You might have gotten here by searching for a “single wheel cycle” but it’s actually called a unicycle, so let’s get that out of the way.
But, if you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits of learning to ride on and summiting that peak, here are some of the best of them.
- Because it’s hard.
This one is self explanatory. To somewhat quote JFK, we do things not because they are easy, but because they are hard, and given the nature of a unicycle it is way harder to learn to ride one than it is to learn to ride a bike.
- Because it’s good crossover training for other athletic activities.
Unicycling builds core strength (and all strength, really) which makes it great crossover training for many other types of sports including but not limited to surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding, and other activities.
- It will help you maintain flexibility and balance.
A sense of balance is in many ways like a muscle even though it is a little more abstract. As a result, if you don’t use it, you lose it. Unicycling will help improve your sense of balance by keeping you using it. The same thing goes for flexibility which unicycling will also help you improve.
- It’s a neuroplastic exercise.
Engaging in truly new activities is very important for the brain, and it helps develop new neural circuits. This concept is referred to as neuroplasticity and it suggests that even a fully formed brain can develop new circuits that enable new skills to be learned effectively, and to change how the brain works.
- It can hone critical thinking.
Learning to ride a single wheel cycle is a new skill and will challenge you in ways even other similar skills won’t. For instance, you will need to learn to respond quickly to changes on the surface on which you are riding to keep in the saddle, which in turn can hone critical thinking.
- It’s rewarding.
Learning to ride a unicycle is another skill to put under your belt, and like any other skill, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment.
- It’ll keep your hands free.
Not to be excessively glib, but you can’t do your shopping or walk your dog from the saddle of a bike, at least not easily.
- Single wheel cycles are small-space-appropriate.
If you don’t have a lot of space, but still like cycling sports, a unicycle might be the best bet. They are more compact generally than bikes and most can fit in even a small closet.
Where to Start the Journey of Learning to Ride a Single Wheel Cycle
If you’re definitely interested in learning how to ride a single wheel cycle, visit Unicycle.com. They carry a wide range of beginner unicycles, as well as mountain and commuting unicycles, along with safety gear, tools, parts and everything else you need to learn how to ride. Visit their website and get in touch with them if you have any questions before you get started.
