Capital bike and walk

 

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Bike riding for therapeutic purposes has been very potent in healing from cognitive and emotional problems. Bike riding coaches and therapists agree that bike riding has the capacity to impact a child’s self-confidence and mindset positively. They add that a youngster goes through coordination development, bodybuilding, increased capacity to focus, and polishing of the senses on a physical level. For instance, kids who have ADHD may find it difficult to focus even for ten minutes regularly. But when riding the bike, they usually prosper.

Mentally, bike riding entails overcoming challenges and confronting many fears. Every terrain, every rock signifies a new test, and what was previously not doable becomes possible. The growth then becomes evident pretty quickly.

Speaking of bikes for therapy, this article will primarily talk about another type of bike – the recumbent bike. It has been used in the United States and other countries to help individuals who have physical injuries and those who have undergone surgery. Continue reading to learn more about these unique and useful bikes.

Introduction To Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bicycles are marvelous pieces of gym apparatus that are used for physical therapy and rehabilitation. Their style and purpose make them convenient to use, with little soreness on the injured ligaments, joints, and tendons. They also permit you to build muscles during the course of recovery and after.

These types of bikes are stationary, and they have bucket seats. Rather than sitting unswervingly on the pedals, these pedals are positioned more frontward and fixed on the machine, making it simpler to control the bike and putting less stress on the back, hips, and knees while increasing muscle strength. Recumbent bicycles can be seen in fitness facilities, physical rehab clinics, and even home gyms. Occasionally, they are utilized concurrently with a conventional standing pedal bicycle, but they are usually used gradually, such as from a recumbent to a traditional bicycle.

Source: rbr.info

Use In Physical Therapy

Because of its design, the recumbent bicycle puts less tension and stress on the knees, hips, and back, as mentioned above. When an individual is healing from surgery or some injury, the objective is to return to the point before the incident. Sometimes, this healing period can take a longer time, depending on the situation. Initiating is gradually is a great way of decreasing the risk of harm, all while giving mild activity to return lost muscle strength and tone.

While you could utilize a recumbent bicycle for strength exercises, they are frequently used to work for similar muscle groups as a standing bicycle but with decreased trauma to the joints and ligaments. If you are diagnosed with a tendon injury or arthritis, a recumbent bicycle is a great first-time bike to get individuals on their journey to recovery or be more active.

Recumbent bicycles do offer a cardiovascular workout with lesser trauma on the heart. To increase blood circulation and heart rate, one can still attain good cardiovascular exercise with lesser trauma on the body. If you have problems with balance, a recumbent bicycle is frequently preferable to a standing bicycle. Individuals healing from a stroke can include cardio exercise without worrying about falling from the bike. The recumbent bicycle is definitely a great alternative because you are in a comfortable sitting position and can use a seatbelt for more safety.

Some doctors particularly write their prescriptions that no standing bicycles can be utilized for treating their patients. The reason for this is that a standing bike needs you to tolerate weight-bearing for riding and standing upright on the machine. If you can find a good quality recumbent bicycle, you can safely transfer the seat to one side, and then the patient can don the bike with very little stress. For patients recovering from knee, back, or hip problems, it is vital to distinguish the unique characteristics of the two bikes.

Resistance Training Using Recumbent Bicycles

Source: sunnyhealthfitness.com

You can definitely perform resistance training using the recumbent bicycle. There are different methods to intensify its resistance. For instance, if you are recovering from physical trauma, the resistance you must use should be small not to injure your joints and other body parts. But you can also intensify the resistance to give you a beneficial workout as you recover and improve.

With a recumbent bicycle assembled in your home, you can achieve great cardiovascular exercise without hurting your hips and back. These bikes are also wonderful machines to add to the rehab team or the physical therapy field. They are also very useful for fitness and home gyms where you could have some restrictions but still want to perform a cardiovascular workout.

Remember to always discuss this matter with your healthcare provider before initiating any exercise regimen using the recumbent bike. For assistance in finding an exercise that suits your lifestyle and capacity levels, you can always ask a licensed and experienced physical therapist. This medical professional possesses the skills and expertise required to help manage your injuries and keep you active while safely preventing untoward incidents or injuries in workouts, sports, and other activities.

 

 

 

 

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For an experienced cyclist, there is nothing pretty refreshing and invigorating as a long bike through a rough terrain that matches her riding style. It is frequently said that riding is therapeutic, although even bikers often consider it a mere proverb. Honestly, riding motorcycles has been shown scientifically to be stress-relieving and has been confirmed to improve brain and muscular functions.

Let us look into some points that have proven how biking is truly beneficial as therapy.

