Hi Si such a great video I have suffered with clinical depression for over 10 years I also have P.T.S.D . ( to the point I have tried to end my own life.) I brought a cycle and sold my car so I had to use my bike to get to and from work, Even though I’ve been knocked off a few times I still love cycling. I really does help I’m not the fittest bloke and there are time I stop cycling for a month or two when thing get down but I always return to cycling and fall in love with the sport all over again. I still cycle to work most days and cycle with a club on the weekends I find I can forget all my worries and just take in the scenery which put a smile on my face even in bad weather. It means a lot that you guys covered this topic and I hope I will help many people out there with mental illness So thank you, love the channel keep up the good work 💕
If I feel a bit low going outside for a ride is cool, blows the cobwebs away. but if I'm really feeling stressed about something and need to switch off I go on the trainer and totally wipe myself out...it's like hitting a reset button
My side of the cycling helped my mental health story would take too long, but I have one great example. In 2010, I had lost my job, had my then wife of 14 years file for divorce, and broke my road bike (and only bike) within four months. I had a friend with multiple bikes allow me to borrow one of his road bikes for the rest of the season. I am not a climber, but I don't run from hills because you don't get better by just training your strength. One day when all I could think about was how did everything fall apart and how am I going to make it through this unbelievably emotionally painful time, I was on a hilly ride trying to get up a hill with sections at 10% to 14%. In the middle of this crank bending climb, it came to me out of "nowhere" that I was going to get through this difficult period in my life the same way I'm going to get up this climb, one pedal stroke (or one step) at a time. To this day, whenever I get down and think how am I going to make it through this next challenge, I remember that moment on that hill.
I was going through a rocky relationship which didn't end well. Cycling to school once or twice a week which was 2 hrs away from home somehow kept me sane. Running from time to time has also helped with coping with the long term illness and loss of my parents. I feel the more intense the exercise, the more you focus on the physical pain and exertion than the emotional. It has a meditative effect by taking the focus off of the storm. The alternative is to be eaten alive or consumed by what's going on inside your head. Eventually it became a fun leisurely activity. ^_^ When I was at my very worst, it bought me time so I wouldn't end up in a dangerous place. If you miss a dose of biking/running, you get reminded sooner or later.
I'm starting to notice that GCN has been producing uber 'Science' videos lately with Si. Class-leading investigative works where you interviewed experts on cycling's effect on men's sexual health (Dr. Anthony Koupparis), city cycling and pollution (Dr. Enda Hayes and Dr. Audrey de Nazelle), and now this. Gigantic effort. You deserve every praise from me.
@@mumblecake251 you clearly didn't understand what this comment actually means not one of gcns guys are anywhere near over weight they are completely the opposite
Science with Si. Love that earnest and eager student mindset Simon adopts when reporting on topics along the lines of how cycling impacts our lives as a whole.
I grew up in a conflict zone in the Nothern Part of Kenya in East Africa.. For many years I suffered Depression, PTSD, and anxiety. When I was young, my big brother bought me a bike and cycling saved me. It's been long since I cycled but watching your channel, just watching you guys bike has relaxed me immensely, for that reason saving up to buy a bike and get more mentally stable .... the best part is I am a psychological Counsellor now.
and it was produced a year before the worst epidemic both in physical and mental health in modern era which resulted in booming of this hobby, who knew!
I have to give it up to you guys, I thought this channel's content would plateau (after all you can only make so many "5 worst climbing mistakes" videos) but you keep striving to reach further, improving cinematography and storytelling. This video and the 10.000 calories ride have been superb. I enjoy them even more than the GCN Show. You're really onto something here. Keep it up!
12:05 Am I the only one who thought, "Christ, Si's gone 'full geek' and then "I wonder if he's parodying academics"...? PS: in 2012, I was fat and borderline suicidal. I quit grad school when I fantasized about hurling myself off a bridge on the way to University. Afterwards I just rode my bike until I found a new job. Bikes changed my life, man.
I’m a middle aged man, and 1 year ago, I started riding. I was a bit overweight, under a lot of stress and felt lethargic. I can confirm that cycling has made me physically healthy (with knock on effects like eating better and drinking less alcohol since the opposite would result in unenjoyable rides) but as importantly, I handle stress way better. I was even once at work during a particularly stressful event and instead of wallowing with the aftermath, I took a break and went for a ride, and the stress just melted away. Also, if I do an early morning hard ride (e.g. a good climb), the more I am focused at work for the rest of the day. Honestly, it feels like cycling has saved my life- or in the very least, my quality of life. It should be said that I live in Southern California where the climate is good for cycling year round.
I'm far from middle aged (unless you ask my SO), but I was very overweight in my 20's and can confirm all those things in my experience as well. I have a small baby girl at the moment, so cycling time is hard to come by, but when I do get out on the bike it's like a recharging of the batteries, and it doesn't even take that long - even my 30 minute ride to work, I like to sprint for a few sections and maintain a high average speed where I can (even trying to overtake cars occasionally ;) is like a happy moment before the day starts.
I’m 55, new to serious workout riding (indoor mostly during a Canadian winter), and can say I mirror everything you say. I would say that I am gravitating towards better eating habits and less drinking, not solely because of the anti-effect on rides, but just because I don’t feel as inclined to indulge as much, or I seem to have more quality / interesting things to do.
@@morosis82 There is a solution for that. Bike trailor for your little one. Perfect training instrument as well because of the extra weight. My two year old daughter loves it and has good naps in there ;)
@@mumblecake251 yeah I think I'm going to have to upgrade to the double model, the 3yo loves it but haven't been out with the little one yet. Have been thinking about getting a cargo style e-bike for that purpose, it's a bit hilly where I live.
Hmmm interesting. I find too that my hamster wheel is going non-stop on easy zone-2 rides, but the longer I ride, the slower the hamster wheel is turning. I found that on some really long rides (150km+), especially on a nice summer day, I reach this sort of sincere, relaxed mental state. When I arrive back home I feel utterly relaxed and happy. Sometimes this works better for me than taking a full week of holiday!
Definitely struggle with mental health in our Canadian winters because my activity level drops so much! Got myself a trainer this year because one of your videos came up in my reccomend from TH-cam vids. Now riding every day and I'm loving it! Feeling great, sleeping great, eating great and healthier! Thanks GCN! Keep up the great work!
I started cycling a year ago, and i notice that i become less stressed with my job, marriage etc. Even just by commuting to work i become more happy, less stressed, even get a promotion on top of that. The thing is, it is become addictive. 1-3 days without cycling, i got anxious, and become easily angered. Anyway, great video! Now i know that its not just myth, it is proven that cycling makes you happy.
As someone who suffered with untreated PTSD for years, when I finally got help, I returned to my love of cycling. My doc is convinced that my recovery was hastened due to the bike. It gives distraction from my thoughts, something exciting to look forward to and motivation to try harder. Thank you for putting this video up. It helps validate what so many of us know.
To echo the reverse. I can track the decline of my own mental health back to when i stopped riding my bike If I look back. I went through a 3 year period after my bike was stolen where i didn't have a bike and in that time i think my mental health as well as my phsyical health declined a lot. I also ended up with injuries and that further made it all worse. All came to a head thsi year at the beginning with a big dive into depression after a panic attack (I have a lot of other depressing shit happen worse than a bike beign nicked whcih contributed but I didn't help myself at all). Getting back on the bike and excercising again (amongst other things) has been a good way to beat back my anxiety fears and depression. Its given me back that joy i was missing from being alive!
