Have you ever felt “down in the dumps” and needed a quick reset? I’ve got your solution. Exercise and Depression have a very strong relationship. Many of my clients come to me depressed and cycling seems to significantly help their Depression.

I’m Debra Stefan, your LCI-League Cycling Instructor with the League of American Bicyclists here to offer Smart Cycling “need-to-know” tips as well as reasons to bike more often!

Today’s topic is “Biking beats the Blues.” Exercise and Depression

The best cure for a depressed mood is BIKING. Especially, seasonally affected disorder aka S.A.D.-sad. What better way to manage your mood than to get on a bike?! Getting outdoor exercise. There is no pill or counseling that can treat depression as magically as riding a bicycle outdoors. Ride your bike on a scenic trail or dedicated bike path and it gets even better. The day also becomes brighter.

Say you already get plenty of exercise in the gym. It’s not the same. Riding a stationary bike or taking a spin class is NOT the same. Studies prove mental well-being immediately following exercise in a natural environment. What’s more, exercising in the outdoor elements of nature can cause feelings of revitalization, increased energy, positive engagement, less tension-confusion- anger and depression. Biking can also serve as a distraction, allowing you to break out of the pattern of negative thoughts and rumination that feed depression.

It is the best antidepressant, and it’s out here waiting for you!

On a bike there is a lot to see. Biking stimulates the senses, with the sights, the sounds, the smells. Indeed, exercising on a bike can be great for your Depression.

As a fitness professional, finding a client’s motivational “driver” is key to exercise adherence. Consistency gets results. Greater enjoyment and satisfaction from outdoor activity means likelihood of repeating more often. Because its FUN. The best compliment my clients can give me is saying that they had fun. As though exercise isn’t expected to be fun? It has to be fun or it won’t get done as often.

Maybe you haven’t gotten much exercise or been outdoors in a while. Exercise and getting outdoors are the top two cures for situational as well as seasonal depression. Combine the two and you have a cure-all treatment for the blues AND greater adherence to succeed in your wellness goals.

If you know someone who needs this encouragement, invite them to ride with you. Also, if you’re someone who wants to start biking in the Henderson area, and aren’t sure how to start, talk to me. I’m Debra Stefan, your League Cycling Instructor and I’m here to help. Thanks for watching my video; I welcome your comments and questions. To learn more about exercise and Depression, you can directly contact me at the number in the end of this video.

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