It Entails Physical Activity

Riding bicycles entail using several sets of muscles. Hard riding around a track for 30 minutes would produce aches and pains in body parts that you have no idea existed. Biking involves extreme physical activity of specific body parts, such as the upper legs, and can drain even a very fit person at a rapid speed. Even street biking activates the body tremendously, and following a very long ride, you will realize that you are fatigued but in a rather rewarding way. The physical activity involved with riding bikes helps tone numerous large and small muscles, particularly getting on a sporty bike around bends.

Exploring While Riding Makes The Rider Ecstatic

Each bicycle ride is an experience. For a person who loves to ride, even a short commute to the town is filled with new experiences where the rider learns new things about the landmarks he passes by. In the end, this sense of augmenting experience with a hobby that you are passionate about adds to your emotional and mental contentment. The feeling is further improved multiple times over when you get to ride in a new and exciting destination – not only are the events and places entirely fresh and more exhilarating, but the profound feeling of satisfaction that you get out of discovering new places adds knowledge and stories in your life that will definitely go a long way in improving your personality and your overall mental state as well.

Scientifically Established To Relieve Stress

It is common knowledge that stress reduction is one of the health benefits of walking. This is also true with biking. This is something that every cyclist instantaneously agrees with. If someone is having a tough day and you’re overwhelmed with stress, a long ride to your favorite beaten path is sure to bring you back to peace and calm. But don’t take the cyclist’s word for it. A current study also concluded that consistent cycling has positive effects on emotional and mental health, including stress relief, aside from improved intellectual abilities. The cyclists who participated in the study distinctly reported that their tension and anxiety levels had been decreased significantly, and they also felt more optimistic.

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Releases Happy Hormones From The Brain

Methodically, feelings are chemical responses in one’s brain. Chemicals and hormones are released from the brain to make one feel sad or happy, excited or depressed. The happy chemicals include endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin, adrenalin, and dopamine, among others. Terms like ‘adrenaline junkie’ or ‘dopamine shot’ are supported by science. Various chemicals have various outcomes when they are released, but these chemicals are elicited more liberally when we do something that exhilarates us. Biking has been proven to cause a surge in a healthy mix of these happy hormones – helping tremendously in keeping you ‘joyful,’ which consequently helps greatly in keeping you physically and mentally healthy.

The Success Boost

We all aim to accomplish a lot in our life. The big achievements take more effort and a longer time period, but the little accomplishments and rewards along the way are what keep us moving forward. For a cyclist, those rewards are likened to discovering a wonderful new destination, or triumphantly finishing a long-awaited ride to an impressive place, or capturing a beautiful selfie with a breathtaking backdrop.

These are the little treats that bike riders treasure. Each ride, spontaneous or planned, gifts the bike riders to taste new flavors, get acquainted with new people, and establish a sense of accomplishment. This nourishing sense of doing something healthy and positive does help improve overall well-being.

It Helps With Weight Loss

Cycling on the road aids a big deal in toning your muscles, to add to the fact that it really can be a huge calorie burner. Additionally, cycling off-road or on rough terrain engages the entire body on a whole different level. Those who trail bike regularly are so lucky to burn at least 600 calories per hour!

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If you are a seasoned biker and know how to use your entire body to ride difficult terrains, it would actually be like you’re hitting the gym for an hour or so. Balancing off-road bikes is just like doing a range of physical activities like rowing or isometric exercises on a gym ball all at one time. Also, peg standing may be likened to toe raising, and you are consistently squatting – sitting and standing up – while cycling with an off-roader. Thus, if you are biking at extreme levels, you are definitely bound to lose weight.

 

 

As an environmentalist and counselor living in New York, my advocating efforts cover what was best for nature: walking and biking. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which became a public health crisis and a helpful example in my life.

The taxis that littered the streets added to the traffic jams and it added to the anxiety in society as well. Thus, I began biking or walking from my apartment to the office.

Amidst the current outbreak, these were also ways for me to cope, avoid depression and anxious thoughts, decrease stress, keep my emotions at bay, and overcome mental health challenges. I didn’t need any counselors back then and I didn’t have any contact with them. My mental health for me was optimal.

I would get up at six o’clock every morning, share a coffee with my husband, and get ready for work. Self care. We would have an engaging conversation usually, and I would fill him in on my activities for the day.

Around a quarter to seven o’clock, I would begin my 15-minute cycle to the environmental law agency that I created. Since I had been riding a bicycle my entire life, the wind might mess up my hairdo a little, but I would not even get winded. There was no depression, stress, anxiety, or fear that I might be struck by an illness.

When the pandemic occurred, I gave my employees a chance to work from home. It was safer that way for their families than letting them come to the office and encounter the disease. They just had remote access to the office work. I also let them decide when they were going back to the workplace.

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I was among those individuals who decided to continue providing services in the office despite the lockdown rules. I just set mindful ways of managing it amidst the pandemic challenges.

My reason was that I owned the firm, and I knew the people who worked there – some were friends of mine, so my health most likely is safe from coronavirus transmission.

