Cycling To Easy Anxiety

[Jillie Norman]

I was taught to do some walking or cycling when I am stressed or anxious. However, I can't seem to go way farther than 2 miles. I get really exhausted and all cramped easily. Or is this just at first? How far have you gone cycling?

[richard_smith237]

4 minutes ago, Jillie Norman said:

I was taught to do some walking or cycling when I am stressed or anxious. However, I can't seem to go way farther than 2 miles. I get really exhausted and all cramped easily. Or is this just at first? How far have you gone cycling?

 

Unless you are well away from any town and deep into the countryside away from dogs and nutty drivers, cycling is not something to ‘ease the anxiety’ if you are someone of a naturally anxious disposition. 

 

That said: The Skylane (Bangkok) its a 22km circuit and is good for exercise. 

 

If you are getting exhausted and cramped after two miles of walking / cycling just take it easier and build yourself up.

[kokesaat]

My wife and I have been marooned in the US since Feb, looking to return this mid-Feb.  Lots of stress from trying to return several times, but deterred by wife's illness, then a positive covid test just before scheduled departure in Nov.  To relieve stress, I walk 3 miles a day each morning, then another 2 over the course of the day.  To help take my mind off of things, I listen to podcasts which I download over my home wifi before setting out.  There are hundreds of different podcasts, so finding one or five that suit your likes shouldn't be difficult.  Science Rules, New York Times The Daily, Washington Post Reports, Planet Money, Sway, This American Life, Sway.......among many of the popular ones (on my list).  As an added bonus......having done the 3 mile walk each morning since around May, I've dropped 10 pounds.

[kokesaat]

I should add to my above post that I started out in Feb last year doing a mile each morning and built up to 3 miles by May.  Having a smart watch helps as it tracks my activity, heart rate, and I can measure stress when I like as well.  The smart watch is my personal trainer.....well worth the money.  I'm 70.

[bkk6060]

Sounds like dehydration drink more water before you ride.

[RichardColeman]

50 minutes ago, Jillie Norman said:

I get really exhausted and all cramped easily. Or is this just at first?

I used to run 10km a night down the gym. I stopped and went back 10 years later. Could not walk for days after a 3km run. Fair to say, if you have not been active for any time then it takes time and effort to get used to it. One thing I would say is the biggest battle in using a gym - is getting there. Same as getting off you bottom and getting out the door.

[bluesofa]

12 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Sounds like dehydration drink more water before you ride.

That could be a good point. Not wishing to appear rude, but are you reasonably fit, or have you had a fairly sedentary life so far?

I started cycling again just over four years ago at 58. Initially I cycled around our village a few times, then 10km to a friend's house, had a rest and a chat before cycling back home.

I hope you manage to find out what's causing the problem, and get to enjoy cycling.

[ezzra]

1 hour ago, Jillie Norman said:

I was taught to do some walking or cycling when I am stressed or anxious. However, I can't seem to go way farther than 2 miles. I get really exhausted and all cramped easily. Or is this just at first? How far have you gone cycling?

You didn't mention your age and whether you have other underlining aliments that prevent you from doing what you want to do with out being or feeling exhausted, going to a local gym where you the comfort and other option of machines to exercise on could be a better way for you to build your strength...

[Samui Bodoh]

1 hour ago, Jillie Norman said:

I was taught to do some walking or cycling when I am stressed or anxious. However, I can't seem to go way farther than 2 miles. I get really exhausted and all cramped easily. Or is this just at first? How far have you gone cycling?

Morning

 

I am back from my daily 20 KM ride; I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of cycling to reduce stress and/or anxiety!

 

Yes, I think that you need to work your way up to longer rides, but from your post I am not sure if this is the issue.

 

Some thoughts...

• Are you starting in relatively good shape? As with the posters above, your starting physical health might be an issue
• Is your bike a good quality one? Is it properly sized? If your bike isn't the proper size and/or fit, then it can cause awful aches and pains (I am guessing that this is your main problem)
• Do you stretch before cycling? After cycling, do you 'warm down'? Depending on your current physical state, this might be an issue.
• How long have you been cycling? If it is just a week or two, then...
• Do you cycle in a good place? I cycle here on Samui's main road at 4:45 AM, thus avoiding people, cars, potholes, the heat, etc. It allows me to permit my mind to wander and drift into the 'Zen Zone' which wipes away any/all stress/anxiety
• Do you actually like cycling? Or, do you think it is merely a good idea? This might sound like a strange question, but unless you genuinely like doing it, then it won't relieve stress/anxiety

As above, my guess is that you are using the 'wrong' bike. Is there someone who is knowledgeable in your area to ask? Or, if not, then look on-line to see if your bike is the proper size for you.

 

Good luck! If you get sorted, then cycling is a truly wonderful way to start your day.

 

Cheers

 

[colinneil]

2 hours ago, Jillie Norman said:

I was taught to do some walking or cycling when I am stressed or anxious. However, I can't seem to go way farther than 2 miles. I get really exhausted and all cramped easily. Or is this just at first? How far have you gone cycling?

Just be thankful that you can manage 2 miles, some like me can only dream about doing that.

Many times i dream about going for a walk then wake up cannot even get off my bed.

[CharlieH]

I cycle 4 x 15km a week, basically every other day around a local exercise park they built.

 

Very good for de stressing, all they need to do now is clean the air and stop the choking burning and it would be a nice place to be.

[damascase]

Cycling is, in my view, an excellent way to fight stress and anxiety. However, depending on your fitness/fysical history you have to take it easy ti begin with. Try to build up endurance, in the beginning. Power/speed will follow. Getting a bike that fits you is important too, if you want to take it seriously. However, it only works against stress if you enjoy it!

i am 75 and cycle, in Thailand,, 80 - 100 km trips,  3 times a week on a mountainbike.

