Let’s start with the fact that the physical benefits of cycling are actually widely documented. Virtually, all exercises are highly beneficial for our overall health condition. Yet there are some exercises especially great for our mental health. A lot of studies have proved that the mix of workout and fresh air is a magic combination for both mental and physical health. Moreover, a study by Cycleplan stated that 75% of people who took up cycling experienced an improvement in their mental health. 8% of them even noticed that cycling helped them to deal with depression and anxiety.
Each person starts cycling with a different goal behind: somebody wants to lose weight, somebody to improve their fitness or endurance level, and somebody even to build muscles. Yea, you can build muscles when cycling! The most pleasant thing is that cycling is really easily accessible. If you don’t have your own bike, rent it anywhere or borrow it from a friend.
It’s super easy and convenient — definitely better than public transport full of sweaty passengers haha. If you’re a city dweller, don’t even hesitate to take up this sport. And we have prepared a list of mental benefits you can reap when conquering this two-wheel monster.
As mentioned before, cycling reduces stress and depression. Pedaling is a powerful way to keep daily stress at bay. Due to work duties and a looot of other factors, the level of cortisol in our bodies can significantly elevate. Riding a bike helps you to escape from your thoughts and enjoy the beauty of the moment. When relaxing, cortisol decreases, and you can finally breathe out.
You practice mindfulness when cycling. Mindfulness means being able to be completely engaged with what you’re doing at this moment, to feel this moment. You know that the only moment that really exists is now? When cycling, you focus on your legs, the amount of effort you need to roll the pedals, on your breath, on yourself. An amazing practice that can be even better than a meditation course.
Biking improves your memory and trains your brain. The process of cycling helps to build new cells that are responsible for your memory. It also may sound hokey at first, yet biking can grow your brain in the same way as muscles. The blood flow increases, conveying more oxygen and nutrients which improve the functionality of your most clever organ. Also, riding a bike boosts your creativity. Really! The repetitive moving when cycling has relaxing effects on your brain and, thus, helps it to think more creatively.