Great video and great insight, issues that affect us all on some level. I was on medication for anxiety for 9 years, in 2017 I started a daily mindfulness practice, and late 2017 started cycling. In 2018 I came off medication and kept cycling and have been feeling the best I've ever felt as an adult. For anyone struggling seek help and never give up, there's always something else to try and someone else to help. ❤️
As an experienced mental health nurse, life coach and keen cyclist and mountaineer, I certainly can testify that physical activity, (cycling, trekking, running etc) certainly does have long term benefits on mental wellbeing and the reduction in stress. Particularly if you include mindfulness into the activity, i.e rather than going full power all the time, learn to also slow down (best done once you go full gas for a period), take in the environment and become aware of your own thoughts and emotions whilst engaging in the physical activity. Since 2006, I have worked independently from the NHS. This has enabled me to provide treatment and interventions that have a physical element built into each person's plan. I recognise that I am in a unique position to witness first hand the overwhelmingly positive effects sport related activities, based in the outdoors, have on people’s mental wellbeing. I am not an academic and do not claim to possess the qualities these individuals have obtained; however, I know what I have witnessed. Engaging in a sport-related physical activity over a prolonged period of time does provide a positive impact upon mental wellbeing regardless of the severity. Often in times of serious mental distress, one important element that appears to fade away when distressing thoughts take over is the disconnection with nature’s natural biorhythms. Through a range of sport-related activities like cycling, running, kayaking, walking and hiking people get to go to places they would not see in a car. They come into contact with a diverse natural environment that isn’t easily accessible by road, air or railway. People reconnect both internally and externally; they feel “alive” again. It may be fair to say that human beings in the Western World now spend long periods confined in concrete buildings far away from remote and wild places. Perhaps we have lost touch with our symbiotic relationship with the very ground we walk. Many academics argue that this disconnection with nature causes an imbalance in the mind and dis-ease occurs. It is not uncommon for participants who turn up on one of my activities I deliver, not to communicate or respond in an open friendly manner to either their peers or staff. By the end of the activity, the same people are talking, laughing and sharing their experiences. Now that's priceless.
first sorry for my english i will do my best ;p so i had rectal cancer before it i was cycling and going to gym alot i did well with surgerys and chemotherapy sadly chemo and location of the cancer did make my toilet a huge problem thats when i had to stop gym and cycling cuz i basicly didnt know when i will have to go to toilet i was doing my best on indoor trainer and i stoped i dont know why and that was the time when it all started toilet got worse everybody was wondering whats going on and then i did recognise that i have huge depression i lost all my will to live im on antidepressats now when i started from small walks and small cardio on indoor trainer (have problem with lossing waight so cant do anything long that will burn too much calories) but i can say one thing it is helping me more then the pills i was perfect with my head aslong i could train so yeah if u have problems with depression dont sit next to PC like i did just move your A** Thanks GCN for motivation and videos like that ! you are all great ppl i hope i will get better one day with toilet and i will be able to meet u all on some GCN event !!!
It is clear that you have some serious challenges to overcome, though it seems that you are slowly finding a pathway to overcome them. Namely, to get back to doing physical activity. I am happy to read that this video has helped to motivate you and would like to further encourage you to keep on going. Forget what you might have been able to do in the past. Rather, think about things in terms of who and where you are now as a human being and begin to build up on that. Remember, your past self did what they did without having to face what you are now facing. Today, whatever progress that you can make means that you are that much better than what you were before. This way of thinking about things not only helps in overcoming diseases and injuries, but applies to aging. One’s PBs set when they were in their 20’s have no relevance to those set in their 50’s, other than to prove to oneself that with work and determination, we can always be better, until we reach our limits. What is important is to probe those limits, to do so is good for the mind and the body. All the best, take care.
Well. This is indeed one of the most important, informative health videos not just from GCN, button TH-cam in general. Excellent tone and content. Big thanks to Si, Oxford and the GCN team for this production.
I was suffering from heart palpitation and anxiety for more than year. The first time I tried cycling at home all the symtoms disappeared and my life turn to normal. Thank God and GCN
Fantastic video, thank you to everyone at GCN as well as the Universities for putting this together. There are so many young men with mental health issues who don't seek help. The more we can do to normalise talking and doing things about mental health the better.
There's a similar enterprise in Australia called the 'Mens Shed' organisation that is basically just a place where guys can go to shoot the shit, get their hands dirty with some woodwork, fixing stuff, all sorts of things. The premise behind it is to get them together and talking about what they're struggling with, and get help if they need it. I can envision something similar with a cycling group, for those that way inclined.
As a scientist, I really appreciate the effort that GCN is putting for to translate research to the lay public. Translating science is not easy and the channel has gotten much better about carefully educating the viewers. This is great stuff, keep it up!
I agree, shorter high intensity laps of my local quiet roads each around 90 mins are like medicine for the mind and soul, 3-4 per week is just perfect. Love the gcn does science content!
This post was extremely helpful, and gives scientific support to the importance of exercise, cycling, in our lives. Movement, circulation and time of reflection...Truly self care. Well done!!
I spent many years battling addiction and I was at a point that I no longer found inspiration ... I began cycling and it completely changed my life...I encourage anyone that suffers from unhealthy habits to go outside, tap in with nature and find your purpose.. We all have a purpose and we all deserve to smile.. 😊
Hey guys! I'm writing my thesis on the effects that HIIT (one session on the rowing machine the other on a bike) has on executive control and goal-directed eye movements and I absolutely loved hearing Prof. Geddes talk about this! Definitely going to cite his work! Keep up the good science!
I have mental health issues that I have learned to live with and on those rough days I've found that simply getting on me bike and taking a ride definitely helps me. Thanks for touching on this issue and a super big thumbs up to Si and Chris!!! GREAT VIDEO GUYS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THANK YOU!!!!!! CHEERS
I have suffered from depression for 25 years and have taken a lot of different medication to control it. Took up cycling 11 years ago and within 2 years come off the meds. I find as long as I do some hard efforts within the ride I,m fine. Just 2 days off the bike and I can feel the dark clouds coming back. A slow social ride will not do the trick, so what ever happens I got to make sure to work hard. Thank you Si for bring this out in the open. Ride on to put a smile to your face.
It's May 2021 and we're well into our 2nd year of COVID-19. A lot has happened since this video has come out. My mental and physical health outlet is horseback riding and everything involved with it including my therapeutic horseback riding volunteering, helping adults and children on the Autism spectrum or other mental health issues and/or muscular and/or neurological disorders. Seeing the kids and adults progress on "800 to 1500 pounds of 'I don't have to listen to you!'" is wonderful, let alone all the benefits of being around other extremely sentient creatures. I'm hardly the knowledgeable bicyclist you folks are, but after 40 years around horses off and on "I know a thing or two." I'm just starting to get back into cycling for exercise again at the age of 54 (that came up fast) and I pray that just like you folks get your "high" from riding your bikes at intensive levels and/or for simple quiet recreational purposes to "zone out," I hope I eventually get there too. There's just nothing to compare with suddenly being taken to a different level of consciousness where realities and perspectives change for the good.
A million times yes! I have suffered with SAD since my teens, but have had the best winter of my life since getting a smart trainer and doing regular rides on Zwift (3-5 per week). A consistent sleep schedule and less booze have helped, but I’m going to attribute the biggest mood boost to exercise. Thanks GCN for turning me on to Zwift and helping me get through the winter blues with flying colors!
Fenders!!! ...and Gortex. I commuted and road recreationally in the rainy Westcoast of Canada in the rain...just make sure to change your chain regularly... very few lubes will survive regular weekly water and sand showers.
Thank you for adressing this very important issue. One should really not decrease the level of exercise bellow a certain level when the number of tasks/work increases. For me, if I do not exercise for a week, I sort of start feeling down, even if there is not a set of reasons that I can identify as explanations. Also, I feel that going for a ride outdoors, specially when it´s a sunny winter day, is about the greatest thing one can do!
I have battled with a really difficult depression and anxiety through my teenage years. After years with no motivation fior anything, one day I pulled myself up on the bike again for just a small ride and it felt awesome. Since then it just moved forward and today I have never felt better and I am completely out of my depression. Obviously there are many factors that have helped me out, but I’m pretty sure cycling has been one of the biggest. Not only does it give me a mental break, mindfulness and awesome experiences, it also give me a lot of self esteem.
Particularly when I am stressed, a good outdoor ride regardless of the weather clears the head and resets the soul to address what ever issues are at hand.
I check all the boxes for depression, but cycling is literally the only thing that keeps me going. When I’m riding the bike, I just feel pure joy and happiness. When I get off the bike, I get sad that’s it’s over but look forward to the next ride. I wish I could be happy all the time, but I remind myself that without experiencing the sadness whilst off the bike, I wouldn’t be able to truly appreciate the happiness it provides me.
I think every cyclist out there identifies with Si when he said when your riding along within your limits you still have thoughts running through your brain, but as soon as he pushes himself he enters that zone !! That zone is a amazing place I find it so addictive ! Great vid GCN .... I only wish my zone was 425watts !
Thank you for this video. I've suffered with mental health issues of and on for years and cycling has been invaluable in helping me keeping some kind of equilibrium. It's so good to see this subject tackled with sensitivity, and to properly engage with scientific research in a patient and measured way. You're doing something with a real public benefit here and I'm grateful to you.
Good to see John Geddes back - hes looking bloody good for 82, and no scouse accent. Just shows, winning a bronze medal in Melbourne, on the track 4000m pursuit has certainly reduced his stress levels - looking good John !
I think that we love cycling because learning how to ride is one of the first major accomplishments in our lives. As youngsters, it gave us that first taste of freedom and independence, when we could hop on a bike and go meet up with friends. The simple joy is unforgettable and it’s always available for us at any age.
I have always found that getting on my bike to ride home after a mentally tough day at work is a game changer. You can quickly forget and refocus on enjoying life.
