Mental Health and Cycling
- Cheryl Morton
- Jul 17, 2024
- 2 min read
The 2012 Olympics left its mark on a nation, in fact such was the impact of the amazing cycling performance that bicycle sales were reported to have jumped seventy-three percent as a result of the games and the Paralympic games (Wiggle, 2012) Road cycling has numerous health benefits, as exercising outdoors has been shown to increase VO2 max production, Vitamin D intake (bit obvious that one) as well as a huge increase in wellbeing following an endorphin release. It’s also incredibly peaceful. For many the introduction of a walk at lunchtime can impact mental health in a huge way as well as offering a well-deserved, and possibly overdue, break from the work day. A 2019 survey found that seventy-five percent of cyclists notice an improvement in their mental health with eight percent reporting it helped with their depression and anxiety (1). Once we begin to exercise, the release of endorphins triggers a positive feeling in the body similar to the chemical reaction that morphine has in the body. Endorphins act as a painkiller, simulating euphoria, which causes a reduction in stress along with reduced feelings of anxiety, boost self-esteem and improve sleep. One of the biggest advocates of exercise for the management of mental health is Former Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton, who following a diagnosis of hypoxia during an attempt to climb Everest, experienced symptoms of depression, culminating in a breakdown. She sought help from the British Cycling team psychologist, spent time with friends, and took a break. She surfed, she went running, cycled. She’s said that doing something uncomfortable and taking herself out of her comfort zone doing “…something physical, something outdoors, challenging…” (2) has massively helped with her battle, culminating in agreeing to enter Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins to raise money for Stand Up to Cancer, making it to the final three of the competition. Recognising the symptoms of depression can be tricky, thankfully charities such as www.mind.org.ukexist to provide support to those who need to talk. The NHS also provide guidelines with some general practitioners recommending exercise for the management of depression stating that the National Institute for Health and Care excellence (NICE) recommend that those with mild to moderate depression take part in three sessions a week, lasting forty-five minutes to an hour over ten to fourteen weeks (3) The Healing Zone is based at Cyclopark Kent, which is home to the largest closed circuit outdoor cycling track in Europe. With over eight kilometres of cycling trails, skate park and BMX track.
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