Can Mountain Biking Help Your Mental Health?

Can Mountain Biking Help Your Mental Health? | MTB Is Our Therapy

Рет қаралды 72,905

4 жыл бұрын

Times have been very different for almost everybody in the world, and we're sure times have been hard for a lot of people. Mental Health has been a talking point for the last few years, even more so at the moment, with much of the world in lockdown.
Everyone's situation is different, and in this video, Neil is speaking on his own personal views that are backed with some helpful research provided by ‪@gcn‬ and a video they made with help from Oxford University looking into the relationship between cycling and its boost for Mental Health. You can watch that video here: gcn.eu/mentalhealth
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Пікірлер: 572

@maxbrennan8326 4 жыл бұрын

My two year old son died of cancer in 2018. I bought a mtb in a desperate attempt to avoid slipping into a very, very dark place. Riding has made carrying on bearable and has possibly saved my life. I dread to think where I might be without it.

@munkensa 4 жыл бұрын

So sry to hear that. Stay strong Buddy 💪❤

@quinnmiller-smith4155 4 жыл бұрын

Sorry about that. Hope you can get through it.

@workhorsemtb7075 4 жыл бұрын

Hang in there, really sorry to hear that

@MedievalRichard 4 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that. I am glad mtb has saved your life, keep well.

@neildonoghueMTB 4 жыл бұрын

Really sorry to hear that and glad you can find some way to help

@migatron1 4 жыл бұрын

My bikes saved my mind from collapsing into a proverbial black hole. So my opinion is YES, 1000%

@oskarstaudte 4 жыл бұрын

SAME. Riding saved me.

@WynandKarsten 4 жыл бұрын

Most difficult part of riding for me? Is from the bed to the bike. Really struggle some days, but when I'm on the bike it's always good, road or mtb.

@Bikes805 4 жыл бұрын

Same, I find if I prepare my bike and kit the night before it helps... My gear sitting there staring at me has shamed me into getting motivated more than once!

@calliemtb 4 жыл бұрын

break it into tiny steps: Pick bike shorts. Pick jersey. Load bike. etc. etc. Little bitty steps to overcome the inertia. Once riding I never regret it.

@markrey8888 4 жыл бұрын

Same

@buddy7136 4 жыл бұрын

Getting the bike out of the garage is the hardest part of any ride for me some days.

@Ahapenootjes 4 жыл бұрын

Same here, it has happened to often to me that when I have finally gotten my preparations ready for a ride it's far too late to actually start the ride itself.

@Gamebit450 4 жыл бұрын

I suffer from severe depression, I have an actual order from my Dr. to ride MTB.

@kuk1351 4 жыл бұрын

It will really help almost guaranteed

@mk4prasu610 4 жыл бұрын

Dont buy a bike from walmart, target, etc go to a bike shop

@mk4prasu610 4 жыл бұрын

Walmart bikes are dangerous they are heavy, noisy, badly built and habe really cheap parts

@mk4prasu610 4 жыл бұрын

I went from a walmart bike (cut my leg with the bike) to a trek marlin 4 the difference was sooooo big the marlin 4 felt lile a 5000 dollar bike compared to it plus the marlin is only 450

@graeme5060 4 жыл бұрын

Avoid anti depressants like the plague. Focus on diet before all else, then exercise (MTB) and throw in some breathing exercises. Don't neglect sleep, it plays a massive role. Good luck.

@Jeff-jh4xi 4 жыл бұрын

God yes. A solo ride in the bush gets my stressed head straight every time. Sometimes it’s better than riding with a group.

@eblake57 4 жыл бұрын

I feel more relaxed and stress-free riding by myself. But I do enjoy group riding.

@williamgalloway4798 4 жыл бұрын

Personally, I'm the other way round. I love getting out with my mates because I find that the banter and riding compliments themselves perfectly and I forget all about my personal worries. I do like the occasional solo ride tho, but I definitely prefer group rides. I find that in a solo ride, I can get lost in my thoughts and then I start thinking about my worries instead of the other way round. It just shows that everyone is wired differently.

@patchesthejaybird8431 4 жыл бұрын

Solo rides are nice. No stress. Just let the trail flow.

@athompson077 4 жыл бұрын

This is such a good, honest video. Riding over these times has definitely been a moment of escapism for many.