I would wear an anti-coronavirus mask as I cycled to work every day, but I would take it off as soon as my bike stopped in front of the building.

Testing Positive For COVID-19

I thought nothing would go amiss after two months passed – we were coping pretty well – and I was still free from COVID-19. Most of my employees even returned to work as the lockdown in New York had been relaxed.

Without any surprise there, I also happened to be one of the people who got the virus. I did not want to recognize it at first because I didn’t have symptoms initially.

The worry came the next day when the symptoms slowly presented. I knew I needed counseling services with an emotional health counselor.

My physical health declined. I woke up with my entire body aching – as if I worked out for more than eight hours the other day. I could not maintain a long breath and If I tried I ended up dry coughing. Sometime in the night, my temperature spiked for a few hours before going back down again.

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I endured all those COVID-19 symptoms for almost two weeks. It was a short period, but if you suffered them, two weeks honestly felt like a never-ending cruel cycle. I thought it was over when I did not get feverish anymore, but I dealt with shortness of breath and more dry coughing. The worry and anxiety were there all the time and I would often get a sense of fear for my health. I would seek support from friends. Most of them were also dealing with the same mental health challenges and were aware of the health risks of COVID-19.

More on the Symptoms

Feeling The Aftereffects

Organizing COVID-19 pandemic counseling can be difficult. Many people are afraid of the stigma that comes with the disease and may not want to receive help. However, there are ways to get covered during this time.One way to get covered is by using a form. This can be helpful in getting all of the important information that you need to provide to your school counselors.

When I called my doctor, she happily told me that I already survived the roughest stage of COVID-19 infection. “The shortness of breath is normal. You may experience it for up to three months, but you should be fine if you take it easy. If anxiety or any other mental health issues comes up, try listening to music for relaxation. Or you can always contact your counselors if you want some helpful advice.

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Counseling After The Virus

Counseling Help

The current outbreak of COVID-19 has left many to feel anxious and stressed. Hence, it’s important for mental health professionals and community leaders to provide social support to the family, loved ones, and communities affected. There are a bunch of articles online discussing about prevention and exposure that they can check.

Counseling amid the pandemic. My employees helped me get back on my feet and walk to my private office to calm down. Soon enough, our resident from the counseling center arrived, and I told her about the onslaught of fear I experienced as I realized that I could not do my favorite activity anymore due to COVID-19.

The counseling expert explained that my recent infection would affect my walking and biking habits since COVID-19 pushed my heart and lungs to work hard. I did not notice how much they had been working in the past, but I did now since COVID-19 weakened my lungs. Counseling did wonders in my coping and recovery. “With more patience and training, there’s no doubt that you can feel 100% again,” the counseling expert said.

By upending daily life for every person and group around the world, the population has gotten sick. They are now struggling with feelings of anxiety and concern. Their mental and emotional faculty are in overdrive. To treat these, they need to employ strategies backed by research and reliable sources. They must rewire their responses amid this limited setup and talk more about their worries. Some of the best strategies are adequate sleep, relaxation exercises, reduction of news consumption, social distancing, daily schedule planning, and, of course, seeking professional help.

My counseling journey wasn’t easy. I understood what the COVID-19 counselor meant, but it took me some time to accept it. My COVID-19 counselor was right – I merely had to be patient enough to strengthen my body. A couple of months passed, and I could go walking and biking without needing to catch my breath again. The Covid-19 virus was out of my system. I regained my safe space back.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can one cope with the mental and physical effects of COVID-19?

Does COVID-19 have long-term mental complications?

What are some common ways to prevent COVID-19?

Is there a nutritional guide to follow when you have covid-19?

Can physical and mental exercises help improve COVID-19 side effects?

What is the appropriate way of cleaning surfaces to avoid spreading covid-19?

How does one overcome the challenges of being quarantined?

Can covid-19 contaminate water?

What are the various ways in which the Coronavirus is transmitted?

Is counseling during the pandemic effective for one’s mental health?

What is COVID doing to people’s mental health?

How to motivate others to get vaccinated?

How do you take care of yourself with Covid?

What is the importance of vaccines in society?

How do vaccines protect us?

Benefits Of Walking For My Health

For the longest time, I believed that I had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This health condition resulted from hormonal imbalance most of the time; however, this health condition could also be because by excessive not-so-healthy weight, stress, high blood pressure, and other medical factors.

Health Issues Made Me Feel Worse

The first time I learned about my health condition was when I did not get my period for seven months. Mind you, I was not sexually active and heavy at the time. I was only 19 years old and busy studying in college. The only thing that changed was that I had too many projects and assignments around that time, and I could not get at least five hours of healthy sleep every night, which is among the most important health benefits. Also, at my age and fitness level, I was guessing I didn’t reach my full capacity as I didn’t have much physical activity.