Definitely helps to separate the work day from family day. I like to smash myself on the way home, it's only about 30 mins or so but it has such a great effect (once I eventually catch my breath).
Thank you so much for this video. Currently suffering from depression and it’s taken a lot of changes to start getting me back on track. But I started training for the triathlon season and well on my indoor bike I found when I finished I got that hit of endorphins making me feel amazing. My new job is working in mental health and I’m looking into how exercise helps. So this was a great video to watch. Keep up the good work 👍
If you guys thought this was important, you're wrong. It is MORE than important. Thank you for speaking to an issue that is all to often kept inside and personal. Don't be afraid, it isnt a weakness, it is strength to come forward and deal with it. I know I have fought with this for twenty years before I realised it was an issue. Keep up this awesome content.
I take my hat off to these series of videos. As a psychologist and as a cyclist I couldn't get more touched by a video. I firmly believe that to be a cyclist implies to be conscious of such things and for sure this scientific outreach would help some people to take another look onto their bikes and their exercise habits. Go on guys you are in the right direction
As a person who suffers from depression and anxiety cycling is literally the main thing that pulls me out of the seriousness of the feelings. I can literally just commute and I have a smile on my face. Cycling is the only thing that brings us back to the initial achievements of being a child I believe. Cheers GCN
Thank for all you do, I was just send by a dr to a psychiatrist because of possible depression signs, unable to sleep, irritable quick snapping and so on, next day I went for an 80-kilometer ride and help me so much to relax.
I was diagnosed with bi-polar depression in 1993. I was going through a depressive phase. Meds were prescribed. I began a regular cycling regimen and soon stopped the meds which had made problems, ringing in my ears, sleep problems etc. I had been riding a lot of miles before 1993 with a club but had moved to another city where I began a new job and the riding had slacked off. Now I was depressed and had no understanding of the connection of riding and feeling better. Once I began regular riding, 3 to 4 days a week, I started noticing the periods of depression began to disappear and became less frequent. Now I have been completely free of depression for years. I still maintain 3 riding days a week and after buying my LOOK e-765 several weeks ago, I am riding 5 days a week.
I've suffered from PTSD for 30 years this caused all kinds of physical changes including severe allergic reactions. I was diagnosed with PTSD in early 2018 and changing my diet and getting a strict training plan has changed my life. I just wish I could afford better kit so I could keep getting better and better PB's. It would have been much better if GP's could put the pieces together a little bit earlier fitness has helped me through many tough times but cycling has been especially beneficial. Great video GCN and thanks for all the insight from all the team brilliant channel, you are simply the best.
I definitely have cycling to thank for a turn around in mental health. Around three years ago I was having a really tough time at work, I enjoyed my job but got stuck in a rut and had a very stressful situation cause me to become depressed and I suffered from anxiety, albeit mild but I have absolutely no doubt that cycling helped me to deal with it through high intensity exercise or just getting out in the countryside and getting away from it all. I always felt so much better after being on the bike. I now have a new job I absolutely love and a great group of cyclist friends to go with it. Happy days! Thanks GCN for talking about this subject. I would encourage anyone who is struggling with mental health to take up cycling 100%
Survived a helicopter crash in the military in 2007, resulting in a severe brain injury, multitude of broken bones, paralysis, with depression and anxiety. I self medicated with alcohol for years, and hit rock bottom during the COVID pandemic. When the hangover wore off, I started riding my hand cycle. I'm off most of my meds, lost over 50 pounds, have cycled in multiple marathons and races as well as group rides with other warriors with visible and invisible wounds. It has saved my life. I'm riding to a better life for my wife, my kids, and for myself. Cycling is the best medicine.
About 15 years ago I ended up with pretty severe depression due to a drug side effect and saw a psychiatrist for a bit. He told me that nothing would be better for me than exercise. I call riding my endorphin injection. At age 71 I'm not fast, and I'm no great climber, but 25-40 miles on a bike are my true Zen moments. Since I'm not fast, I tend to use my bike to explore the world a bit. No big adventures, but just following a new route or bike path make me happy. Even riding around a neighborhood works for me.
loving the science-related videos you are putting up guys. loving that you are also focusing on mental health, urban planning, etc. goes to show that cycling, isn't really just about cycling!
I am 59. Getting myself out in nature helps my mood. Focusing on technical riding distracts my mind as well as makes me feel better about the capabilities of my body. Si asked insightful questions.
Cycling is a great stress buster. While being a carer and completing a master degree, I would sometimes feel overwhelmed. At these times I could hardly concentrate so I would jump on the bike and go for a ride. Even if I only had 45 minutes to exercise, the negative feelings were greatly reduced. It was a very effective strategy that had consistent positive results.
I have been cycling for over 40 years but because of my situation now, living alone in Italy, I have had a number of panic attacks over the last year, but have found if i can get out on my bike I can relieve the stress and clear my brain of negative thoughts.
I was always a big exercise nut: trail running, kayaking, soccer, football, and biking. I had some arthritis and tendon damage in my left foot, went to the wrong doctor who said I needed a pin to stabilize my ankle - he killed the nerve to my left foot and overheated the bone turning it to powder. Now I don't have a left foot. Then the prosthesis I was working with botched 3 legs in a row! I went several years where walking was out of the question. I got severely depressed and gained 80 lbs. I finally got a leg that fit and have since started biking again. I lost 75 of the 80 lbs in 4 months and feel so much better about life. I literally think I would have died if I couldn't get back to exercising. I love my bike.
Thanks GCN and Si for putting up this video, recently i have been suffering from stress and depression from office workload. I had started cycling 4 years back, but stopped due to laziness and office schedule, but you just gave me a way out. Thanks again for this video. You guys always rock. Am a big fan of Si, the way he deals with complex things in a simplified way. Cheers guys 🍺🍺
Cycling definitely gives me a mental health boost, and I would add that any exercise tends to help. I like riding outdoors but my £50 turbo trainer helps me a lot on the days I don't feel like leaving the house, or the conditions are horrible!
Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins , dopamine and serotonin -- chemicals that regulate our mood. Eating nuts, having sex and meditating will also do a good job.
Fitness, including cycling, has helped me stay sober. It provides that sense of fulfillment that addicts are always chasing. And it does this through delayed gratification, rather than instant. Which is a very important behavior to learn.
Speaking for myself as a 65 year old male that grew up playing competitive sports such as hockey and american football. i found myself dealing with depression and anxiety after having to give these activities up not even realizing they were probably keeping me mentally healthy. In my fifties I started weight training and cycling and it seems to have helped keeping me on a mentally even keel so much so that I've used my indoor stationary cycle to stop the beginning of a panic attack dead in its tracks. So yes I would say exercise in any form makes a huge difference in your mental and physical heath .
I suffered long term (masked) depression all my life (I don't appear depressed to observers), and in my 30s took SSRI's and beta blockers for a few years. I was working as a singer and they also helped with stage fright. They also caused side effects including interfering with sexual climaxes. In the end, I decided to get myself off all the drugs because I also lost my creative edge and felt flat and dull all the time. Without the beta blockers, I found it harder and harder to do shows, and eventually also gave up singing. Six years ago I was approaching the age of 45, having had one of my more manic episodes where I bought a house on the internet. I moved to France for a year and did nothing but write and cycle. I published a novel called "The Vegas Switch". I also wrote a lot of new music. One day I was out cycling, and suddenly realised that actually, life doesn't get any better than riding a bike. The peace I'd been searching for had been sitting in my garage all along. I had always cycled a lot, but hadn't really realised that it *doesn't get any better than this.* That was an epiphany for me. I still remember the moment, riding on that perfect French lane. I ran out of money, moved to London and became a cycle messenger. I figured also that at 45 years old it was a good time to get in shape for my approaching latter years. That was six years ago. I did about fifty thousand miles over the following five years. I still work as a cycle courier, but the 9 hour days are too much for me now. I need a lot of exercise in order to get enough feel good juice. Like you, I need to ride very hard, and ride a lot. I guess it's just the way I'm made. Being off the drugs and still experiencing highs and lows, but with cycling on tap to treat the lows (and earn money!) I now still have the dark and light of creativity, and am writing my second musical. I hope my story inspires someone else to kick the drugs. I ride a blue Pinnacle Dolomite ladies size frame (it fits me really well), bought from a pawnbrokers in North End Road for £99. An excellent cycle. Ghost means so much to me that she has a name. I have a cowbell on the back and you may hear me riding around in London. If you do, say hi.
