Biking puts you in a good mood. This is not just an empty phrase, but scientifically proven. The experience of nature slows down the stresses of everyday life. You disconnect from the outside world and surrender to the richest source of energy: nature.
It's similar with jogging. But fitness expert Lorenz Westner, who coaches trial star Danny MacAskill among others, knows why the bike is the best choice for beginners in particular. Unlike jogging, he says, the joints are not exposed to direct impact loads. The tyres, frame and chassis make even the roughest terrain easier.
But that's not all. Few other sports train the five criteria for a healthy body in such a balanced way as mountain biking: coordination, endurance, speed, strength and agility. Everything is required in equal measure. "If one or two of these skills are put to greater use, the others are often neglected," emphasises Westner, adding: "Off-road biking, on the other hand, involves constant changes in speed and exertion. Here, endurance, speed and strength are utilised in equal measure."
According to Westner, the upper body is then put under greater strain on the downhill run. Obstacles, curves and jumps also characterise coordination and agility. Lorenz Westner summarises what you need to look out for as a beginner, despite all the advantages of this great sport, in our 20-page special "Easy biking - everything for beginners".
The entire themed special "Einfach biken" from BIKE 4/2020 is available as a PDF for 3.99 euros in the download area below.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
You can find this article in BIKE 4/2020. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
Downloads:
Max Fuchs
Editor