If you want to learn more about walking and its advantages, read more about some benefits of walking here.

Few Of My Health Issues I’m Struggling With

To continue with my story…

When I didn’t menstruate, I was like, “Okay, my overall health is fine. My entire body is just okay. Some people used to say that it is normal and healthy.” But when the fourth month came, I asked my mom to take me to her OB-GYN to see what was up with my health and reproductive system. Then perhaps I would have myself check for my mental health and heart health as well. I thought that just because I didn’t engage in vigorous physical activity, I would get some kind of cardiovascular disease or that my immune system was low.

Since I was still pretty young, the doctor ordered an abdominal ultrasound. That’s when she said she saw tiny cysts around my supposedly healthy ovaries and got me started on short-term health medication to jumpstart my menstruation’s healing. However, it took three more months before the health treatment worked and see the health benefits.

My periods had never been regular unlike the rest of the healthy adults. I had also been told that I might not lose weight healthily because of my health condition, so she even prescribed a health drug called metformin, a medicine for diabetics. She said that it had the health benefit of weight loss. During that time, I still was not introduced to the health benefits of taking regular walks, some kind of walking program, or a fitness routine whatsoever.

Why Did It Feel Bad To Learn The Truth?

Six years later, though, my health condition was still the same, so I decided to look for another health doctor, who then asked me to get a trans-rectal ultrasound. She added, “A vaginal ultrasound would have been the best choice, but you are not sexually active so a trans-rectal ultrasound would be the next best thing for you.”

I did that and found out that I did not have PCOS. The doctor said that my ovaries were clean and healthy, and everything was normal. More importantly, I might not have even had that health issue at all, contrary to what the other doctor told me.

Luckily, the test results came early, and it turned out everything was normal. The doctor asked me about my stress level, and I said it was as high as a skyscraper. She advised me to see a psychologist or counselor.

About My Health – What The Counselor Says About Walking

The counseling sessions were everything that I expected with numerous health benefits. The counselor was also a psychologist, and she ruled out the possibility of me having depression.

The counselor then tasked me to learn how to manage my time better. If I ever went out, the latest time I should be on the streets was midnight so that I could still get a balance of rest and physical activity. I had to have a daily routine that was healthy for me. I was also aiming on losing more calories because I had a feeling my blood sugar was high.

There are many health benefits associated with walking. It can improve your mood, good posture, and energy levels. Just be sure to wear sunscreen throughout the day to counter the harmful effects of sunlight. For example, you can do it with a walking group who may provide you with arch support in any distance you wish to cover.

According to the physical activity guidelines of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic interval training every week. Walking is a great way to meet this goal because it is a low-impact form of exercise that can be done anywhere, anytime.

It genuinely worked, but my not-so-healthy weight issues were still there. The counselor said, “I am not a certified personal trainer or nutritionist, but you may find regular walking beneficial in more ways than one. Aside from helping you sweat out toxins, eliminate body fat, strengthen leg muscles and abdominal muscles, and lose overall body weight, it can also be an excellent de-stressing activity. Try adding brisk walking to your daily routine. You can start at a moderate pace initially.”

What are the common advantages of daily walking?

I tried walking on that day – put on my walking shoes – for about an hour. I tried to walk slowly at first but even then, I could already feel its physical benefits. During my lunch break, I would walk at a brisk pace to the canteen. I was happy to still be burning calories for a short period. And since the counselor’s office was only two blocks away from my apartment, I decided to make a walking route after our session instead of calling an Uber. Over the weekend, I began walking outdoors – alternating brisk walking and free-flow walking. I would also try walking faster when I was on smooth terrains. Consequently, I always remember to gently stretch my body after every walking routine.

I walked regularly because I read that healthy habits like walking, along with other forms of physical activity, can effectively prevent arthritis pain and joint pain while improving immune function and cardiovascular fitness.

Taking a 15-minute walk can improve your overall health. According to the Department of Health, walking can be helpful if you plan to lose or maintain weight, improve your endurance, strengthen your bones, fortify your foot, and reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Research has shown that walking just 30 minutes a day can have significant health benefits, more so if you incorporate slow walking and walking up the stairs into your routine.

According to a sports medicine book that I read, adding walking to your routine can help decrease blood sugar, lower high cholesterol, burn calories, reduce stress, normalize heart rate and body temperature, and improve your overall fitness levels.

Try walking for five minutes at the park. In due course, you will reduce your risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. It’s one of the healthiest human services you can do for your body.

Start walking today! Walking opens to a lot of benefits – it did for me.

Hands down, counseling was the best decision to choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it healthy to walk or exercise regularly?