It's so individual what type of activity is required, but 100% physical activity is an absolute must to feel good. Our proverb says: "In healthy body - healthy mind!". Just follow it
Lads , genuinely one of the best , supportive , and helpful vids you have ever made. I suspect a lot of people have had a think during that 23 mins and a few will have decided to address issues all to familiar . Credit to si , the very clever boffins and the channel for addressing with such empathy and care
As a sufferer from depression, i do feel the benefits of getting out on the bike although i prefer to cycle alone, but the biggest battle for me is getting out on the bike in the first place but once im out everything is fine, its just getting over that first hurdle
I have suffered from Burn out and deprresion, those times are 12 years behind me. It where hard an difficulat times, but I got out of it with some good life lessons. At first therapy and medication got me to the point where I could redirect my life, change jobs, leave a bad relationship, then in more stable times I got on without medication. As anyone you have to battle your demons but I managed. I could say I was moderatly happy. 3 years ago I started to train, and got into triathlon, since then coping with stress has gotten much easyer. It's stille there, don't be fooled, but mindfullness is indeed at 110 RPM on a static bike ... or at 4:50 min/km running, ... it really helps. That being said, I would have never been able to get into this sport and shape without the therapy and treatement I had years ago. Exercise is a great help I think, but it's not a treatement. And of course, when you get stronger you feel so much more confident, and for people with depression, low self esteem, and anxiety, like me, that's a great bonus.
Si, this is a really really useful insight. I am responsible for Health & Fitness where I work as one facet of my job. We are recognising many of my colleagues, generally in their 20s and 30s suffer from mental health problems and stress. The standard way of dealing with this is time off, which doesn't tackle the problem, affects those who are left at work dealing with the short term loss of their colleagues, and it simply relieves the pressure temporarily, allowing the problems to build again and lead to future problems. I'd love to help implement a sports based solution to this problem. This video clearly highlights the issues, then offers a solution. I'll show this to my colleagues to help us potentially turn a corner. Thanks Si! 🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴
We have a group of people that meet twice a week before work to bash out an hour or two riding with some chatting over coffee afterwards. Some of them have even moved on to other roles in different companies but continue the ride with our group. Something to think about. We have very different fitness levels, but account for that by cycling as a group for most, and having sprint sections where the faster people can let 'er rip for a few minutes before waiting at a pre-determined point for the rest to catch up.
Matthew Jenkinson that's great - where I work, virtually none of the younger staff do any consistent exercise, we have a few 5-a-side footballers, no cycle to work scheme and a lot of apathy.. it's going to be a challenge!
This info is great. It gives credit to what my go to mental health/stress reduction has been for 40 years. My challenge is now a heart arrhythmia (I also watched your heart health episode) and growing stress because of work demands. I’m sure I’m not alone and like many other now professional office workers struggling to stay fit mentally and physically until the sweet spot of retirement when we can resume some level of extreme bicycling! I will be going to my doc for some tests. Thanks so much GCN. Your videos and news clips help me a lot,
I have a medical condition (fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue) that in part covers depression and anxiety and if I don't feel that much physical pain or as if my body has been set on fire, I try to get on my bike. Nowadays it's very short most of the time - to the shops and back but it does help me feel good. Last week, I remarked that I got on the bike three times in a row and I was extremely happy with myself. I think if it's possible, exercise is a good thing but I think it's important to realise that, as was pointed out in the video, that there are other factors at play. I wish I could get on my bike more and do distances that I never thought were possible. I was so pleased that I cycled 35km once which was great but I was in searing pain the next day (and a couple of days after) that I had to rethink my limits. Anyway to stop myself from babbling on, always loving the content on here - keep up the good work guys!
Thanks to Si for expanding this channel in this direction. He has done some excellent research lately and presented this longer-form content, which has really shown a new direction for this channel. Chappeau.
For me, the constant repetition of movement is very comforting. It’s a lot of the same thing over and over again, unlike my everyday life. Also, there’s something internally that happens when I cycle. The amount of energy I put out vs the speed in which I travel,..it all seems to mesh. The mechanics and “gears” align and it just feels right, unlike when I run. I also run for exercise but I never enjoy it. I need to run, but I don’t like running (if that makes any sense).
@20:09 Si ' Yep, Im one of those nerds' :D Fantastic video, guys. Nerding out on a new groupset is great, but the implications of training and cycling is also grest to find out about.
This is a fabulous video, along with the one on cardiovascular health. As a lifelong cyclist, I can recognise the differences in my mental state when I've not been able to get out on the road or trail. The more we understand the impact of activity on our wellbeing, I think that we are recognising the real negative impact of our being displaced from our natural environment. Cycling appears to improve our demeanor at an individual and possibly societal level. Keep up the good work.
Watching old films about cycling also cheers you up. "A Boy, a Girl, and a Bike," Ralph Smart's 1949 classic is doing the rounds on Talking Pictures, (Sky 328) at the moment. Stone walls, traffic free roads, post-war club life (daft romance of course), a feel-good watch. I wonder if any of the northern club lads who were extras, are still around?
Another serious piece with Si talking us through some pretty complex issues... Almost serious enough to make you forget he rode through London in Speedos with Dan's face on... Almost 😋
thx for great video, the honesty and confirmation that comes with it. i have had a stressful life and prone to anxiety and depression. cycling, along with my faith, is a huge part of my therapy and i'm addicted to the sense of well being that i enjoy on and after the bike.
I struggle a phenomenal amount over Winter when I can't get outside as much as I want or need to, I still get out but I want to ride with friends, ride hard with friends and enjoy the camaraderie that goes with it. I don't know where I'd be without my bike now that I've stopped playing rugby as often.
Nice video on a very important topic. Well done GCN! 👍 One aspect that could be discussed further, specifically related to cycling, is the mindset that we have. Most cyclists develop a strong "warrior spirit" to endure the pain over time and it becomes a very useful skill in life to fight against mental health problems. Personally, I started cycling very early in my life to fight physical health problems and develop my heart and lungs. I remember that thanks to my training, as a teenager, I was mentally already tough compare to other people. And it surely helped me later in life to fight depression and stress. Cycling is such a complete sport to develop yourself and help prevent or treat any problem of life.
I am ex forces and organising a 330 mile cycle ride from Munich to Montreux. With PTSD and trying to stop the public from buying fireworks which trigger PTSD. The reason why I am organising this ride is that I have lost a lot of friends due to suicide. The reason why we are doing this ride is that it is 30 years this year since Freddie Mercury died. So it is a Queen themed ride, this will take place next year 8th,9th and 10th April 2022
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We'd love to hear your side of the story - has cycling helped you overcome stress and mental health issues?
Global Cycling Network Cycling keeps me sane no doubt about it👍🏻
Definitely. Sense of control, self improvement... finding myself in the hills knowing "I did that" etc.
Hi Si such a great video
I have suffered with clinical depression for over 10 years I also have P.T.S.D . ( to the point I have tried to end my own life.) I brought a cycle and sold my car so I had to use my bike to get to and from work,
Even though I’ve been knocked off a few times I still love cycling.
I really does help I’m not the fittest bloke and there are time I stop cycling for a month or two when thing get down but I always return to cycling and fall in love with the sport all over again.
I still cycle to work most days and cycle with a club on the weekends
I find I can forget all my worries and just take in the scenery which put a smile on my face even in bad weather.
It means a lot that you guys covered this topic and I hope I will help many people out there with mental illness
So thank you, love the channel keep up the good work 💕
If I feel a bit low going outside for a ride is cool, blows the cobwebs away. but if I'm really feeling stressed about something and need to switch off I go on the trainer and totally wipe myself out...it's like hitting a reset button
Global Cycling Network buying new bikes help my happiness while I’m riding it but feel depressed looking at my bank statement 😐
My side of the cycling helped my mental health story would take too long, but I have one great example. In 2010, I had lost my job, had my then wife of 14 years file for divorce, and broke my road bike (and only bike) within four months. I had a friend with multiple bikes allow me to borrow one of his road bikes for the rest of the season. I am not a climber, but I don't run from hills because you don't get better by just training your strength. One day when all I could think about was how did everything fall apart and how am I going to make it through this unbelievably emotionally painful time, I was on a hilly ride trying to get up a hill with sections at 10% to 14%. In the middle of this crank bending climb, it came to me out of "nowhere" that I was going to get through this difficult period in my life the same way I'm going to get up this climb, one pedal stroke (or one step) at a time. To this day, whenever I get down and think how am I going to make it through this next challenge, I remember that moment on that hill.
Amazing story!
heh, exactly the same thing I was thinking doing a a hard climb, I can make it.
....me the problems are too many. I ride up hills regularly instead of trying to fix them. Wehhaayy!!
