Joe Tarver of Cycle for Life and Rock and Roll Cycles in Lubbock, Texas manufacturers therapeutic bicycles for people with special needs. In the following article, Joe Tarver discusses how bicycle rides can be therapeutic for people with physical and mental disabilities.
Doctors have long promoted the importance of exercise in relation to good mental health, and riding a bike is one such exercise.
However, it is thought that bike riding is having an even more positive effect on our minds than simply keeping us healthy. Bike riding is thought to be highly beneficial as a healing aid or therapy for both physical and mental trauma explains Joe Tarver with Cycle for Life.
Cycling Promotes Healing
Joe Tarver of Rock and Roll Cycles explains that cycling is a low-impact sport that works wonders on both the body and the brain, making it the perfect activity for recovery. Whether there has been an injury to the body or a traumatic event that has impacted mental health, bicycle rides can help.
It is due to the way in which blood is circulated around the body during the cycling activity. Effective circulation encourages the body to create new capillaries, which go on to increase circulation even further.
This improved circulation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, encourage better sleep patterns, and lift depression says Joe Tarver of Cycle for Life.
It’s All About Endorphins
The link between the release of endorphins, or feel-good hormones, and exercise is well documented, but its impact cannot be overstated.
Walking and cycling are so highly valued in the process of therapy and recovery that doctors often prescribe a cycle ride in conjunction with other, more traditional methods such as counselling or medication.
The release of endorphins happens more during exercise, and in particular an exercise that participants find enjoyable.
Joe Tarver of Cycle for Life and Rock and Roll Cycles explains that the sense of freedom while riding a bike can contribute to the practice of mindfulness. When a person does their best to clear their minds of worries and concerns and instead works at living in the immediate moment, taking in all the sights, sounds and sensations around them.
Excellent for Children
Buying a child their first bike is a magical moment, but by encouraging them to cycle, they can benefit from a whole range of positive physical and mental rewards discusses Joe Tarver with Rock and Roll Cycles.
Children learn best when pushing and challenging themselves, but the combination of the excitement of cycling and the cognitive activity required can do wondrous things for their brains, reports addiction treatment resource Retorno.
By utilizing their concentration and improving their confidence, children who cycle find that symptoms of ADHD and behavioral issues show huge improvement explains Joe Tarver of Cycle for Life and Rock and Roll Cycles. By working through the challenges of steep hills, navigating around obstacles, and pushing through limits, children can reap a huge sense of fulfilment.
The Healing Power of Nature
Much of the benefits of cycling stem from the location in which the activity is performed. That’s not to say that a spin class in a local gym or even cycling in the city are not effective, but when using bicycle riding as a therapy, there is little doubt that much of the benefit comes from being in the great outdoors says Joe Tarver of Cycle for Life.
Psychology Today reports that nature “has a magical impact on our health” and especially on our mental wellbeing. Taking bicycle rides in nature are known to lower stress levels and promote wellness, even going so far as to boost the body’s immunity.
There is a reason that most recovery and wellness centers are found in rural areas and in the wilderness. It’s because healing has a head start when participants are surrounded by nature and all its effects. The calm, tranquility, clean air, and the “spiritual power of the rhythm of nature” can all be found on bike rides outside says Joe Tarver with Rock and Roll Cycles.
An Activity for Solitude or With Company
The beauty of involving bicycle riding into therapy and recovery is that it’s an activity that can be enjoyed completely alone, or with friends says Joe Tarver of Cycle for Life.
Some people thrive on being on their own and simply enjoy their own company. Others do better when they are surrounded by friends and family. When it comes to going on a bike ride, both scenarios beneficial.
Getting out in nature and exercising all go to releasing feel good hormones and doing so alongside friends and even others who are also working on their own recovery can have excellent, positive effects on all involved says Joe Tarver with Cycle for Life.
One reason is that by setting goals with friends or family members, there is more chance that participants will remain motivated in achieving their success. Recovering from physical or mental trauma can result in a real struggle to even leave the house at times but having a cycling buddy can be a huge boost.
An Inexpensive form of Therapy
Joe Tarver of Cycle for Life and Rock and Roll Cycles explains that cycling could potentially be an expensive hobby for the bike enthusiast, but there’s no need to pay a fortune to enjoy this form of therapy. Checking local second-hand stores, borrowing off a friend or even finding a government scheme can result in getting hold of a great bike to get going, and thus kick-starting this valuable, free therapy.