Edited January 27, 2021 by damascase

[Fat is a type of crazy]

I am surprised sometimes the difference in my temperament and feelings if I don't do exercise for a while. My only tip is that I put exercise it different categories - cardio normal, cardio fast and weights. The first is good just to keep fit and for fun. The second is to put pressure on your body a bit - run fast, ride fast, or do whatever fast for one or two minutes and really sweat - it wakes you up,  and then weights just seems to get your body awake in a different way. So ride casually with a couple of really fast bursts when safe and maybe buy some dumb bells or just do push ups to finish up.  

I think that combination tests yourself and stops you thinking too much about stuff.

[473geo]

 Check your seat is not too low

[phetphet]

If you are getting cramps you might want to try an electrolyte drink.

[Boomer6969]

3 hours ago, Jillie Norman said:

I was taught to do some walking or cycling when I am stressed or anxious. However, I can't seem to go way farther than 2 miles. I get really exhausted and all cramped easily. Or is this just at first? How far have you gone cycling?

OP you should give us your age. IMO, at 70 one should be able to cycle 10 miles, on easy  terrain,  without getting exhausted. Otherwise revisit your lifestyle and/or see a good doctor.

[Rmac442]

2 hours ago, 473geo said:

 Check your seat is not too low

Absolutely ..with your heal on the pedal your leg should be fully extended .. and regularly check tyre pressures ..  and yes, got to be out in the country or exercise park with cycle lane ..

Regarding dogs ..stop pedalling when passing them ..it's the leg movement that gets them going ..

 

[bluesofa]

To the OP,

There have been many suggestions so far. It would be great if you can let us know what you think of them.

You can see from all the posts you have a lot of support encouraging you to start cycling.

 

Samui Bodoh offered a pretty comprehensive check-list in his post.

Also, can you give us an idea of your age and physical fitness, that could be a good indicator too.

[ThaIrish Sean]

8 hours ago, bluesofa said:

To the OP,

There have been many suggestions so far. It would be great if you can let us know what you think of them.

You can see from all the posts you have a lot of support encouraging you to start cycling.

 

Samui Bodoh offered a pretty comprehensive check-list in his post.

Also, can you give us an idea of your age and physical fitness, that could be a good indicator too.

I suffer with cramp whilst exercising and went to the doctor about it. He was writing me out a prescription for quinine and when I questioned the side effects he suggested good quality tonic water (which contains quinine).

And I quote doctor "but it tastes like sh!t so I put gin in it" ????

I have been following his prescription ever since.

[el jefe]

13 hours ago, Jillie Norman said:

I was taught to do some walking or cycling when I am stressed or anxious. However, I can't seem to go way farther than 2 miles. I get really exhausted and all cramped easily. Or is this just at first? How far have you gone cycling?

You shouldn't be getting cramps after 2 miles of cycling unless you're starting on one of Thailand's steep mountains. An electrolyte drink won't help. You can't develop an imbalance that quickly.
The bike you're riding may be way too small for you or there might be something seriously wrong with it.
And it's also possible you have a serious illness. (Sorry if that adds to your stress!)
I have several friends near 70 years old who have taken months off the bike because of surgery and have complained that they had trouble doing 50 kms on their first ride back.
Your prior physical activity level would be useful info but, mostly, to your doctor.

[WaveHunter]

On 1/27/2021 at 4:36 AM, Jillie Norman said:

I was taught to do some walking or cycling when I am stressed or anxious. However, I can't seem to go way farther than 2 miles. I get really exhausted and all cramped easily. Or is this just at first? How far have you gone cycling?

IMO, cycling is one of the most perfect forms of exercise not only for physical well being but for emotional health as well.  But like any type of exercise, you have to smartly ease into it.  You also have to have a bike that "fits" you.  

 

Bike fit is particularly important for an older novice rider.  Most new bike riders just don't appreciate the importance of a good fit, and think it only applies to advanced riders.  In fact, it's probably more critical for older, new riders.

 

Getting cramps and sore muscles after two miles of riding isn't so uncommon if you're a new rider or if you're on a bike that doesn't fit you properly.  My suggestion would be to take your bike to a bike shop and get feedback from the shop of you have a correctly sized bike.  Contrary to what many will say, most bike shops here in Thailand I've encountered will give you an honest answer and not just try to sell you a new bike.  All it might take is an adjustment of a few millimeters of seat height to make a huge difference!

 

If your bike fits you properly and you get cramps at two miles, just ride one mile, perhaps take off two days between rides, and then slowly up your game.  Don't rush it; just learn to "listen" to your body.  You will improve over time.  There are plenty of people, irregardless of age or physical condition who take up cycling barely able to ride a mile or climb a small hill that progress to long rides and climbing mountains!

 

I believe it is one of the most perfect forms of exercise because it is not really that age-dependent, compared with other forms of exercise like running for instance.  There are plenty of people who take up cycling as senior citizens and are amazed at how rejuvenating it can be.  Unlike jogging, it has very low impact on joints.  It burns an incredible number of calories compared to other things like running or swimming, and it's just plain fun!

 

And there are even some of those "over 65" people who may have taken up cycling just for exercise that actually go on to become competitive cyclists in local based events of which there are many in Thailand.

 

That camaraderie with like minded people who measure their age by how they feel instead of numbers on a calendar can simply be awesome in terms of physical and mental health.  It certainly beats more mundane forms of exercise.  IMO it is one of the best stress relievers there is!

Edited February 4, 2021 by WaveHunter