2. What do you do to make walking more effective for weight loss?

3. What is the proper way of walking?

4. Does too much walking or physical activity have negative side effects as well?

5. Does regular walking positively affect posture or body mechanics?

6. Are there strategies for walking quickly without experiencing pain?

7. Does walking have a positive effect on one’s mental health?

8. What does your way of walking say about you?

9. Are there negative consequences to too much walking?

10. Can walking sometimes result in accidents or injuries?

11. What do experts say about walking?

12. Does walking improve quality of life?

13. What is the incredible power of walking?

14. Is walking the secret to long life?
15. What enables us to walk?

 

 

Being locked down in my house for three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic made me a little paranoid about going out. Hence, even when the restrictions got lifted, I stayed at home as much as possible.

I would say that the most beautiful thing I got out of it was my cat’s love. Lulu was a gift from my friends a year ago because they remembered me telling them that I wanted a cat a long time ago. However, the new feline member of the family did not like me very much in the beginning. She would not hiss or scratch me, but she always ignored me.

When I stayed indoors with Lulu more often, though, she somehow got used to my presence. She no longer left any room I was in; sometimes, she would even lay down near my feet or rub against my leg while watching TV. It honestly felt like Lulu already accepted me.

But then again, my boss ended our work-from-home setup and asked everyone to return to the office. I was hesitant to do that primarily due to the health risks that would come with this rule. What I failed to account for was its impact on Lulu. It took weeks of biking to and from work for me to realize that Lulu barely ate the food I left in her container and stayed in her bed for God knew how long.

Could Lulu be depressed?

How can I tell if my cat is depressed? 

Your cat may be depressed if:

• It does not want to eat at all.
• It hides more often than not.
• It seldom wants to move.
• It has become aggressive all of a sudden.
• It tends to sleep a lot.

Do indoor cats get depressed? 

Although it does not seem too familiar, yes, indoor cats get depressed sometimes. You will notice it when they lose interest in their favorite foods or refuse to do anything in the house.

How can you tell if your cat is feeling bad? 

The quickest way to know if your cat is dealing with a physical or mental issue is by checking its energy level. Cats may not be as active as dogs, but if your cat seems to be lazier than ever, it is often a sign that something’s wrong with them. Similarly, their food consumption also indicates cats’ moods. If your feline does not eat, they may not feel too well even if you prepare their favorites. 

Are two cats better than one? 

Yes, two cats are always better than one. The reason has something to do with getting two cats entails that two more animals have a new family to care for them. As for the expenses, there is not much difference between one or two cats.

What makes a cat depressed? 

The death of their partner can undoubtedly make a cat feel depressed. It is also possible when you relocate them, leave them behind often, or do not pay enough attention to them.

How do you cheer up a cat? 

• Allocate time for your cat every day. Even if you do not leave the house and play with it for more than 30 minutes, that may make them happy.
• Keep in mind that cats love to catch mice, light, or even a ball of yarn. You can buy those for them so that they don’t feel lonely when you are out.
• Set up scratching poles or climbing towers at home. Though such structures may take up some space in the living room, they can cheer up a cat.
• Bring your cat to a cat café or let it watch cat-stimulating videos on YouTube.

Do cats feel sad when you give them away? 

Of course, cats feel sad when you give them away. It tells them two things: they need to get used to new surroundings and owners and are no longer wanted in your home.

Is it okay if my cat sleeps all day? 

Yes, it is normal for cats to sleep all day. Most pets do catnapping, which can take up to 18 hours daily. Despite that, their senses should still be sharp, in the sense that they wake up when someone walks nearby or touches them.

What does it mean if a cat sleeps on you? 

If a cat sleeps on you, it mostly means that they mark you as their own. It is technically a positive thing.

How do I rehydrate my cat? 

A dehydrated cat may want to drink more water if you add flavor to it. That flavor mostly comes from low-sodium chicken or beef broth.

What does a happy cat look like? 

A cat’s ears perk up when they are happy. You will also notice that they lick themselves or run around more when they do not feel depressed.

Is my cat stressed or sick? 

A stressed or sick cat typically does something that it does not always do. For instance, if your cat is used to doing its business in the litter box or playing with toys, and then it stops doing all that, something is undoubtedly wrong with them.

Should I let my cat sleep with me? 

Yes, you should let your cat sleep with you, especially if you are alone. Feeling it breathe may help you doze off more quickly.

How do you relax a stressed cat?

If you wish to soothe a stressed cat, you need to do the following:

• Give your cat a wide berth. You cannot force it to cheer up, no matter what you do. If possible, let it be alone in a room for a little while. Your pet will come out and play when it’s ready.
• Try to keep the environment the same at all times. Even if you need to move to another house, recreate the original setup so that the cat will not feel alienated.
• Offer play options to your cat all the time. Fake mice or laser is not enough for all pets. If possible, add a climbing tower or scratching pole in the mix, too.
• Avoid yelling when your cat is around, mainly if it is newly adopted. You want to make it comfortable at your house, not scare it away.

