Lee Chimerakis: Brain, Body, and Bike
The Neurological Effects of Cycling
Whether you venture on a local excursion or travel up the picturesque mountainside of Mt. Ventoux, France, cycling is an exciting way to improve your overall well-being and physical health. Cycling has long been considered an effective form of exercise as it strengthens cardiovascular health, enhances coordination, and improves strength and joint mobility. However, recent studies have shown that cycling not only increases fitness but also has the potential to elevate brain function. As a result, those who integrate cycling into their routine develop sharper memory skills, higher concentration levels, and expanded problem-solving abilities. An avid cyclist, Lee Chimerakis understands the positive benefits of cycling, having traveled along some of the most challenging courses in the world. Lee has excellent coordination and will vouch for the range of cognitive efficiencies that accompany taking your bike out regularly. However, there is no need to travel to the scenic countryside of France, by simply averaging 30 minutes a day you can be on your way to total mind and body health.
Faster neural functioning, improved connectivity and enhanced cognitive ability, the side effects of daily cycling and a means of keeping your brain active. As we age our neural connections weaken, so it is important to improve the production of neurons. By cycling, you are producing new brain cells, alongside the addition of neurotransmitters which enable faster communication between cells and increased brain function. Likewise, aerobic exercises increase blood flow to the brain, supplying it with the oxygen and as a result can sharpen judgment and logical thinking. Lee Chimerakis claims that cycling has enabled him to maintain an active and balanced lifestyle without having to sacrifice cognitive ability.
Taking to cycling can also have an impact on mental well-being as it provides an amplitude of psychological benefits. Cycling has the potential to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as elevate your mood. Cycling also can prevent depression over an extended period as it increases the production of serotonin. By cycling outside you also receive the meditative and therapeutic benefits of being constantly surrounded by nature. Lee Chimerakis enjoys the outdoors having ventured to various countries to bike the trails.
Cycling has enabled Lee to not only maintain his health but also see the world from various points of view as he continues to mentally and physically challenge himself.
Why not hit the back roads and experience all that cycling has to offer your body and brain!