Dr. Raymond Malapero, MD MPH, is a board-certified anesthesiologist with an outstanding track record of practice. Dr. Malapero completed his anesthesiology residency and adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship at Harvard University – Brigham & Women’s Hospital. Besides his American Board of Anesthesiology and National Board of Echocardiography certifications, Raymond also holds active medical licenses in Massachusetts and New Jersey. In the perioperative period, Dr. Malapero is primarily concerned with patient wellness and safety. He recently shared with me his love of mountain biking and the surprising reasons that it is a great exercise for your body and mind.
1 Mountain Biking is an excellent cardiovascular exercise
Mountain biking is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health. The combination of pedaling, elevation change, and steering makes mountain biking a more intense workout than riding a bike on level ground. You can burn up to 500 calories per hour while mountain biking, making it an excellent way to lose weight or stay in shape.
2 Mountain Biking for healthy blood pressure
Mountain biking can also help lower blood pressure. By getting your heart rate up and improving your cardiovascular health, mountain biking can help reduce the risk of hypertension. And, if you already have hypertension, mountain biking can help your cardiovascular health through cardiac conditioning.
3 Mountain Biking increases stamina
Mountain biking is a great way to increase your stamina. The combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercise makes mountain biking a great way to improve your overall fitness level and increase blood delivery to your muscles.
4 Mountain Biking is great for mental health
Mountain biking can be great for your mental health. The fresh air, natural scenery, and physical activity can all help reduce stress levels and improve your mood.
5 Mountain Biking is good for joint pain
Mountain biking can be beneficial for people with joint pain. The motion of pedaling is less impact on joints than running, which can help reduce pain in the joints. Just make sure to protect your joints with knee and elbow pads with more technical mountain biking.
6 Mountain Biking prevents osteoporosis
Mountain biking can also help prevent osteoporosis. The weight-bearing exercise involved in mountain biking can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of developing the condition.
7 Mountain Biking prevents diabetes
Mountain biking can help prevent diabetes. The aerobic exercise involved in mountain biking can help improve insulin sensitivity, help with weight loss, and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
8 Mountain Biking is great for your brain
Mountain biking can also be great for your brain. The physical activity involved in mountain biking can help increase blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function.
9 Mountain biking is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature
Mountain biking is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature. The physical activity can be enjoyable and relaxing. Also, spending time outdoors can improve your mood and help reduce stress levels.
10 Mountain biking is a great way to spend time with friends and family
Mountain biking can be a great way to spend time with friends and family. The physical activity involved in mountain biking can be enjoyable for a wide range of ages, and it can be a great way to get out and explore new areas.
As you can see, there are many reasons why mountain biking is great for your mind and body. If you are looking for a fun, healthy, and rewarding exercise, then mountain biking is definitely the activity for you!
Things to keep in mind
Mountain Biking may not be for everyone and can be dangerous. If you are new to mountain biking, be sure to start out on easy trails before working your way up, wear appropriate safety gear, and always wear a helmet. Drink plenty of water while mountain biking to stay hydrated. Lastly, Dr. Raymond Malapero encourages any who are interested in starting a new form of exercise, to seek advice from their primary care doctor, first. Likewise, pregnant women should take great caution while taking part in the sport and should only do so with the permission of their doctor.