Great story bro, hope things are going good now. Keep cycling, cheers 🍺🍺
I was going through a rocky relationship which didn't end well. Cycling to school once or twice a week which was 2 hrs away from home somehow kept me sane. Running from time to time has also helped with coping with the long term illness and loss of my parents. I feel the more intense the exercise, the more you focus on the physical pain and exertion than the emotional. It has a meditative effect by taking the focus off of the storm. The alternative is to be eaten alive or consumed by what's going on inside your head. Eventually it became a fun leisurely activity. ^_^ When I was at my very worst, it bought me time so I wouldn't end up in a dangerous place. If you miss a dose of biking/running, you get reminded sooner or later.
Mindfulness is 425W. Now that's something for on a T-Shirt
hell yes 400w plus = solid mindfulness
GCN needs to have that as a shirt!
440 W the perfect hour of mindfulness
That's why achieving mindfulness is so bloody hard :)
Scrolled down for this comment :)
I'm starting to notice that GCN has been producing uber 'Science' videos lately with Si. Class-leading investigative works where you interviewed experts on cycling's effect on men's sexual health (Dr. Anthony Koupparis), city cycling and pollution (Dr. Enda Hayes and Dr. Audrey de Nazelle), and now this. Gigantic effort. You deserve every praise from me.
Thanks Vee, that means a lot.
Agreed
Think Si does the best videos full stop
was just about to comment the same!
GCN is punching well above its weight with these excellent videos
Personally I think they put on quite a bit of weight and are punching at their weight. These extra pounds ... not good for a cyclist ;)
@@mumblecake251 you clearly didn't understand what this comment actually means not one of gcns guys are anywhere near over weight they are completely the opposite
@@jgilly3362 I was fully aware what the OP meant. I think the pun that I was making (admittedly not a very good one) eluded you though :P
Science with Si. Love that earnest and eager student mindset Simon adopts when reporting on topics along the lines of how cycling impacts our lives as a whole.
... and the Brains glasses ;)
There's a reason they send Si out for these assignments: he's the best journalist at GCN.
I grew up in a conflict zone in the Nothern Part of Kenya in East Africa.. For many years I suffered Depression, PTSD, and anxiety. When I was young, my big brother bought me a bike and cycling saved me. It's been long since I cycled but watching your channel, just watching you guys bike has relaxed me immensely, for that reason saving up to buy a bike and get more mentally stable .... the best part is I am a psychological Counsellor now.
This is why i love gcn the quality is just so high
Cheers! We're having a great time producing these more in depth investigative pieces lately.
This may well be your most important video so far ,well done
and it was produced a year before the worst epidemic both in physical and mental health in modern era which resulted in booming of this hobby, who knew!
I have to give it up to you guys, I thought this channel's content would plateau (after all you can only make so many "5 worst climbing mistakes" videos) but you keep striving to reach further, improving cinematography and storytelling. This video and the 10.000 calories ride have been superb. I enjoy them even more than the GCN Show. You're really onto something here. Keep it up!
Still going strong
12:05 Am I the only one who thought, "Christ, Si's gone 'full geek' and then "I wonder if he's parodying academics"...?
PS: in 2012, I was fat and borderline suicidal. I quit grad school when I fantasized about hurling myself off a bridge on the way to University. Afterwards I just rode my bike until I found a new job. Bikes changed my life, man.
Glad you're still with us! I'm just getting into cycling now, at 30.
I am suicidal but can't quit my job....I loike your free spirit
I’m a middle aged man, and 1 year ago, I started riding. I was a bit overweight, under a lot of stress and felt lethargic. I can confirm that cycling has made me physically healthy (with knock on effects like eating better and drinking less alcohol since the opposite would result in unenjoyable rides) but as importantly, I handle stress way better. I was even once at work during a particularly stressful event and instead of wallowing with the aftermath, I took a break and went for a ride, and the stress just melted away. Also, if I do an early morning hard ride (e.g. a good climb), the more I am focused at work for the rest of the day. Honestly, it feels like cycling has saved my life- or in the very least, my quality of life. It should be said that I live in Southern California where the climate is good for cycling year round.
I'm far from middle aged (unless you ask my SO), but I was very overweight in my 20's and can confirm all those things in my experience as well. I have a small baby girl at the moment, so cycling time is hard to come by, but when I do get out on the bike it's like a recharging of the batteries, and it doesn't even take that long - even my 30 minute ride to work, I like to sprint for a few sections and maintain a high average speed where I can (even trying to overtake cars occasionally ;) is like a happy moment before the day starts.
I’m 55, new to serious workout riding (indoor mostly during a Canadian winter), and can say I mirror everything you say. I would say that I am gravitating towards better eating habits and less drinking, not solely because of the anti-effect on rides, but just because I don’t feel as inclined to indulge as much, or I seem to have more quality / interesting things to do.
@@morosis82 There is a solution for that. Bike trailor for your little one. Perfect training instrument as well because of the extra weight. My two year old daughter loves it and has good naps in there ;)
@@mumblecake251 yeah I think I'm going to have to upgrade to the double model, the 3yo loves it but haven't been out with the little one yet. Have been thinking about getting a cargo style e-bike for that purpose, it's a bit hilly where I live.
I'm 30 and the same happened for me.
Hmmm interesting. I find too that my hamster wheel is going non-stop on easy zone-2 rides, but the longer I ride, the slower the hamster wheel is turning. I found that on some really long rides (150km+), especially on a nice summer day, I reach this sort of sincere, relaxed mental state. When I arrive back home I feel utterly relaxed and happy. Sometimes this works better for me than taking a full week of holiday!
I can relate to this feeling!
The cutaway shot to Si’s face when Dr. Geddes references “the manual fiddling around and nerdery of cycles” at 20:09 is pure gold.
I laughed out loud when I saw that, and had to come down to the comments and look for anyone mentioning it :)
That is my single favorite moment of all time since I started watching TH-cam videos many years ago. Si's smirk is priceless!
I suffer from clinical depression and anxiety and cycling has been my saviour, thanks for the video. Keep up the great work
Thanks Jason, keep riding and enjoying cycling
Definitely struggle with mental health in our Canadian winters because my activity level drops so much!
Got myself a trainer this year because one of your videos came up in my reccomend from TH-cam vids.
Now riding every day and I'm loving it! Feeling great, sleeping great, eating great and healthier!
Thanks GCN! Keep up the great work!
Thanks dude, glad you found a great solution!
I started cycling a year ago, and i notice that i become less stressed with my job, marriage etc. Even just by commuting to work i become more happy, less stressed, even get a promotion on top of that. The thing is, it is become addictive. 1-3 days without cycling, i got anxious, and become easily angered.
Anyway, great video! Now i know that its not just myth, it is proven that cycling makes you happy.
As someone who suffered with untreated PTSD for years, when I finally got help, I returned to my love of cycling. My doc is convinced that my recovery was hastened due to the bike. It gives distraction from my thoughts, something exciting to look forward to and motivation to try harder. Thank you for putting this video up. It helps validate what so many of us know.
To echo the reverse. I can track the decline of my own mental health back to when i stopped riding my bike If I look back. I went through a 3 year period after my bike was stolen where i didn't have a bike and in that time i think my mental health as well as my phsyical health declined a lot. I also ended up with injuries and that further made it all worse. All came to a head thsi year at the beginning with a big dive into depression after a panic attack (I have a lot of other depressing shit happen worse than a bike beign nicked whcih contributed but I didn't help myself at all).
Getting back on the bike and excercising again (amongst other things) has been a good way to beat back my anxiety fears and depression. Its given me back that joy i was missing from being alive!
Great video and great insight, issues that affect us all on some level. I was on medication for anxiety for 9 years, in 2017 I started a daily mindfulness practice, and late 2017 started cycling. In 2018 I came off medication and kept cycling and have been feeling the best I've ever felt as an adult. For anyone struggling seek help and never give up, there's always something else to try and someone else to help. ❤️
As an experienced mental health nurse, life coach and keen cyclist and mountaineer, I certainly can testify that physical activity, (cycling, trekking, running etc) certainly does have long term benefits on mental wellbeing and the reduction in stress. Particularly if you include mindfulness into the activity, i.e rather than going full power all the time, learn to also slow down (best done once you go full gas for a period), take in the environment and become aware of your own thoughts and emotions whilst engaging in the physical activity. Since 2006, I have worked independently from the NHS. This has enabled me to provide treatment and interventions that have a physical element built into each person's plan. I recognise that I am in a unique position to witness first hand the overwhelmingly positive effects sport related activities, based in the outdoors, have on people’s mental wellbeing. I am not an academic and do not claim to possess the qualities these individuals have obtained; however, I know what I have witnessed. Engaging in a sport-related physical activity over a prolonged period of time does provide a positive impact upon mental wellbeing regardless of the severity. Often in times of serious mental distress, one important element that appears to fade away when distressing thoughts take over is the disconnection with nature’s natural biorhythms. Through a range of sport-related activities like cycling, running, kayaking, walking and hiking people get to go to places they would not see in a car. They come into contact with a diverse natural environment that isn’t easily accessible by road, air or railway. People reconnect both internally and externally; they feel “alive” again.
