SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) Whether rediscovering the joy of riding a bike or taking a ride for the first time, cycling saw a boom during the pandemic, and many believe this trend is here to stay.

May brings warm weather, sunshine and flowers, as well as the celebration of National Bike Month - an excellent time to recognize the many benefits of this healthy habit, and outfit yourself with everything you need to embrace your inner adventurer. To help celebrate the month, Huffy Bicycles is offering the following tips and insights to get you moving this month and beyond.

Recognize the Benefits

Bicycling is a heart-healthy cardiovascular exercise that strengthens your lower body, yet is low-impact on joints, making it a terrific workout for adults of all ages, as well as kids and families. It’s also great for the mind, and has been shown in studies to boost mood and improve cognitive function. But the benefits extend beyond the individual. Biking as a substitute for driving a car is good for the planet and your local community, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants and improving traffic congestion.

Find Time to Bike

Changing or creating a single habit can have unexpected and wide-reaching effects. Even with a jam-packed schedule, you can establish the habit of biking by seamlessly incorporating it into your current routine. Here are a few ideas for doing so:

• Pick one to two days a week to commute to work by bike.

• Swap out sedentary activities you do to unwind with your family, such as watching TV, with bike rides.

• Are weekends the time you spend connecting with friends? Suggest your next meet-up start with a bike ride.

• Whether you’re a runner, swimmer or love working out at home, swap at least one workout a week with cycling. Cross training emphasizes different muscle groups and helps build out a more well-rounded fitness routine.

Go Electric

Electric bikes are great alternatives for all adult riders, no matter your level of experience. An e-bike helps you get back on a bike if it’s been a while since your last ride, if you have physical limitations that make riding a standard bike difficult, or if you want to keep up on a ride with more experienced friends. The pedal-powered boost can also provide a less intense alternative to traditional biking, especially for those looking to commute without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s to ease back into biking or you just want a cool bike, the e-bike offers the same joys as a conventional bike ride with a bit of a kick.

Get Equipped

Consider a one-stop brand, such as Huffy Bicycles to ensure each member of your family is equipped with the bike that best meets their needs. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker in need of a tough, durable mountain or gravel bike, or a day tripper seeking a cruiser or comfort bike, Huffy offers a range of models in every style. They have tricycles, bicycles, scooters and battery-powered ride-ons for kids of all ages, from those still experimenting with foot-to-floor and first-bike fun, to active kids seeking adventure. Finally, if you’re an RV-er or plan to regularly commute by bike, they also offer fun-to-ride electric bikes that make it easy to ride more miles and power up hills. For more information, visit www.huffy.com.

This National Bike Month, pave the way for a healthy habit you and your family can enjoy together for years to come.

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