Cycling: mental benefit or obsessive trap?

We often talk about cycling as an activity beneficial for mental health, capable of soothing anxiety, alleviating depression, and releasing endorphins. However, while these benefits are undeniable for many, a less discussed aspect deserves attention: for obsessive and results-oriented personalities, cycling can become a source of stress, exhaustion, and relational tensions. Here’s why.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: depositphotos.com

The benefits of cycling on mental health: an established reality

Cycling is widely recognized 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, these well-being hormones that provide a natural feeling of euphoria. Cycling, as an outdoor activity, also allows exposure to natural light, which promotes the regulation of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter for mood (Journal of Affective Disorders, 2020).

Cycling also offers a social setting for many. Group rides or cycling clubs promote social interactions, an essential factor in combating isolation and improving psychological well-being. A University of Oxford study (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, particularly individuals prone to obsessive behaviors, cycling can become a source of pressure rather than relief. Performance expectations, amplified by apps like Strava, can transform 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 met.

When training becomes toxic

For “Type A” personalities – competitive, goal-oriented, and perfectionist – cycling can become a harmful obsession. Testimonies abound about personal relationships strained by training addiction. Some practitioners prioritize their training plan to the detriment of their family or friends, appearing distant even when physically present. A study published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise (2021) explored exercise addiction and its impacts on interpersonal relationships, concluding that dependent individuals often sacrifice quality time with loved ones to maintain their training routines.

The role of platforms like Strava is also problematic. By gamifying cycling through leaderboards and personal records, Strava can 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-related anxiety, particularly among competitive cyclists. This pursuit of segments or virtual podiums can lead some to neglect precious moments of daily life, such as spending time with their children.

However, these negative effects are not inevitable. The detrimental impacts of cycling largely depend 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 limits, such as rest days or periods without performance tracking, to avoid exhaustion and preserve relationships. Furthermore, Strava can be used positively, as a motivational tool to stay active, provided that leaderboards do not dominate the experience.

Central nervous system fatigue: an unrecognized danger

Cycling, due to its low-impact nature on joints and muscles, allows for accumulating long hours of training without immediate muscle pain. This practice can nevertheless mask central nervous system fatigue, which leads to psychological symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and a depressive mood. A study in Sports Medicine (2018) explains that prolonged overtraining excessively stresses the central nervous system, disrupting hormonal balance and increasing cortisol levels, the stress hormone. These effects are particularly pronounced in practitioners 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 the American College of Sports Medicine (2023), recommend integrating recovery cycles, varied training, and attentive listening to the body’s signals. For example, alternating intensive 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 relational tensions, particularly when tools like Strava amplify performance pressure.

The key lies in balance: practicing cycling with a form of moderation, respecting clear limits, and prioritizing human relationships, allows for maximizing its benefits while minimizing its risks.

Sources:

• Chekroud, S. R., 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. 

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