Such a big week for Southland with @burtmunrochallenge happening down in Invercargill. In alignment completely with the Men's Muster we host here in Fiordland in June, anything we think of that can bring blokes together with a positive communal goal is something worth celebrating, and the Burt Munro Challenge week definitely offers that and more for us. https://www.burtmunrochallenge.co.nz/
I often ask blokes when doing workshops, Who Rides? I feel that riding is a very focused and present activity, and those guys are normally pretty happy when I explain that if they are in that space when riding - it can count as a meditation practice.......awesome!!
And then I got to thinking, what other ways is riding a motorbike, like or good for Men's Health... Imagine men's health is like cruising on a motorbike – a bit of a wild ride but with some cool parallels:
Balance: Just like handling a bike requires staying upright, keeping a balance in your life is crucial. Don't let work, gym, booze or Netflix bingeing tip the scales too much in one direction.
Maintenance: Your health needs regular check-ups, just like a bike needs its oil changed. Visit the doc, get those check-ups, and sort out the lights on your dashboard before they turn into breakdowns.
Safety Gear: Bikers wear helmets; you should protect yourself too, avoid too many risky behaviours and take care of your mental health, to help you gear up against life's challenges.
Mindfulness: Riding a motorbike requires constant attention and awareness of your surroundings to navigate safely. In the same way, men should practice mindfulness and self-awareness to notice when stress, anxiety or regular "bad" habits are creeping in too often.
Skill Development: Just as motorbike riders improve their skills over time, men can develop better health habits by learning more about nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being. Continuous learning and self-improvement can lead to a much more satisfying ride.
Risk Management: Men need to be aware of the risks associated with their health, just as motorbike riders must be conscious of the potential dangers on the road. Understanding the risk factors related to men's health, such as heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues, can help in making informed decisions to minimize those risks.
Enjoying the Ride: Life's a journey; so is your health. Find joy in good food, great company, and whatever makes your heart rev like a high-powered engine.
Adaptability: Bikers shift gears; you should too. As life changes, adapt your habits and mindset. What worked at 20 might need tweaking at 40.
Remember, just like riding a motorbike, taking care of your health should have a bit of thrill and a lot of enjoyment. So, enjoy the ride, but keep it safe and well-tuned!
Sam McBride
Human Physiologist, Health and Mental Fitness Coach and Founder of Men's Muster Fiordland.