Cycling is one of those sports that many people learn at a very young age and then take for grated ever since. It is one of the most popular sports in the world and this is largely down to the fact there are styles and intensities to suit all types. What you may not know however is that cycling is one of the best sports around for helping to combat depression and is actually prescribed by doctors in many countries. Lets take a look at the reasons cycling can get you back to your happy self?
Outdoors. To kick things off, most bike riding happens in the great outdoors. Research has proved that people recover much better when they are in open spaces and are meeting other people in the outside world. Further more, you breathe in fresh air and see some wonderful surroundings on bike rides, which all helps to perk you up a bit. Bikes are also a great deal easier to transport than other outdoor equipment like surfboards or used kayaks.
Feel better about yourself. The causes of depression are incredibly varied, although many people quickly start to follow a similar pattern. Many people begin to neglect their physical health and appearance when they are depressed and this leads to a downward spiral of confidence and mood. Cycling in particular is one of the best sports to get your cardiovascular system working and reduce your fat percentage. Often people who start to feel better about their appearance, also start to feel better inside as well as their confidence grows.
Endophines. Exercise, and especially cycling, has been proven to release feel-good hormones into the body called endorphins. These hormones not only improve you bodies functioning but also reduce stress and increase the feeling of happiness. So it is easy to see why tests show exercise to be among the most effective treatment methods for depression. So if you’re feeling a bit low, buy a couple of second hand bikes and go for a ride with a friend or partner
Tags: bikes, cycling, depression, exercise, sports