Five Reasons to Love Cycling

Since last year when I bought my own bicycle, I began loving the game. It has brought me fun and excitement like never before. I was depressed, cycling was my drug; I was cynical, cycling gave me hope; I was boring, cycling made me better; I was lonely, cycling helped me forget. This activity has made me a different person, and I love the change it gave me. So what exactly does biking do? Here are my lists on top five.

#5. Cycling brings you to the most unexpected places. I am not an adventurous type of person; I wasn’t so appreciative of nature and sceneries. But after engaging into cycling, my perspective changed. I started to notice the little details around me: the blueness of the sky, the greenness of trees and rice plantations, the freshness of the air, the wideness of the highways I traverse, the roughness of the road, the beauty of the places I never have seen. Traveling into places I’ve never been has brought me euphoria and calmness. It’s a good way to relax and enjoy.

#4. Cycling lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. As in any form of aerobic exercise, cycling can benefit your heart and general health. It improves blood circulation around our systems, decreases the concentration of bad cholesterol and reduces blood pressure in the long run. The sweat from working out, the muscles that contracts in every turn you make and the heart that beats in response to the physiological changes may extend your life more.

#3. Cycling enhances Self-confidence. From the endorphins that are released after long cycling to the exhilarating experience you had, a sense of self-confidence is developed. You feel more in control of the situations that you are in, with more physical vigor to face the challenges of life. Your posture and physique improve contributing to a greater sense of self-esteem. There is this magical power that seem to be inherent to cycling, only experienced after being involved into this activity.

#2. Cycling improves mental health. The incidence of depression is ballooning at a dramatic rate according to research. Mental illness is becoming common in today’s fast pace world and digital technology. Many adolescents, young adults, adults and elderly are afflicted with the condition. Antidepressant medications are now commonly prescribed in response to this need. One of the natural ways of combating this silent disorder is through engaging in any exercise, including regular cycling. It has the power to change neurochemistry and neurophysiology that contributes to better cognitive function and lesser depressive mood. Ever since I have involved myself into this meaningful activity, my mood swings have stabilized and my moments of darkness have significantly lowered.


#1. Cycling provides you company. In times of feeling lonely, where you feel that no one truly cares nor loves you, biking can serve as your escape. Whenever the pressures of real life is overwhelming, whenever toxic people drains your energy and whenever the thought of not being your true self kicks in, cycling provides temporary and sometimes, lasting relief. Just like owning a pet or drinking alcohol, the effect of cycling is just as intense. Only that it is a healthier option to cope with the severity of life. When a time to self-reflect occurs, or a moment to be alone with the company of the birds, trees and other species calls, there is no better way to respond than cycling. 
Location: Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Philippines

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