Cycling is often discussed as a mental health-boosting activity that can soothe anxiety, alleviate depression, and release endorphins. However, while these benefits are undeniable for many, a lesser-discussed aspect deserves attention: for obsessive and goal-oriented personalities, cycling can become a source of stress, exhaustion, and relationship strain. Here's why.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: depositphotos.com
The benefits of cycling on mental health: an established reality
Cycling is widely reconnaked for its positive effects on mental health. A study published in The lancet psychiatry (2018) showed that physical exercise, including cycling, is associated with a significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers found that aerobic (endurance) activities increase the production of endorphins, the feel-good hormones that provide a natural feeling of euphoria. Cycling, as an outdoor activity, also provides exposure to natural light, which helps regulate serotonin, a key neurotransmitter for mood (Journal of Affective Disorders.
Cycling also provides a social setting for manyGroup outings or cycling clubs promote social interaction, a key factor in combating isolation and improving psychological well-being. A study from the University of Oxford (2021) highlighted that physical activities practiced in groups strengthen the sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness.
But these benefits are not universal.For some, especially those prone to obsessive behaviors, cycling can become a source of pressure rather than relief. Performance expectations, amplified by apps like Strava, can turn a beneficial activity into a relentless pursuit of results, generating stress. A study in Frontiers in Psychology (2019) indicates that excessive exercise, motivated by unrealistic goals, can lead to exercise addiction, characterized by increased anxiety when goals are not achieved.
When training becomes toxic
For 'Type A' personalities – competitive, goal-oriented and perfectionists – cycling can become a harmful obsession. There are plenty of stories of personal relationships strained by workout addiction. Some exercisers prioritize their workout plan over their family or friends, becoming distant even when they are physically present. A study published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise (2021) explored exercise addiction and its impacts on interpersonal relationships, concluding that addicted individuals often sacrifice quality time with loved ones to maintain their exercise routines.
The role of platforms like Strava is also problematicBy gamifying cycling through leaderboards and personal bests, Strava may exacerbate the obsession with performance. An analysis in The Journal of Sports Sciences (2020) showed that intensive use of tracking apps can increase social pressure and comparison anxiety, particularly among competitive cyclists. This quest for virtual segments or podiums can lead some to neglect valuable moments in daily life, such as spending time with their children.
However, these negative effects are not inevitable.The harmful effects of cycling depend largely on how it is practiced. A balanced approach, where training is integrated into a healthy social and family life, can mitigate these risks. Sports psychology experts, such as those cited in The British Journal of Sports Medicine (2022), recommend setting clear boundaries, such as rest days or periods without performance tracking, to avoid burnout and preserve relationships. Additionally, Strava can be used positively as a motivational tool to stay active, as long as you don't let the rankings dominate the experience.
Central nervous system fatigue: an unknown danger
Cycling, due to its low-impact nature on joints and muscles, allows for long hours of training without immediate muscle pain.. However, this practice can mask central nervous system fatigue, which leads to psychological symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and depressed mood. A study in Sports Medicine (2018) explains that prolonged overtraining places excessive demands on the central nervous system, disrupting hormonal balance and increasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. These effects are particularly pronounced in exercisers who train intensely without adequate recovery periods.
That said, Central nervous system fatigue can be avoided through intelligent training planning. Specialists, such as those from theAmerican College of Sports Medicine (2023), recommend incorporating recovery cycles, varied training, and careful listening to the body's signals. For example, alternating intense rides with light sessions or non-competitive activities can maintain the benefits of cycling while reducing risks to the central nervous system.
A balance to be found
Cycling is undeniably a powerful tool for improving mental health, reducing anxiety and depression while providing a sense of well-being.But for obsessive personalities, it can become a source of exhaustion, stress, and relationship tension, especially when tools like Strava amplify the pressure to perform.
The key is balance : practicing cycling in moderation, respecting clear limits and prioritizing human relationships, allows you to maximize its benefits while minimizing its risks.
sources:
- Chekroud, SR, et al. (2018). Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1·2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: a cross-sectional study. The Lancet Psychiatry.
- Firth, J., et al. (2020). The effects of sunlight exposure on mental health. Journal of Affective Disorders.
- Szabo, A., & Ábrahám, J. (2019). Exercise addiction: A narrative overview of its conceptualization, prevalence, and psychological mechanisms. Frontiers in Psychology.
- Hamer, M., & Karageorghis, C.I. (2021). The impact of exercise addiction on interpersonal relationships. Psychology of Sport and Exercise.
- Meeusen, R., et al. (2018). Central fatigue: The role of the central nervous system in overtraining. Sports Medicine.
