Most people who have already tried mountain bike riding before don’t need much of a push to take it up as a full-time hobby. The reason for this is that riding a bike on a regular basis through beautiful scenery and great locations is fun, exciting, and a great way to get fit without the same soul-sucking experience that some other workouts provide.

For many mountain bikers, the bike is more than just a wonderful way to get outdoors - it's a way of life, and something they couldn't possibly imagine living without. What's more, if you suffer from weak calves and often find yourself turning to calf muscle compression for support during runs and workouts, then switching to a bike-based activity could deliver the strength you need.

Following, we'll look at some of the reasons why you should consider strengthening your legs with mountain biking, as well as the various other benefits this sport can provide.

1.    It's an Incredible Workout

If you've ever noticed the chiseled calf muscles on pro cyclists - then you should have an idea of the kind of impact mountain biking can have on leg strength. Deciding to strengthen your legs with mountain biking can mean that you instantly discover a quick, and effective way to tone your leg musculature - without the pounding repetition of running.

Since you need to use your calves to create the downward thrusts used every time you pedal, it makes sense that a regular cycling routine would gradually build the strength in your lower leg muscles, as well as your thighs and hips. Just remember, if you want to avoid injury, you'll need to spend a few minutes warming up before you try and tackle some serious hill-inclines and fast pedaling. What's more, at the end of your workout, use your calf muscle compression to promote quick recovery and healing.

2.    You Get to Experience Nature

If you're looking for a beautiful and uplifting way to exercise, then choosing to strengthen your legs with mountain biking could be the ideal solution. After all, there are few training plans out there that will help you to get as close to nature as a mountain biking experience.

Wherever you live, and wherever you travel, you'll often find that the world is brimming with stunning scenery and pre-made tracks specifically created for the modern biker. Even if you're just looking for a way to wind down after a long day at work, grabbing your bike and heading to the hills could lead to some of the most profound experiences of your life.

3.    Cycling is Therapeutic

If you've had a particularly rough day, cycling can be a great way to reduce your feelings of stress and improve your overall emotional state. Many people who have taken up mountain biking believe that it offers them a positive outlet when they feel like they need to blow off steam - particularly when they have an extremely challenging route in mind.

Pushing your body to achieve something, focusing your mind on an end goal, and allowing your heart to work at pumping all that adrenaline through your system is a fantastic way to overcome personal and professional problems. Plus, it's better for your body than lying on a couch and talking about your problems.

4.    You Get an Adventure

By its very nature, mountain biking is an adventurous sport. You get to explore new routes that you've never seen before, find hidden away nooks in nature, and take risks that you would never have dreamed of in any other sport.

Sure, you can encounter some great experiences during a long-distance run, or jog - but the chances are that when you choose to strengthen your legs with mountain biking, you'll find yourself cultivating some far more exciting stories to share with your friends and relatives.

5.    You'll Learn how to Meditate

When you're mountain biking, you can leave your gadgets behind and focus on the experience of simply riding and taking in nature. In other words, you'll be able to finally live in the moment.

Although your mind will occasionally stray and start thinking about what you need to do to finish a project at work next week, or how much housework needs to be finished by the end of the day, the chances are that you'll be mostly focused. Mountain biking encourages the experience of the "here and now" more than mindless running on a treadmill.

6.    You'll Explore New Places

Travelling via mountain bike opens up a world of new opportunities for exploring different locations and getting access to remote places that you never would have been able to see from the front seat of a car. Wherever you find yourself in the world, the chances are that you're not too far from a hidden track that's perfect for your bike.

7.    Meet New People

Mountain bikers are a great group of people, and the more you get into the hobby, the more likely you are to get involved with groups and other avid fans in your area. Not only will this introduce you to new places to cycle, but it'll also give you a great opportunity to expand your social circle with like-minded people.

8.    Rejuvenate the Mind

Studies have shown that a 20-minute dose of fresh air in the great outdoors promotes a sense of rejuvenation and vitality similar to drinking a cup of coffee. So just imagine what two hours on your bike could do for your sense of inner harmony and happiness.

Just as your calf muscle compression could help you to rejuvenate your leg muscles, a quick bout of exercise on your trusty bike could refresh your mind in time for a new day.

9.    Learn Self-Sufficiency

In a world that seems to run on convenience and comfort, there's something satisfying about having to rely upon your skills and education to get across a particularly difficult cycling route. What's more, learning how to be more self-sufficient through mountain biking could also help you feel more confident at tackling future problems.

Plus, since you've chosen to strengthen your legs with mountain biking, you'll often find that you have more energy, and less trouble managing physical feats than before.

10.  Improve Your Confidence

Finally, the sensation of making a monster climb, balancing across a narrow bridge, or getting down a technical descent is one that's bound to fill you with incredible confidence. Most mountain bikers find heaps of challenges and personal goals to accomplish, so you'll always discover new ways to push your limits and improve your self-esteem.