@reid2626 4 жыл бұрын

It was for me until I crashed and broke my wrist

@cameronlesley2428 4 жыл бұрын

Every time I ride I am dealing all of life’s pressures and fighting depression back with every pedal stroke. Riding my bike has changed my life I’m a better person better husband better father and the best role model I can be .bike life forever

@patrickvoortman1422 4 жыл бұрын

Mountain biking has almost completely taken away my moderate depression and reduced my anxiety. So the answer is yes, mountain biking is an amazing therapy!

@myadventuresmtb5289 4 жыл бұрын

I suffer with my mental health and I can say riding definitely helps me with keeping it under control, great video 👍

@simon_sreckovic 4 жыл бұрын

Being in nature helps by it self riding a MTB bike helps even more

@darrenmcintyre3689 4 жыл бұрын

Brings you into the moment. Full focus on the trail and whats coming up helps to wash away the rubbish thoughts. Mindfulness riding thats why i love mountain biking. Thanks for this great episode guys.

@danielphythian76 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely helps Anything that gets you off the couch and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life

@mjbbell 4 жыл бұрын

For me it’s being in a job I hate, while applying for jobs and getting the automated reply to say I was unsuccessful this time. It kinda drains you after a while, getting out on the bike helps to some degree to clear the mind and to refocus.

@johannvanniekerk8032 4 жыл бұрын

Speaking from experience definitely yes

@MTBZenMaster 4 жыл бұрын

Riding is my MEDITATION, clears my head, i get in the flow. Raising my stoke! Riding has changed my life in soo many positive ways. I LOVE THIS Sport.😎🙌🏽

@williamgalloway4798 4 жыл бұрын

I feel like everyone needs to do something for a few hours where they forget all their worries and problems, whether that be mountain biking, gaming or something else. For me, mountain biking is something where I can get out and just have a clear headspace, I absolutely think it's amazing for your mental health.

@willshawyer7280 4 жыл бұрын

Short story: yes. It is therapudic and the funnest thing ever

@bymark5384 4 жыл бұрын

Dont even need to watch the vid to comfirm it😃

@equine_videos_ 4 жыл бұрын

*agreed*

@Bldyiii 4 жыл бұрын

As a doctor, I concur.

@shivanibindra9606 4 жыл бұрын

Great, answer

@dinunclv 4 жыл бұрын

Unless you shatter your bones...

@quentinnine9441 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it does, and a great deal might I say. I suffer from quite severy anxiety from time to time. Going out riding makes the storm in my head go away, makes me concentrate on the trail head and lets me forget all the stress I make up in my head. Also the feeling of accomplishment after having done a jump, having finished a number of laps, that puts a smile on your face And smiles = good! Last but not least: if you feel you cannot deal with your mental state yourself anymore, talk to people. Let of the steam, it helps!

@chelzhi 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it does!!!!!!! The moment I can't decide and start contemplating life decisions, but when GMBN post something makes me happy 😁 LOVE MTN biking 😊

@nickcarolan2805 4 жыл бұрын

It's in these times when I need my bike the most. Keep safe Neil.

@PUR3KKarma 4 жыл бұрын

I was only talking to my sister about this today. I’m so glad I’ve took up mountain biking as it’s been hugely beneficial not only physically but also mentally. It’s pulled me out from a dark place and can see my life turning round for the positive.

@tommycooperfish 4 жыл бұрын

Inhale that fresh air, nail that climb, feel the sunshine (and the mud), get scared and push your limits and get out your comfort zone... Hurt, laugh, cry, scream with sheer abandon...feel something... Life is way too short to sit behind a screen or in a cubicle or not even try in the first place for fear of what could happen. You will find yourself and someone you never knew you even had in you out where the wild things dwell. It's a pretty personal subject for me this and I whole heartedly encourage anyone who feels in a slump, or down, or lonely to just push it even if all the odds seem stacked sky high against you. It will 100% change you for the better.

@Bundy67 4 жыл бұрын

It's a big help to me. The time i'm on my bike is spent thinking about what i'm doing and not the things bringing me down. Some people think we are stupid for doing what we do but while you are pushing your bike down a trail as fast as you can you are only thinking about that, there's nothing else going on in your head. For that time, you are free from everything.