It may be fair to say that human beings in the Western World now spend long periods confined in concrete buildings far away from remote and wild places. Perhaps we have lost touch with our symbiotic relationship with the very ground we walk. Many academics argue that this disconnection with nature causes an imbalance in the mind and dis-ease occurs. It is not uncommon for participants who turn up on one of my activities I deliver, not to communicate or respond in an open friendly manner to either their peers or staff. By the end of the activity, the same people are talking, laughing and sharing their experiences. Now that's priceless.
i very much love these longer format videos diving into these health-related videos especially the one on body image. keep em coming!
first sorry for my english i will do my best ;p so i had rectal cancer before it i was cycling and going to gym alot i did well with surgerys and chemotherapy sadly chemo and location of the cancer did make my toilet a huge problem thats when i had to stop gym and cycling cuz i basicly didnt know when i will have to go to toilet i was doing my best on indoor trainer and i stoped i dont know why and that was the time when it all started toilet got worse everybody was wondering whats going on and then i did recognise that i have huge depression i lost all my will to live im on antidepressats now when i started from small walks and small cardio on indoor trainer (have problem with lossing waight so cant do anything long that will burn too much calories) but i can say one thing it is helping me more then the pills i was perfect with my head aslong i could train so yeah if u have problems with depression dont sit next to PC like i did just move your A**
Thanks GCN for motivation and videos like that ! you are all great ppl i hope i will get better one day with toilet and i will be able to meet u all on some GCN event !!!
Graboss87 all the best with your recovery 🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing your story. Very inspirational and wishing you the best
All the best and wishing you a speedy recovery! very courageous of you to share.
Thanks for the courage to share! Champion!
It is clear that you have some serious challenges to overcome, though it seems that you are slowly finding a pathway to overcome them. Namely, to get back to doing physical activity. I am happy to read that this video has helped to motivate you and would like to further encourage you to keep on going. Forget what you might have been able to do in the past. Rather, think about things in terms of who and where you are now as a human being and begin to build up on that. Remember, your past self did what they did without having to face what you are now facing. Today, whatever progress that you can make means that you are that much better than what you were before.
This way of thinking about things not only helps in overcoming diseases and injuries, but applies to aging. One’s PBs set when they were in their 20’s have no relevance to those set in their 50’s, other than to prove to oneself that with work and determination, we can always be better, until we reach our limits. What is important is to probe those limits, to do so is good for the mind and the body.
All the best, take care.
I need my cycling to help with mental health. It clears my head and makes me a happier calmer person.
Well. This is indeed one of the most important, informative health videos not just from GCN, button TH-cam in general.
Excellent tone and content.
Big thanks to Si, Oxford and the GCN team for this production.
I was suffering from heart palpitation and anxiety for more than year. The first time I tried cycling at home all the symtoms disappeared and my life turn to normal. Thank God and GCN
Fantastic video, thank you to everyone at GCN as well as the Universities for putting this together. There are so many young men with mental health issues who don't seek help. The more we can do to normalise talking and doing things about mental health the better.
There's a similar enterprise in Australia called the 'Mens Shed' organisation that is basically just a place where guys can go to shoot the shit, get their hands dirty with some woodwork, fixing stuff, all sorts of things. The premise behind it is to get them together and talking about what they're struggling with, and get help if they need it.
I can envision something similar with a cycling group, for those that way inclined.
Riding my stationary bike has keep me happy during the days..
It makes me feel good.
As a scientist, I really appreciate the effort that GCN is putting for to translate research to the lay public. Translating science is not easy and the channel has gotten much better about carefully educating the viewers. This is great stuff, keep it up!
I agree, shorter high intensity laps of my local quiet roads each around 90 mins are like medicine for the mind and soul, 3-4 per week is just perfect. Love the gcn does science content!
This post was extremely helpful, and gives scientific support to the importance of exercise, cycling, in our lives. Movement, circulation and time of reflection...Truly self care. Well done!!
Simon, Sammi and the glasses are never in the same shot...Glasses relay at its best...seamless boys, seamless
I spent many years battling addiction and I was at a point that I no longer found inspiration ... I began cycling and it completely changed my life...I encourage anyone that suffers from unhealthy habits to go outside, tap in with nature and find your purpose.. We all have a purpose and we all deserve to smile.. 😊
Cycling helps a lot to escape from the brain. Go out and feel some physical pain, it's nice.
Hey guys! I'm writing my thesis on the effects that HIIT (one session on the rowing machine the other on a bike) has on executive control and goal-directed eye movements and I absolutely loved hearing Prof. Geddes talk about this! Definitely going to cite his work! Keep up the good science!
I have mental health issues that I have learned to live with and on those rough days I've found that simply getting on me bike and taking a ride definitely helps me. Thanks for touching on this issue and a super big thumbs up to Si and Chris!!! GREAT VIDEO GUYS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THANK YOU!!!!!! CHEERS
I have suffered from depression for 25 years and have taken a lot of different medication to control it. Took up cycling 11 years ago and within 2 years come off the meds. I find as long as I do some hard efforts within the ride I,m fine. Just 2 days off the bike and I can feel the dark clouds coming back. A slow social ride will not do the trick, so what ever happens I got to make sure to work hard. Thank you Si for bring this out in the open. Ride on to put a smile to your face.
It's May 2021 and we're well into our 2nd year of COVID-19. A lot has happened since this video has come out. My mental and physical health outlet is horseback riding and everything involved with it including my therapeutic horseback riding volunteering, helping adults and children on the Autism spectrum or other mental health issues and/or muscular and/or neurological disorders. Seeing the kids and adults progress on "800 to 1500 pounds of 'I don't have to listen to you!'" is wonderful, let alone all the benefits of being around other extremely sentient creatures. I'm hardly the knowledgeable bicyclist you folks are, but after 40 years around horses off and on "I know a thing or two." I'm just starting to get back into cycling for exercise again at the age of 54 (that came up fast) and I pray that just like you folks get your "high" from riding your bikes at intensive levels and/or for simple quiet recreational purposes to "zone out," I hope I eventually get there too. There's just nothing to compare with suddenly being taken to a different level of consciousness where realities and perspectives change for the good.
A million times yes! I have suffered with SAD since my teens, but have had the best winter of my life since getting a smart trainer and doing regular rides on Zwift (3-5 per week). A consistent sleep schedule and less booze have helped, but I’m going to attribute the biggest mood boost to exercise. Thanks GCN for turning me on to Zwift and helping me get through the winter blues with flying colors!
when I'm out riding I have noticed the calming affect, I don't think negative things, mostly I think of the first coffee stop! haha
I'm stressed because it's raining outside and I want to go out on my bike 🌧🌧🌧🌧
Go out anyway. I did 👍
I still go out despite the rain. Adds more entertainment to my road rides
As they say, there is no bad weather, there is only wrong clothing ;)
@@mumblecake251 Unless you've got an umbrella ☔️🤠
Fenders!!! ...and Gortex. I commuted and road recreationally in the rainy Westcoast of Canada in the rain...just make sure to change your chain regularly... very few lubes will survive regular weekly water and sand showers.
I thought Simon's presentation was the best he's done yet
Thank you for adressing this very important issue. One should really not decrease the level of exercise bellow a certain level when the number of tasks/work increases. For me, if I do not exercise for a week, I sort of start feeling down, even if there is not a set of reasons that I can identify as explanations. Also, I feel that going for a ride outdoors, specially when it´s a sunny winter day, is about the greatest thing one can do!
I have battled with a really difficult depression and anxiety through my teenage years. After years with no motivation fior anything, one day I pulled myself up on the bike again for just a small ride and it felt awesome. Since then it just moved forward and today I have never felt better and I am completely out of my depression. Obviously there are many factors that have helped me out, but I’m pretty sure cycling has been one of the biggest. Not only does it give me a mental break, mindfulness and awesome experiences, it also give me a lot of self esteem.
Particularly when I am stressed, a good outdoor ride regardless of the weather clears the head and resets the soul to address what ever issues are at hand.
Fascinating video gcn and great presentation si. Don't normally comment but felt compelled to as it was so good. Keep it up.
Really appreciate you taking the time to comment, thanks for your support Russsell.
I check all the boxes for depression, but cycling is literally the only thing that keeps me going. When I’m riding the bike, I just feel pure joy and happiness. When I get off the bike, I get sad that’s it’s over but look forward to the next ride. I wish I could be happy all the time, but I remind myself that without experiencing the sadness whilst off the bike, I wouldn’t be able to truly appreciate the happiness it provides me.
