BMX riding, in all its forms, is not only a fun way of passing the time; it can also significantly benefit physical fitness.

Racing BMX, for example, whereby participants compete for speed over a specially created dirt track can lead to improved stamina, a keener balance, and improved muscular strength, particularly where the legs are concerned. Being a family-oriented sport, racing BMX is in fact the main discipline in which adults tend to compete to the same degree as children.

Dirt jump BMX, or trail riding BMX, can produce similar muscular and cardio-vascular benefits to racing BMX. In dirt jump BMX there is less emphasis on speed but more on navigating extreme off-road obstacles through sharp climbs and sudden leaps.
Freestyle BMX on the other hand tends to focus on muscular strength, balance and agility, with stamina also a keen ingredient.

In the sub-discipline of Street, for example, the rider will practice continually until he or she has the strength and balance to glide along an item such as a narrow railing (or more precisely ‘grind’ along the railing using stunt pegs that are attached to the sides of the wheels).

In Park and Vert, there is an emphasis on intense practice until one can leap off steep concrete slopes whilst performing tricks such as spinning round on the large, high-rise handlebars of a typical freestyle bike. Again, balance is important, as is agility and a certain degree of stamina.

Flatland riders take part in arguably the hardest BMX activity, performing complex balancing tricks with their bikes, the rider’s strength, balance and agility again to the fore.

Of course, gaining in physical fitness could be undone were a BMX rider to have an accident, so wearing protective gear including the correct helmet is a must.
Whatever tempts you in BMX, at bmx.co.uk we can advise on the most suitable bike and safety gear.