Today marks the end of El Lay’s Bike To Work Week, but that doesn’t mean you should stop the aerobic transportation method after today!
Between 2000 and 2009, the amount of Americans commuting by bike increased by 44%! Tons of celebs like Matthew McConaughey and Jamie Lee Curtis have taken up the hobby as well and their body’s are proving the benefits.
Riding a bike to work has a number of healthy benefits for your body, your spirit, and of course, our environment.
Several studies have shown that the concentration and quick decisions made while biking help keep your mind sharp and focused. A study from the University of Illinois and University of Pittsburgh found that physically fit participants performed 40 percent better on memory tests.
Biking to and from work will also decrease work-related stress and anxiety. Not only does the alone time give you time to reflect, but regular exercise at 60 to 90 percent of your maximum heart rate has shown to dramatically decrease anxiety.
Like getting high? No, seriously. Do you enjoy being high?
People who bike frequently arrive at their destination feeling high…off of life! Exercise increases your body’s production of endorphins, then sends them to the same parts of the brain that are activated when we fall in love. That’s a drug that is legal ANYWHERE!
Don’t worry about not getting to your destination in time either. If your traveling 5 miles or less by car, you’ll most likely arrive at the same time or even quicker (especially if you live in Los Angeles) by bike. Think about it. While you must still obey traffic laws, there’s NO TRAFFIC!
Don’t worry about being stinky and sweaty either. A recent survey found 85% of bikers don’t shower after reaching their destination. In fact, if you go at a reasonable pace in reasonable weather, you may not even break a sweat, but it’s not a bad idea to keep a change of clothes or a jar of baby wipes at the office in case you do.
We don’t know why, but suddenly…we want to go for a bike ride. See ya later! LOLz!
[Image via WENN.]