Final Thoughts

I had to ask the vet to help me find a behavioral specialist for animals to determine if Lulu had depression. I felt sad when the specialist confirmed my suspicion. It felt like I failed as a pet owner. However, he advised me to spend more time with my cat or settle with a routine so that Lulu won’t get too depressed. After a few months, it worked, and she liked me enough to let me take her on my bike rides sometimes.

I moved to New York from Minnesota not too long ago to pursue my dream of working with the US’s best marketers. If you have never been to my town, you will realize why I wanted to get away from it badly. There was no 7-Eleven store; the only shop you would find was Nelly’s, our family business.

In all fairness, my parents never took it negatively whenever I talked about my dreams of moving to the Big Apple. They used to say, “We will not be a hindrance to your dreams. If that’s what you want to do, we will support you in any way possible.” Therefore, a day after my graduation, my father drove my car for hours to New York and only rode a plane on the way back.

Moving To New York

I did not have a tough time finding a great job in the Big Apple. After a month of sending applications, I became a junior marketer at a well-known agency. The condo I found was technically 20 minutes away from the office, so I thought it was cool. But when my commute started, I realized that cars wouldn’t work there – I needed a bicycle if I wanted to get anywhere on time.

Here’s how my mental health improved once I cycled everywhere.

I Stopped Worrying About Being Late For Work

I used to get up at 5:45 A.M. and leave the house precisely an hour later in hopes of beating the morning rush. However, when you live in the heart of New York, there was hardly any time when cars were not in a traffic jam. Because of that, when I moved there for the first time for work, my heart always beats fast, and I was worried sick about being late and eventually getting a memo. That’s what happened to the person I replaced, as I had been told.

Then, one time I became late because of a roadside accident, I had a panic attack at work. My team leader found me in the pantry, hugging my knees. It was technically my first offense, but I still feared losing my job. The team leader took pity on me and pulled me outside for some fresh air. That’s when she divulged that the key to avoiding lateness was riding a bike to work. She even pointed me to the store where she bought hers.

Desperate, I bought a bicycle immediately after my shift. I found a bike route from my condo to the workplace. The next day, I tried this new mode of transportation. I left my unit around the same and reached the office with 15 minutes to spare. Hence, I was no longer worried about going to work late.

I Became Rarely Angered By Thoughtless Drivers

No matter how long the distance was, I often felt frustrated because of the thoughtless drivers in New York. Some were too much in a hurry to signal turning or overtaking; others would honk so frequently even when they could see that the red light was on. In the last couple of months, I almost got into a fight with other motorists due to such incidents.

When I learned how to pedal everywhere, though, my car stayed in the garage most of the time. I merely used the bike lane, and there was no traffic at all. Although the vehicles remained at a standstill for an hour or two, the traffic could not bother me anymore. Wherever I went, I would arrive smiling.

The people who used to see me scowling every time I hopped out of my car found the change refreshing. They asked about my “secret,” and I pointed towards my bicycle. Some of them followed my lead and started cycling, too.

I Learned That Patience Was An Excellent Virtue To Have

Admitting this might put me in a bad light, but I had always been impatient. I had been like that ever since I was a kid – I wanted to do everything in fast forward. That’s the reason why I begged my parents to get me a car on my 16th birthday and hardly walked anywhere. However, it turned out to be a bane when I arrived in New York. The bigger your vehicle was in the Big Apple, the slower you could reach your destination.

Things changed once I used a bicycle as my preferred mode of transportation. Even though there were bike lanes, it was still inadvisable to pedal as fast as I could in the metropolitan since I had to be mindful of overtaking cars around me. It meant that I could only go up to 15 or 20 kmh, so my travel time became longer.

Instead of feeling frustrated, I learned to enjoy the ride. It was the fastest way to go anywhere around the city, after all. If I got upset with cycling, I might have to walk or, worse, drive my car again. Hence, I altered my mindset and appreciated the fact that I would not have known how to be patient if I didn’t buy a bicycle. Doing so allowed me to avoid exploding at work if a colleague forgot to do their tasks, among other things.

 

If you live in a busy city and are always commuting light, consider riding a bicycle. It will be good for your physical and mental health, I swear.

 

A large family group can perform all kinds of sports, but the best one seems to be indoor soccer. Imagine that if a sizeable piece of land is attached to the house, you need not leave the property. You can play as soon as you wake up or right before you sleep. That is especially ideal for soccer fans, of course.

Despite the convenience of playing indoor soccer, you should know that you are not supposed to do it while wearing regular shoes or slippers. Even if you don’t have an official match, your feet won’t be safe if you don’t put on proper footwear for every game.

On that note, here are the best indoor soccer shoes for men.

