In the fast-paced city life, more and more people are looking for a way to improve their physical health as well as relieve mental stress, and cycling is a good choice.
A bicycle rider on Bank Street at 7 p.m. She wore a reflective green jersey and helmet for riding on the road.
Cycling, an environmentally friendly way of traveling, is becoming a choice for more and more people in pursuit of health and balance. Whether commuters, students, or recreational cyclists, they all have their own cycling stories and experiences.
Many of them started riding for the simple reason of commuting. Heng Zhao, a Chinese cycling organizer in Ottawa, said his first contact with cycling was also for commuting.
“Cycling is sometimes much faster than driving or taking public transportation,” Zhao said, “you can breathe fresh air in the morning, which can make you feel better.”
Several cyclists mentioned that cycling brings not only physical health improvements but also positive changes in mindset.
Some studies have shown that aerobic exercises such as cycling can stimulate the release of dopamine and relieve anxiety and stress.
Charles Liu, a graduate of the University of Ottawa and a cycling enthusiast, shared one particular experience.
“I remember it was finals time and I had no ideas for my paper, but when I came back from a ride with a friend my brain felt like it had rebooted,” Liu said.
However, getting into cycling can also be challenging.Same with another sport, when you lose the novelty and passion you had at the beginning, procrastination and excuses may begin.
“Don’t think of riding as a regular cardio workout at first, give yourself a set amount of time to ride every day over time and you’ll slowly stop wanting to do it, and don’t think of it as a task,” Liu said.
In addition, Liu also said that in the beginning, try to buy some suitable and comfortable equipment.
Zhao mentioned it’s best to ask more friends to join you each time. “When you don’t want to go by yourself, you might give yourself an excuse, but if that’s when your friend pushes you a little bit, you’ll go out,” Zhao said.
Summarizing the experiences of respondents, these tips can help newbies settle into the riding life more quickly:
- Start with small goals: just ride 10 minutes a day and stick to it.
- Choose the right equipment: a comfortable bike and safety helmet are the basics.
- Set a regular time: incorporate riding into your daily routine, such as commuting or after dinner.
- Find a riding partner: Riding is more fun with companion support.
Riding is not just a sport, it is a way to improve your life. “The moment you feel the wind, you will be completely immersed in your world, and the thrill of that exclusive little world comes out,” Zhao said.