I think every cyclist out there identifies with Si when he said when your riding along within your limits you still have thoughts running through your brain, but as soon as he pushes himself he enters that zone !! That zone is a amazing place I find it so addictive ! Great vid GCN .... I only wish my zone was 425watts !
Thank you for this video. I've suffered with mental health issues of and on for years and cycling has been invaluable in helping me keeping some kind of equilibrium. It's so good to see this subject tackled with sensitivity, and to properly engage with scientific research in a patient and measured way. You're doing something with a real public benefit here and I'm grateful to you.
Good to see John Geddes back - hes looking bloody good for 82, and no scouse accent. Just shows, winning a bronze medal in Melbourne, on the track 4000m pursuit has certainly reduced his stress levels - looking good John !
I think that we love cycling because learning how to ride is one of the first major accomplishments in our lives. As youngsters, it gave us that first taste of freedom and independence, when we could hop on a bike and go meet up with friends. The simple joy is unforgettable and it’s always available for us at any age.
I have always found that getting on my bike to ride home after a mentally tough day at work is a game changer. You can quickly forget and refocus on enjoying life.
Definitely helps to separate the work day from family day. I like to smash myself on the way home, it's only about 30 mins or so but it has such a great effect (once I eventually catch my breath).
Thank you so much for this video. Currently suffering from depression and it’s taken a lot of changes to start getting me back on track. But I started training for the triathlon season and well on my indoor bike I found when I finished I got that hit of endorphins making me feel amazing. My new job is working in mental health and I’m looking into how exercise helps. So this was a great video to watch. Keep up the good work 👍
If you guys thought this was important, you're wrong. It is MORE than important. Thank you for speaking to an issue that is all to often kept inside and personal. Don't be afraid, it isnt a weakness, it is strength to come forward and deal with it. I know I have fought with this for twenty years before I realised it was an issue.
Keep up this awesome content.
Another great piece by gcn. Congratulations on the mix of content you’re putting out.
I take my hat off to these series of videos. As a psychologist and as a cyclist I couldn't get more touched by a video. I firmly believe that to be a cyclist implies to be conscious of such things and for sure this scientific outreach would help some people to take another look onto their bikes and their exercise habits.
Go on guys you are in the right direction
As a person who suffers from depression and anxiety cycling is literally the main thing that pulls me out of the seriousness of the feelings. I can literally just commute and I have a smile on my face. Cycling is the only thing that brings us back to the initial achievements of being a child I believe. Cheers GCN
Thank for all you do, I was just send by a dr to a psychiatrist because of possible depression signs, unable to sleep, irritable quick snapping and so on, next day I went for an 80-kilometer ride and help me so much to relax.
I was diagnosed with bi-polar depression in 1993. I was going through a depressive phase. Meds were prescribed. I began a regular cycling regimen and soon stopped the meds which had made problems, ringing in my ears, sleep problems etc. I had been riding a lot of miles before 1993 with a club but had moved to another city where I began a new job and the riding had slacked off. Now I was depressed and had no understanding of the connection of riding and feeling better. Once I began regular riding, 3 to 4 days a week, I started noticing the periods of depression began to disappear and became less frequent. Now I have been completely free of depression for years. I still maintain 3 riding days a week and after buying my LOOK e-765 several weeks ago, I am riding 5 days a week.
Hi Dan! Thanks for sharing your mental health journey, great to hear that the bike has been part of your process. 🙌
I've suffered from PTSD for 30 years this caused all kinds of physical changes including severe allergic reactions. I was diagnosed with PTSD in early 2018 and changing my diet and getting a strict training plan has changed my life. I just wish I could afford better kit so I could keep getting better and better PB's. It would have been much better if GP's could put the pieces together a little bit earlier fitness has helped me through many tough times but cycling has been especially beneficial. Great video GCN and thanks for all the insight from all the team brilliant channel, you are simply the best.
I definitely have cycling to thank for a turn around in mental health. Around three years ago I was having a really tough time at work, I enjoyed my job but got stuck in a rut and had a very stressful situation cause me to become depressed and I suffered from anxiety, albeit mild but I have absolutely no doubt that cycling helped me to deal with it through high intensity exercise or just getting out in the countryside and getting away from it all. I always felt so much better after being on the bike. I now have a new job I absolutely love and a great group of cyclist friends to go with it. Happy days!
Thanks GCN for talking about this subject. I would encourage anyone who is struggling with mental health to take up cycling 100%
Survived a helicopter crash in the military in 2007, resulting in a severe brain injury, multitude of broken bones, paralysis, with depression and anxiety. I self medicated with alcohol for years, and hit rock bottom during the COVID pandemic. When the hangover wore off, I started riding my hand cycle. I'm off most of my meds, lost over 50 pounds, have cycled in multiple marathons and races as well as group rides with other warriors with visible and invisible wounds. It has saved my life. I'm riding to a better life for my wife, my kids, and for myself. Cycling is the best medicine.
About 15 years ago I ended up with pretty severe depression due to a drug side effect and saw a psychiatrist for a bit. He told me that nothing would be better for me than exercise. I call riding my endorphin injection. At age 71 I'm not fast, and I'm no great climber, but 25-40 miles on a bike are my true Zen moments.
Since I'm not fast, I tend to use my bike to explore the world a bit. No big adventures, but just following a new route or bike path make me happy. Even riding around a neighborhood works for me.
loving the science-related videos you are putting up guys. loving that you are also focusing on mental health, urban planning, etc. goes to show that cycling, isn't really just about cycling!
I am 59. Getting myself out in nature helps my mood. Focusing on technical riding distracts my mind as well as makes me feel better about the capabilities of my body. Si asked insightful questions.
Had a breakup and bought a new cycle to cope up with the depression ! I'm happier than ever!
Cycling is a great stress buster. While being a carer and completing a master degree, I would sometimes feel overwhelmed. At these times I could hardly concentrate so I would jump on the bike and go for a ride. Even if I only had 45 minutes to exercise, the negative feelings were greatly reduced. It was a very effective strategy that had consistent positive results.
I have been cycling for over 40 years but because of my situation now, living alone in Italy, I have had a number of panic attacks over the last year, but have found if i can get out on my bike I can relieve the stress and clear my brain of negative thoughts.
I was always a big exercise nut: trail running, kayaking, soccer, football, and biking. I had some arthritis and tendon damage in my left foot, went to the wrong doctor who said I needed a pin to stabilize my ankle - he killed the nerve to my left foot and overheated the bone turning it to powder. Now I don't have a left foot. Then the prosthesis I was working with botched 3 legs in a row! I went several years where walking was out of the question. I got severely depressed and gained 80 lbs. I finally got a leg that fit and have since started biking again. I lost 75 of the 80 lbs in 4 months and feel so much better about life. I literally think I would have died if I couldn't get back to exercising. I love my bike.
Thanks GCN and Si for putting up this video, recently i have been suffering from stress and depression from office workload. I had started cycling 4 years back, but stopped due to laziness and office schedule, but you just gave me a way out. Thanks again for this video. You guys always rock. Am a big fan of Si, the way he deals with complex things in a simplified way. Cheers guys 🍺🍺
As a psychiatrist and a cyclist/triathlete, this was a great video for everyone to watch. Kudos and keep up the great work!!!
Cycling definitely gives me a mental health boost, and I would add that any exercise tends to help. I like riding outdoors but my £50 turbo trainer helps me a lot on the days I don't feel like leaving the house, or the conditions are horrible!
Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins , dopamine and serotonin -- chemicals that regulate our mood. Eating nuts, having sex and meditating will also do a good job.
Fitness, including cycling, has helped me stay sober. It provides that sense of fulfillment that addicts are always chasing. And it does this through delayed gratification, rather than instant. Which is a very important behavior to learn.
Another great bit of journalism guys! Are those Simon's normal glasses or are they special science ones?
Speaking for myself as a 65 year old male that grew up playing competitive sports such as hockey and american football. i found myself dealing with depression and anxiety after having to give these activities up not even realizing they were probably keeping me mentally healthy. In my fifties I started weight training and cycling and it seems to have helped keeping me on a mentally even keel so much so that I've used my indoor stationary cycle to stop the beginning of a panic attack dead in its tracks. So yes I would say exercise in any form makes a huge difference in your mental and physical heath .
I suffered long term (masked) depression all my life (I don't appear depressed to observers), and in my 30s took SSRI's and beta blockers for a few years. I was working as a singer and they also helped with stage fright. They also caused side effects including interfering with sexual climaxes. In the end, I decided to get myself off all the drugs because I also lost my creative edge and felt flat and dull all the time.