Diadora Men’s Capitano LT Indoor Soccer Shoes

Diadora used to specialize in mountain boots and work shoes in the past. As expected from this brand, it has made the best indoor soccer shoes with no less than a premium Italian leather. The Capitano LT is constructed with more of this material than synthetic rubber in general, which can compete with other world-class brands when you talk about performance and durability.

What we appreciate in these soccer shoes is the old-school vibe that the pair gives off. Although many colors and intricate designs are getting invented to attract consumers these days, Diadora has remained true to its core values and continues to prove that leather can be incorporated in sports stuff, too. If we are honest, it can be beneficial for players, considering the leather will initially be tight. It can expand a little later on to accommodate their feet.

The insole is a thing of beauty as well. It is a similar kind of foam that you see in kids’ rubber stickers. If you had played with those when you were young, you know that they do not tear easily unless you snip them with scissors. It is also crack- and water-resistant, so you will be able to use the shoes for a long time.

Under Armour Men’s ClutchFit Force 2.0 Indoor Soccer Shoes

Under Armour, a brand that many individuals in the sports world trusts, has come up with ClutchFit technology, which has been employed to make this product. ClutchFit Force 2.0 is the best indoor soccer shoes, in the sense that the consumer can genuinely feel as if he is one with the shoes, and the ball can be touched by his feet. The new system works on the upper layer of the shoes, and its role is to protect the user while kicking the soccer ball to victory.

ClutchFit Force 2.0 is available in five different colors. It is meant to be worn indoors and is so light that you will not feel burdened to pay with this one. This also has a die-cut sock liner inside that can keep your feet comfortable and safe from injuries. These features are incredibly relevant for soccer players since that part of their body serves as their bread and butter in the sport. That’s why they only want to deal with shoes that can secure them. Luckily, Under Armour has got everything covered.

Nike Men’s Mercurial Victory Shoes

Nike Mercurial Victory are the ultimate shoes to look for if you wish to play soccer indoors. We are saying this with a strong conviction. We have already seen firsthand how Nike has beaten the others in terms of endurance and convenience.

The shoes’ collar has a carved-out layer, allowing the player’s feet to flex more freely. It rests around joint, so it will remain protected even if the ball bumps into it. The design seems so-so at the front at first glance because apart from the glittery Nike logo, there is nothing else there. However, once you look further, you will realize that the color gets darker in an ombre fashion, which is “in” nowadays.

Its outsole is on a different level, too, since its stitches on the upper layer won’t come undone quickly. As for the design, think of the image that forms on the paper when you give your fingerprints. The smallest circles start on the joint of the largest toe and in the middle of the heel and extend throughout the foot.

Final Thoughts

How lucky can you be to play your favorite sports with some of your favorite individuals in the world? And because there are ideally ten or 20 members of your family, you may hold annual competitions in an indoor soccer area and come up with rewards or punishments (whichever sounds more fun).

Before you jump on a deal, though, try to be more sensible and let your relatives know about the best shoes for indoor soccer. After all, you undoubtedly don’t want to see your family injured, mainly when a little information may prevent it.

Good luck with the games!

 

 

 

Source: commons.wikimedia.org

 

These are devastating, scary, challenging times. We often worry about our family and significant others. We worry about our jobs, our finances, and ourselves. Despite all these challenges, our previous coping capabilities – racing, cycling, and group rides – are all interrupted or prohibited. For those who are used to endurance sport to release their toxins and bad vibes and to deal with their mental health during the good times, when routines are canceled during this tremendously stressful period can affect not only their physical but their psychological well-being as well.

Some may think that engaging in physical activity is less important during a global crisis; long-term health and self-care is indeed very crucial with or without COVID-19. If you believe this, then you must strive to take care of yourself while finding ways to help flatten the curve. Self-care alleviates mental health problems that may persist after the coronavirus has subsided.

Below are some recommendations from health experts regarding mental health and exercise.

Be Mindful Of Mental Health

If you usually take a ride, maintain that routine while sticking to the social distancing measures implemented in your state or community. This could mean cycling alone, doing the trainer once in a while, or moving your trainer in the patio or backyard if you are not allowed to leave the house that day. Whatever you plan to do, do it without hesitation. The pandemic is a time to be active. When we take care of ourselves, we are keeping ourselves safe, healthy, and helping our community.

This is particularly vital for endurance athletes who love utilizing their endorphins. Being idle and sedentary can result in pessimism, hopelessness, and depression that may influence other areas of your life. Try to do something every day. It will help keep your brain and body active.

 

Source: overstock.com

Set New Goals

Endurance athletes are typically very driven and focused on achieving their goals. Most probably, their goals are not in a balance right now, so it would be great to set new ones. Short-term goals like holding 30-second or 1-minute planks or doing more squats are a start. Monitor your time and strive to improve on it daily. Challenge yourself to find more complex activities when you achieve your first few goals. List several short-term goals that could be done while you’re at home and can’t bike. Look for new workout regimens online – anything that’s healthy, feasible, and ones that will get your heart rate up and about.

