Are you feeling lonely or stressed out? Going cycling with friends might just be the perfect solution. And guess what—you don’t have to be a professional athlete to take up cycling! Just grab your bike and a friend, and off you go! But what about this physical activity makes it great for your overall well-being? And why should you turn cycling into a daily habit? Let’s break it all down and then some!
What makes cycling one of the best forms of exercise
If you are looking for the best strategies for managing your anxiety, stress, or loneliness, you’ll find physical exercises at the top of the list. While all exercises are beneficial in one way or another, some have shown a more positive impact on people’s psyche and fitness.
That brings us to cycling—one of the best forms of physical activity you can engage in.
Did you know that cycling reduces the risk of all-cause mortality by 10%? Cycling is good for cardiovascular health, in particular. It gets your blood pumping and, thus, improves heart strength. Not to mention, you’re more likely to keep your ideal figure if you take up this energizing hobby, as it burns quite a number of calories.
Whether a beginner to exercise or not, it doesn’t matter. Everyone can cycle (provided they know how). This activity is easy on the joints, doesn’t require much prep, and fits into the busiest of schedules.
Top benefits of going cycling with friends
Ready to join 51 million Americans who go cycling every year? But why do it alone when you can take up cycling with friends? It’s good for your health, as we’ve learned. Nevertheless, a couple of additional benefits accompany biking in pairs. They will motivate you to cycle around the block, city, state, or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, worldwide!
#1 You’ll feel less lonely
When you cycle together, you spend quality time with people you love—chatting, laughing, sharing experiences. These all make you feel connected, make you feel like you belong, and, thus, boost your mood. Plus, planning and looking forward to these rides gives you something positive to focus on. So, if you’re feeling isolated, try riding your bike with a friend. It’s a simple and enjoyable way to curb loneliness.
#2 Your stress levels will go down
Whenever you feel like stress is getting the better of you, hop on a bike with your pal. Trust us, you’ll end up feeling more relaxed because:
- As you ride, your body releases endorphins, a.k.a happy hormones that are natural mood lifters.
- Fresh air and beautiful scenery help clear your head, allowing you to forget what’s bothering you, at least for a moment.
- When you are with a friend, you can chat about your day and even vent a little (yes, it will help).
#3 You’ll be more motivated
Don’t feel like getting on a bike alone? You’ll surely feel more motivated to get on it with a friend! Having a cycling buddy means you’re less likely to skip any future rides simply because it’s a lot harder to cancel when someone is counting on you.
You can also turn the experience into a challenge of sorts. Push each other to go further, to try new routes. That will make cycling feel less like a chore and much more exciting. Before you know it, it will become an activity you can’t get enough of!
#4 Discovering places together makes for great memories
Nothing makes for a better cycling adventure than one you take with a person (or people) you love. Why? Because there’s no telling what you might find. As you explore new routes, you may stumble upon a hidden oasis or a beautiful trail you never knew existed. And if you get a little lost, who cares? Even better! It will add to the excitement, leading to stories you’ll recount and laugh about for years.
#5 It’s good for Mother Nature
Let’s face it: we must consider how our choices impact the environment. Bikes don’t need fuel, so they don’t produce pollution like cars. That said, when you and your friends choose to ride instead of drive, you’re cutting down on carbon emissions. In other words, ditch the cars and grab the bikes — Mother Nature will thank you!
Don’t wait a second longer to go cycling with friends!
As you can see, plenty of things go in favor of cycling with friends. For starters, cycling improves overall health. And, yes, that includes the psychological aspect. Doing in pairs helps banish stress and loneliness and makes for an activity that pushes you to go harder, explore, and make some fascinating memories. It’s also great for the environment. Just think about the positive impact of everyone replacing their cars with bikes. So, the next time you start feeling blue, call your friends and invite them on a joint bike ride. You’ll be doing a favor to your mind, body, soul, and the Planet. And that surely sounds like a win, doesn’t it?
