Exercise, mainly cycling and running, has been a constant source of therapy for me since my first experience of mental ill health approx 15 years ago. I always feel better after a run or a ride.
A very important topic and I think there is no doubt that cycling has a profoundly positive effect on mental health. Great video in which you made some excellent points. Jay
It's a good question to ask. I think the type of ride or the kind of cycling will make a difference - we're riding for fun and we're not exposed to performance pressure. Someone following a programme of hard interval training won't hear the birds or see the passing clouds - they 'succeed' or 'fail' according to metrics, those of individual sessions and in target events. I think you make a really good point about cycling allowing you to 'see where you've been' and I'd extend this to say that so much of modern life is alienating, we're always at a degree or two removed from the end-product of our labour, whereas cycling has an extremely direct and satisfying connection to physical 'work'. I still feel a certain satisfaction from covering 'fair distances' using nothing more complicated than a bike and my own resolve
Very true that performance pressure puts a whole different spin on things and can drive some unhealthy behaviours and obsessions, which I guess is where good training plans, coaching, physios and sports psychologists really come to the fore especially in the 'serious' world of cycling. I've really enjoyed some of the recent (ish) short films with Chris Boardman where you can see his love of cycling (in the sense of just being out on a bike) returned. Definitely know what you mean about the satisfaction of covering distances on the 'simple bike'. Probably the best riding I've ever done was along the top of mainland UK on the NC500 - unbelievable landscape but I think made all the more special because we'd got all the way up there on our bikes!
I don't think it was consciously part of the reason I took up cycling but it's definitely why I won't be stopping cycling any time soon. Thanks for the comment!
Definitely. Cycling (and previously when I did it, rock climbing) are the two things I've found that completely dissolve any kind of over thinking about anything. Always nice to have something like that when you need it. Thanks for the comment.
Ultimate freedom cycling, thats got to be good for the mind ,
Great video.
You hit the nail on the head👍👍👍..... I to find cycling fantastic for my mental health and well being ... Really enjoy your channel 👌👌👌
Yes, same here and I always feel like a slightly better version of myself after a bike ride. Thanks for the nice feedback and happy cycling!
Exercise, mainly cycling and running, has been a constant source of therapy for me since my first experience of mental ill health approx 15 years ago. I always feel better after a run or a ride.
Same here, always feel the benefit of getting out for a run or ride. Thanks for the comment!
A very important topic and I think there is no doubt that cycling has a profoundly positive effect on mental health. Great video in which you made some excellent points. Jay
It's a good question to ask. I think the type of ride or the kind of cycling will make a difference - we're riding for fun and we're not exposed to performance pressure. Someone following a programme of hard interval training won't hear the birds or see the passing clouds - they 'succeed' or 'fail' according to metrics, those of individual sessions and in target events.
I think you make a really good point about cycling allowing you to 'see where you've been' and I'd extend this to say that so much of modern life is alienating, we're always at a degree or two removed from the end-product of our labour, whereas cycling has an extremely direct and satisfying connection to physical 'work'. I still feel a certain satisfaction from covering 'fair distances' using nothing more complicated than a bike and my own resolve
Very true that performance pressure puts a whole different spin on things and can drive some unhealthy behaviours and obsessions, which I guess is where good training plans, coaching, physios and sports psychologists really come to the fore especially in the 'serious' world of cycling. I've really enjoyed some of the recent (ish) short films with Chris Boardman where you can see his love of cycling (in the sense of just being out on a bike) returned. Definitely know what you mean about the satisfaction of covering distances on the 'simple bike'. Probably the best riding I've ever done was along the top of mainland UK on the NC500 - unbelievable landscape but I think made all the more special because we'd got all the way up there on our bikes!
Totally agree 😊
Nice environment you have!
Greetings from 🇳🇴🚲
Thanks for the comment and following along. From what I've seen you have a pretty amazing cycling environment over there! Happy cycling!
Yes 100% it improves metal health. Part of the reason why I cycle
I don't think it was consciously part of the reason I took up cycling but it's definitely why I won't be stopping cycling any time soon. Thanks for the comment!
Cardio and fresh air! 👍
I find it vital to decompress my brain can just concentrate on pedaling and forget all the bullshit daily stress we all have to deal with.
Definitely. Cycling (and previously when I did it, rock climbing) are the two things I've found that completely dissolve any kind of over thinking about anything. Always nice to have something like that when you need it. Thanks for the comment.
I was mental before I started lol!
Eermm nooooo made mine much much worse 😢