Fit Bones

The air filter in a motorcycle and the lungs of our body both serve as essential parts for the intake of air. In a motorcycle, the air filter prevents dust, dirt, and other particulate matter from entering the engine, ensuring that only clean air reaches the combustion chamber. Similarly, the human lungs act as biological filters, removing impurities and allergens from the air we breathe and of course, allowing oxygen to be absorbed into the bloodstream for vital bodily functions.

In a motorcycle, a clogged or dirty air filter can affect engine performance, reducing efficiency and potentially causing engine damage. Riding in dirty, dusty conditions will quickly clog up the air filter and the bike's performance will drop off. The human body is no different. Breathing in polluted air, smoking, vaping, infections and lack of physical activity can compromise lung function, affecting the body's ability to extract oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Our lungs will clog up and turn a nasty colour causing our physical fitness, endurance and performance levels (😉) to drop off. As with a bike, we also run the risk of engine damage.

The motorcycle has the advantage of being able to have its air filter removed, cleaned or replaced. (Cough, cough, we cannot do that to our lungs). Regular exercise in fresh air helps replenish and clean out our lungs. Avoiding pollutants and quitting smoking are good preventative measure too.

Take regular aerobic exercise in fresh air. Make those lungs work harder by practising good cardiovascular exercise. Cycling, fast walking, running, climbing a hill, in fact any exercise that gets your heart pumping more and you get your lungs panting for a bit more air.

Wear a mask if working or riding in a dirty, dusty environment. If you're riding off road, choose a helmet that lets you breathe comfortably and easily.

In addition to the above, you can help yourself further by taking the right type of ‘additives'.