These new goals will not only help you surpass the COVID times, but they will definitely be beneficial down the line when you realize at times that you’re not following your routine for some annoying reason.

Take This Time To Reevaluate

Despite the disappointment and devastation of the lockdowns, quarantines, and cancellations, perhaps deep inside you feel a little relieved – not because of the pandemic but for the downtime, the time for you to take a breather from the hectic life you previously lived. And that’s fine too. Some cyclists said that they felt a sigh of relief when their events were canceled. The upside is that this crisis has slowed down everything, including the responsibilities, the ego, being responsible for others, and waiting for others’ approval. It has enabled people to reflect and find the reason for their journey through life. Some are just so weary and realize that they do need a break from racing or cycling. If you’ve suffered from injuries or experienced burnouts, this is a chance to heal completely and get your groove back.

 

Source: piqsels.com

Always Connect With Your Community

Seclusion is among the worst things that can happen to mental health, so make sure that you stay connected with your family, friends, and other members of the community. Though you won’t see them as often as you want, you can keep in touch with them virtually through chat or video call.

If, on the other hand, you feel sad or out of the weather, look for someone you can talk to. Training and cycling can be a tough façade for other existing issues that have not been attended to. If you’re feeling troubled or don’t have the appetite, or just feel depressed, seek help from a professional who can address these concerns medically. Your usual routine has been disrupted, and sometimes your mental well-being can be affected, so find ways to protect your health physically, mentally, and emotionally.

By prioritizing self-care in times when you can’t ride the bike or do your usual routines, you can quickly move toward the new normal if and when it happens.

 

 

 

 

Source: en.wikipedia.org

As the COVID-19 outbreak progresses day after day, cycling competitions and other major biking events have eventually been postponed, if not canceled. The pandemic affected many aspects of our life and cause some to seek help from COVID-19 counseling. Being physically healthy can minimize the stress caused by the pandemic. If you love biking, you might worry because you have been used to going for long rides for your physical health, along with the races that you join from time to time. It might consequently hinder you from getting the training and improvement that you are aiming for this year.

Don’t worry too much! We asked an expert to provide us with some important guidelines that you can follow if you decide to go biking admit the virus outbreak.

It’s safe to ride outdoors as long as you’re alone.

When you ride with other people and someone coughs or sneezes, droplets might reach you or onto objects that others or even you might touch. Now, that’s not safe. The best way to bike safely is to ride alone, enjoy the outside environment by yourself, and make your way through less crowded areas. Also, you can check the time when your favorite biking spots become secluded or when people are not loitering anymore. Biking for 30 to 60 minutes strengthens your immune system and this is very good in keeping yourself protected against Coronavirus. If you’re sick, however, you’ll have to rest and stay at home. You can walk around your house or if you’re not too weak, you can even do some weights.

Source: pxfuel.com

Wearing a mask is necessary.

Yes, it is. The Center For Disease Control has released a mandate ordering everyone to wear a mask for other people’s protection. That is the main goal – not to protect you but to protect the person near you. Wearing a mask definitely helps decrease the spread of the virus since it prevents saliva and other droplets from being transmitted to other people. If you are biking and you are going solo, it may not be important to wear a mask at all times. But if you ever wander into a crowded area, you better keep it on. Athletes should be one of the first people to show adherence to these serious guidelines. Health professionals also discourage taking your mask off and on, as this increases hand-to-mouth exposure.

You can ride solo during a shelter-in-place mandate.

A shelter-in-place announcement was made last month in the state of California. This means that everybody is advised to stay indoors until further notice. However, most mandates have now been modified to allow people to do activities outdoors as long as they do these by themselves. They are to follow strict social distancing guidelines as well. Officials have made considerations like this because they are aware that people also need to walk, bike, or hike to keep themselves healthy. To be safe, do check your local health facilities and be aware of the recent updates in your community.

Never ride in groups – that is overemphasized.

This is totally prohibited. The danger isn’t only in people who ride smaller bikes but even mountain bikes as well. Do it solo to cut down the risk of spreading the virus to other bikers. Currently, there are no existing competitions, small or big, and even group gatherings where biking is concerned. All races lined up for this year have been postponed or canceled.

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Just to be clear – your sweat is not the reason why you should avoid biking with friends or bike mates. Sweat has not actually been confirmed to be a channel for transmission. The transmission happens when someone sneezes or coughs and you happen to be close to this person. If you don’t get lucky, you could catch those droplets from a distance and if that person’s contaminated, you will be as well. So if you want to keep biking, follow these guidelines and you’ll be fine.