muscle and stamina. Any cyclist knows well that burning sensation in their thighs as they make their way up those hills.

5. It's exhilarating

Ah, yes. Notably the best part of bike riding is that moment when you’ve made your way to the top of the incline only to see it all downhill from there. The slow start turns quickly into a rush of wind through your hair, and it’s all done so effortlessly. It’s exhilarating and an instant reward.

6. It's a gas saver

You’ve no doubt heard this one before. Bicycling saves gas. Bike to the library, the ice cream shop, your friend’s house, or even to work or school, if possible. It saves you the ever-rising price of gas, and it builds up your health and strength at the same time! It’s a win-win situation.

7. Get heart healthy

Regular bicycling builds up lung and heart strength, reducing the risks of stroke and heart disease!

8. It's fun!

Go with a friend! Go get ice cream together. Go race each other. There’s nothing quite like a friendly competition. Or, you can time yourself and compete against your own time. This can help you to set goals and accomplish them.

9. Better than running for weight loss

If it’s your goal to lose a few pounds, biking is a better option for your body than running. As you are running think of all that force going through your body each time your foot hits the ground. Cycling is better than running for weight loss as it is gentler on your joints! The saddle takes that force instead of your joints and bones. You’re also able to burn those calories without as much effort.

10. Runner's High

Yes, you can still get a runner’s high from cycling! Allowing yourself to clear your head and deal with stress by exercising releases those endorphins, giving you that extra boost of happiness!

So, get out there! Dust off that old bike and have a safe and fun summer!