Are you a beginner that’s asked the question “Is riding a dirt bike exercise?”.
Whether you’re to trying to convince a friend or you just want to learn more about riding a dirt bike, I’m going to answer that question in this article. I’m also going to cover the top benefits why you should riding a dirt bike, and some practical steps to get started the right way.
Does riding a dirt bike count as exercise?
Yes, riding a dirt bike definitely counts as exercise, unlike what many people may think. You don’t “just sit there and twist the throttle”.
Riding a dirt bike is a lot harder than you think when it comes to physical strength as well as mental strength.
Of course, if you’re just riding up and down the street then almost anyone can do that.
The real challenge is getting on single-track trails. It takes your whole body to be able to keep the bike in control.
Does that mean you need to be strong to ride a dirt bike on the trails? Nope – you just have to learn the proper techniques, which will allow you to use much less energy while staying in control.
Can you lose weight from riding a dirt bike?
While your diet is most important to your weight, you can lose weight from riding a dirt bike. Whether you’re just a casual rider or a professional racer, riding a dirt bike burns calories.
Hanging onto and muscling a dirt bike takes strength. If you just try to stay standing while riding a trail loop for 15 minutes, you’ll probably be exhausted.
Keeping the bike balanced, staying on the bike, and holding yourself up to absorb the g-forces of riding can be extremely tiring, especially if you’re not used to doing it or have poor riding technique.
Is riding a dirt bike easy?
Yes, riding a dirt bike is actually pretty easy with some proper training. But, riding a dirt bike on challenging trails with confidence and control is difficult.
Keeping the bike balanced, using the clutch and throttle to get proper traction, having good brake control to slow down, and the list goes on to be able to ride a dirt bike with skill.
That’s why it’s so important to learn all of the basic techniques – doing so will make learning to ride super fun and you’ll become a much better rider in less time than if you just buy the best and fastest dirt bike.
What muscles are used when riding a dirt bike?
Virtually every muscle is used when you ride a dirt bike. From your hands all the way up to your head, it takes your whole body to stay in control.
Your feet control the balance, as well as your legs and core. Your arms hang onto the 250lb machine that is bouncing off the rocks, logs, and bumps.
What are the benefits of riding a dirt bike?
There are so many benefits and reasons to ride a dirt bike. Not only is it good for your physical health, but it’s good for your mental health as well.
These are the top benefits and reasons why you should ride a dirt bike:
- Builds your physical strength
- Builds your mental strength
- Relieves stress
- A new challenge
- See New Places
Is riding a dirt bike like riding a motorcycle?
Riding a dirt bike is similar to riding a motorcycle on the road, but there’s so many little differences that you can’t quite compare them. What does that mean?
Riding a dirt bike off-road requires many different techniques to stay in control because you’re riding on terrain (dirt) that’s always changing (bumps & elevation).
Riding a motorcycle on the street has its own challenges and requires amazing skills to be fast, but riding in the dirt can be more challenging because you never have 100% traction.
Riding a street bike vs dirt bike
Why is this important?
Because if you’ve been riding on the road for 20 or 30 years, transitioning to a dirt bike will most likely be harder than you think.
Your technique and body position will be contrary to what you’re used to, and having your tires slide around on the ground is a normal thing.
This is why I always recommend starting on a dirt bike before a street bike.
But, if you’re used to riding a motorcycle, you just have to take it one step at a time, and that’s why I’m here to help you build your confidence faster!
How to quickly build your confidence riding a dirt bike
Many new riders make the mistake of learning how to ride on their own. This causes them to make poor habits with their technique that results in more crashes that can lead to injury.
I want to show you the basic techniques to ride with control so that you don’t go too fast too soon and get hurt. Click here to get started with my free basic technique guide.