Without the beta blockers, I found it harder and harder to do shows, and eventually also gave up singing.
Six years ago I was approaching the age of 45, having had one of my more manic episodes where I bought a house on the internet. I moved to France for a year and did nothing but write and cycle. I published a novel called "The Vegas Switch". I also wrote a lot of new music.
One day I was out cycling, and suddenly realised that actually, life doesn't get any better than riding a bike. The peace I'd been searching for had been sitting in my garage all along. I had always cycled a lot, but hadn't really realised that it *doesn't get any better than this.* That was an epiphany for me. I still remember the moment, riding on that perfect French lane.
I ran out of money, moved to London and became a cycle messenger. I figured also that at 45 years old it was a good time to get in shape for my approaching latter years. That was six years ago. I did about fifty thousand miles over the following five years.
I still work as a cycle courier, but the 9 hour days are too much for me now. I need a lot of exercise in order to get enough feel good juice. Like you, I need to ride very hard, and ride a lot. I guess it's just the way I'm made. Being off the drugs and still experiencing highs and lows, but with cycling on tap to treat the lows (and earn money!) I now still have the dark and light of creativity, and am writing my second musical. I hope my story inspires someone else to kick the drugs.
I ride a blue Pinnacle Dolomite ladies size frame (it fits me really well), bought from a pawnbrokers in North End Road for £99. An excellent cycle. Ghost means so much to me that she has a name. I have a cowbell on the back and you may hear me riding around in London. If you do, say hi.
It's so individual what type of activity is required, but 100% physical activity is an absolute must to feel good.
Our proverb says: "In healthy body - healthy mind!". Just follow it
Cycling like all exercise has helped me a lot, and GCN in particular has helped me get a lot more out of my home workouts!.
Lads , genuinely one of the best , supportive , and helpful vids you have ever made. I suspect a lot of people have had a think during that 23 mins and a few will have decided to address issues all to familiar . Credit to si , the very clever boffins and the channel for addressing with such empathy and care
As a sufferer from depression, i do feel the benefits of getting out on the bike although i prefer to cycle alone, but the biggest battle for me is getting out on the bike in the first place but once im out everything is fine, its just getting over that first hurdle
I have suffered from Burn out and deprresion, those times are 12 years behind me. It where hard an difficulat times, but I got out of it with some good life lessons. At first therapy and medication got me to the point where I could redirect my life, change jobs, leave a bad relationship, then in more stable times I got on without medication. As anyone you have to battle your demons but I managed. I could say I was moderatly happy. 3 years ago I started to train, and got into triathlon, since then coping with stress has gotten much easyer. It's stille there, don't be fooled, but mindfullness is indeed at 110 RPM on a static bike ... or at 4:50 min/km running, ... it really helps. That being said, I would have never been able to get into this sport and shape without the therapy and treatement I had years ago. Exercise is a great help I think, but it's not a treatement. And of course, when you get stronger you feel so much more confident, and for people with depression, low self esteem, and anxiety, like me, that's a great bonus.
Si, this is a really really useful insight. I am responsible for Health & Fitness where I work as one facet of my job. We are recognising many of my colleagues, generally in their 20s and 30s suffer from mental health problems and stress. The standard way of dealing with this is time off, which doesn't tackle the problem, affects those who are left at work dealing with the short term loss of their colleagues, and it simply relieves the pressure temporarily, allowing the problems to build again and lead to future problems. I'd love to help implement a sports based solution to this problem. This video clearly highlights the issues, then offers a solution. I'll show this to my colleagues to help us potentially turn a corner. Thanks Si! 🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴
That's great to hear. I hope it helps! All the best.
We have a group of people that meet twice a week before work to bash out an hour or two riding with some chatting over coffee afterwards. Some of them have even moved on to other roles in different companies but continue the ride with our group. Something to think about.
We have very different fitness levels, but account for that by cycling as a group for most, and having sprint sections where the faster people can let 'er rip for a few minutes before waiting at a pre-determined point for the rest to catch up.
Matthew Jenkinson that's great - where I work, virtually none of the younger staff do any consistent exercise, we have a few 5-a-side footballers, no cycle to work scheme and a lot of apathy.. it's going to be a challenge!
For me, it is cutting through urban traffic on my commute, beating cars on short stretches does good things for my mood.
Hahaha yes! No better feeling 🙌
This info is great. It gives credit to what my go to mental health/stress reduction has been for 40 years. My challenge is now a heart arrhythmia (I also watched your heart health episode) and growing stress because of work demands. I’m sure I’m not alone and like many other now professional office workers struggling to stay fit mentally and physically until the sweet spot of retirement when we can resume some level of extreme bicycling! I will be going to my doc for some tests. Thanks so much GCN. Your videos and news clips help me a lot,
I have a medical condition (fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue) that in part covers depression and anxiety and if I don't feel that much physical pain or as if my body has been set on fire, I try to get on my bike. Nowadays it's very short most of the time - to the shops and back but it does help me feel good. Last week, I remarked that I got on the bike three times in a row and I was extremely happy with myself. I think if it's possible, exercise is a good thing but I think it's important to realise that, as was pointed out in the video, that there are other factors at play. I wish I could get on my bike more and do distances that I never thought were possible. I was so pleased that I cycled 35km once which was great but I was in searing pain the next day (and a couple of days after) that I had to rethink my limits.
Anyway to stop myself from babbling on, always loving the content on here - keep up the good work guys!
Love the blue Polar M400(?) on the wrist of the interviewee in the second half. He clearly likes to exercise!
Thanks to Si for expanding this channel in this direction. He has done some excellent research lately and presented this longer-form content, which has really shown a new direction for this channel. Chappeau.
For me, the constant repetition of movement is very comforting. It’s a lot of the same thing over and over again, unlike my everyday life. Also, there’s something internally that happens when I cycle. The amount of energy I put out vs the speed in which I travel,..it all seems to mesh. The mechanics and “gears” align and it just feels right, unlike when I run. I also run for exercise but I never enjoy it. I need to run, but I don’t like running (if that makes any sense).
@20:09 Si ' Yep, Im one of those nerds' :D Fantastic video, guys. Nerding out on a new groupset is great, but the implications of training and cycling is also grest to find out about.
Haha! Yes, on go the nerd specs!! Nice
This is a fabulous video, along with the one on cardiovascular health. As a lifelong cyclist, I can recognise the differences in my mental state when I've not been able to get out on the road or trail. The more we understand the impact of activity on our wellbeing, I think that we are recognising the real negative impact of our being displaced from our natural environment. Cycling appears to improve our demeanor at an individual and possibly societal level. Keep up the good work.
Watching old films about cycling also cheers you up. "A Boy, a Girl, and a Bike," Ralph Smart's 1949 classic is doing the rounds on Talking Pictures, (Sky 328) at the moment.
Stone walls, traffic free roads, post-war club life (daft romance of course), a feel-good watch.
I wonder if any of the northern club lads who were extras, are still around?
Another serious piece with Si talking us through some pretty complex issues... Almost serious enough to make you forget he rode through London in Speedos with Dan's face on... Almost 😋
The content on this channel just keeps getting better and better
Naww thanks John!
Watching these videos reduces my stress.
thx for great video, the honesty and confirmation that comes with it. i have had a stressful life and prone to anxiety and depression. cycling, along with my faith, is a huge part of my therapy and i'm addicted to the sense of well being that i enjoy on and after the bike.
I struggle a phenomenal amount over Winter when I can't get outside as much as I want or need to, I still get out but I want to ride with friends, ride hard with friends and enjoy the camaraderie that goes with it. I don't know where I'd be without my bike now that I've stopped playing rugby as often.
Thank you so much for this video. Really, thank you.
Nice video on a very important topic. Well done GCN! 👍 One aspect that could be discussed further, specifically related to cycling, is the mindset that we have. Most cyclists develop a strong "warrior spirit" to endure the pain over time and it becomes a very useful skill in life to fight against mental health problems. Personally, I started cycling very early in my life to fight physical health problems and develop my heart and lungs. I remember that thanks to my training, as a teenager, I was mentally already tough compare to other people. And it surely helped me later in life to fight depression and stress. Cycling is such a complete sport to develop yourself and help prevent or treat any problem of life.
I am ex forces and organising a 330 mile cycle ride from Munich to Montreux. With PTSD and trying to stop the public from buying fireworks which trigger PTSD. The reason why I am organising this ride is that I have lost a lot of friends due to suicide. The reason why we are doing this ride is that it is 30 years this year since Freddie Mercury died. So it is a Queen themed ride, this will take place next year 8th,9th and 10th April 2022
I really love GCNs health related videos! Being well spoken and friendly and seeming genuinely interested, Si's the perfect presenter for them.