Five hoverboard health benefits

Did you know that owning a hoverboard is good for you? Yes, it’s true. There are many health benefits to riding a hoverboard and here are a few of them:

• It encourages you to spend time outdoors – there is oodles of research that proves getting outdoors is good for your health. Doctors recommend that you spend at least 120 minutes a week outdoors and the more greenery that surrounds you, the better. Spending time outdoors is good for your heart, it can prevent obesity and there is even some evidence that suggests it decreases the likelihood of diabetes. It’s good for your mood too. Being outside reduces stress levels, boosts self-esteem and builds confidence.
• You learn a new skill – riding a hoverboard is something that needs to be learned as it is unlike any other mode of personal transportation. You have to get used to manoeuvring using your bodyweight. Learning a new skill is good for the brain. According to neuroscientist David Eagleman, it can even help prevent dementia and can slow down the aging process.
• It improves balance – you’ll notice that your sense of balance gets better as you learn to master hoverboard riding. It helps with proprioception, which is a term that refers to your brain’s perception of the movements and position of your body. You don’t think about it on a conscious level, but every time you move, nerves in the muscles fire messages to the brain, so that knows the position of every part of you in space.
• It strengthens core muscles – when you ride a hoverboard, you stand up straight and have to engage your core muscles. These are the mucles in the lower and upper body – they’re the muscles you work on if you want a six-pack. A strong core protects the back and improves posture. Strong core muscles also help prevent injury.
• It sharpens reflexes – you are never still when riding a hoverboard as you are constantly shifting your bodyweight. You have to learn how much weight to apply to the feet as you move backwards and forwards, left and right – too much and you might go flying. Over time, your reflexes improve and riding the hoverboard feels like second nature.
• It encourages focus – most hoverboard accidents occur when riders take their eye on the ball. To ride safety, you have to concentrate 100% of the time in order to stay standing and avoid obstacles.
• It burns calories – to the untrained eye, it might look as if the average hoverboard rider isn’t really doing much, but it is actually a really good body workout and can burn up to 300 calories – which is a bar of chocolate or a small slice of pizza.
• It’s adventurous – a sense of adventure is good for you. A hoverboard encourages you to explore. Seeking out new places can leave you feeling happier and increase self-esteem. You’ll make new memories and there are social benefits too if you go out riding with friends.