Mountain Bike Riding and Mental Health
In this digital world, it is becoming more difficult to escape the endless sea of screens and stress. At work and school, you are working tirelessly in front of a computer. When you get home and want to relax you find yourself in front of yet another screen watching some show or playing a game you don’t even really enjoy. This draining cycle can seem endless.
From being overworked to technology consuming our lives, mental health is more important than ever. So how do you take care of yourself and your health? Allow me to introduce the all-in-one outdoor green exercise that is guaranteed to change your life! Mountain biking could be the escape from your struggles that you need.
The evidence showing the mental health benefits of being active outdoors is overwhelming. It really does not take a scientist to prove this, a breath of fresh air and sunshine can turn your day around. If you need some hard facts though, take the words from Red Bull writer Natile Fraser, “A lot of research has gone into the subject in recent years, and there’s now even a name for using nature as therapy: Ecotherapy. This is emerging as a treatment area for mental health issues, and especially for depression.” (Fraser) The term coined ecotherapy will in time come to be in common use as the health benefits of the outdoors become more prevalent in society and a real way to treat mental illness.
The next proven method that helps relieve stress is exercising. Exercising is extremely important to one’s mental and physical health, studies have shown. According to Gram Mackay the author of a green exercise study found that, “The psychological benefits of exercise are less well understood than the physical benefits, although evidence has been progressively accumulating and include improvements in cognitive functioning, mental health, and psychological well-being Amongst the most researched psychological outcomes of physical exercise is its effect on anxiety.” (Mackay)
All these benefits and yet some people still struggle to get off the couch! Obesity and depression are epidemics negatively affecting our society. The reality of the situation is that the only way for these people to get help is for them to help themselves. One must be proactive in making changes in their life if one wants to live healthier. Lucky for those looking to accomplish this there is a two birds one stone method that can change lives.
This is where the concept of Green exercise could help change people’s lives. Green exercise is defined as, “Green exercise refers to physical activities undertaken whilst exposed to natural environments.” (Mackay) Green exercise is clearly the new textbook combination of the previously mentioned methods of time spent exercising and enjoying the outdoors to improve mental health.
This is where mountain biking comes into the picture! Mountain biking is the perfect combination of the outdoors and exercising to improve your mental and physical health. Mountain biking is a low-impact activity that stimulates the body and mind in all the right ways. From the physical exertion to the sense of accomplishment there and the endless benefits mountain biking provides.
Take it from a Fort Collins local mountain bike rider, Connor Gravelding. Connor is an engineering student at Colorado State University whose true passion is mountain biking. When asked why he seeks out mountain biking he said, “It is a stimulating workout that pivots you versus the outdoors” (Connor). This really sums up the challenge in mountain biking. The ride and workout are as hard as you want them to be. There is an incredible number of trails in Fort Collins that accommodate all skill levels of bikers. This means you do not have to be in prime physical shape or skill to ride mountain bikes. You must have the will and determination to get out there!
For your own mental and physical health, mountain biking is an amazing way to exercise while enjoying all the outdoors has to offer. Mountain bikers were shown to be in the groups that received the most quality of life benefits from their green exercise. There are also thriving mountain bike communities where you can meet people with a common interest and goal of riding. This could be your escape from the monotony of day-to-day life. It only takes one time to get in the seat and try something that could potentially change your life forever. I know one thing for sure, I want to mountain bike until the day that I die.
Citations -
Fraser, N. (2021, July 2). This is how mountain biking can improve your mental fitness. Red Bull. Retrieved September 26, 2021, from https://www.redbull.com/us-en/7-ways-riding-mtb-can-help-mental-fitness.
Mackay, Graham J., and James T. Neill. “The Effect of ‘Green Exercise’ on State Anxiety and the Role of Exercise Duration, Intensity, and Greenness: A Quasi-Experimental Study.” Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Elsevier, 15 Jan. 2010, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1469029210000038?casa_token=rJWc0jjK3MsAAAAA%3AN-_zb6WkGRLhQpc2sPE5SktARYRC8Zl5r1QI0Yhv576J7CO3Lai-sJi8rZbg0k3Bjv8At9KvqQ.