@martinhayes5087 4 жыл бұрын

I've said it a few times to friends and family and I'll shout it from the hills, riding a bike has completely changed my life. I ride every day, wether to work or to the forest. It never feels like a chore. I've been at points in my life wishing myself dead, staying in bed all day because I can't even bare to look outside, and thankfully that has completely changed, a £1500 piece of metal and components might not be anything to some people, but it's my one true release from the misery of day to day life, and now it will have to be pry from my cold dead hands before I give it up.

@james3547 4 жыл бұрын

The gym was/is my escape. Without that its been tough especially as I've been working aswell. I had my first proper ride in 15 years yesterday on a bike and I loved it!

@vtwl24 4 жыл бұрын

Mtb is better than gyms

@winchestertonfieldville8973 4 жыл бұрын

The best addiction you can possibly develop. 👍

@jasperdebondt9682 4 жыл бұрын

I struggled a couple times with depression and sadbacks. Mountain biking and doing so being in nature with your bike riding trails and focussing on just that helped me to get back to being myself again.

@johnjackson484 4 жыл бұрын

I've recently been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and honestly love nothing more than getting out on the bike whether its by myself or with my kids. Just love it.

@munkensa 4 жыл бұрын

I have anxiety , and OCD in several forms, I can honestly say buying a mountainbike changed my life for the better. Today i can function and maintain a part time job. Its tough at first, but you feel the mental progress after your very first ride. And theres no feeling like feeling better. And Mountain biking makes You feel better 😍👍💪😁

@TheAnonyMice 4 жыл бұрын

Whether it's biking, skiing, speedriding or whichever of the activities I use to escape from what feels like an unhappy life, I have found that the release is in being incredibly present in the moment. Looking ahead at the trail, spotting jumps and drops, reading terrain and focusing on what I'm doing means that I can't think about what's hurting. I can have suicidal thoughts on the lift up but once I get my skis sliding or the wheels turning I am focusing on that. Pushing myself further and further helps because of how focused I have to be. Often times just that break from the thoughts and feelings are enough for me to just keep on swimming. And hell yeah, a couple of minutes after having those thoughts I can be flying through the air and still have moments of thinking "it feels good to be alive". If i'm honest that feeling doesn't linger, so I just have to get back to the top of the mountain and do it again.

@noname-sd5dt 4 жыл бұрын

9 months ago i had a mini mental break down. Then 6 months ago i had a mega break down. Suffered catastrophic anxiety and depression. Without doubt mtb kept me away from doing a really stupid thing and saved my life. I was riding occasionally beforehand for a few years prior but was still a real beginner. I was unable to work for a good 4 months after my big total melt down. Being without a job I could either stay at home, scared of my own shadow planning on how to end my suffering, or get out there on my bike. So one day I just went out. It made me feel better, then the endorphins from exercise crept in. I strung a few days together and formed a new habit. Wake up and ride. I started to find new places to ride and my riding skill progressed much higher than i ever thought they could be. I couldnt wait to get out of bed and spend the next day in nature, pushing myself, even found some riding buddies. I would spend all night up in the shed tinkering with my bike, cleaning it, maintaining it, and tuning it with Doddy guiding in the background on my phone as I fixed whatever it was. Mtb and the whole experience gave me hope, passion, drive and reward. Plus it's hard to think dark when you are busting your gut on a climb. Please, if you are feeling down, unnecessary sad, cynical, and dark, it's a sign that you need some help. DON'T IGNORE IT. I did for years but I just buried it in work or needing to "man up". It is far more common than most think. There are people out there who genuinely want to help you. Your life is amazing and you just may need some help realising that or shifting your perspective. MTB saved my life but my wife, my psyc, and my doc helped immensely. They all helped me put the pieces back together. I'm back at work, I'm a husband and a dad again.

@samn-l2731 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it is i dont want to sound all oh poor me but the only thing that has got me through this and last year is mountain biking it’s something for me to escape on and forget the stress of the world and since lockdown i have only been able to dig and honestly it works just aswell

@jasonprfrost1 4 жыл бұрын

I have Huntingtons which brings with it Severe Depression which I take drugs for and think MTB got me out of that pit and now riding 3 times a week for 2 hours or more and still building skills even after decades of riding . You are right MTBing is my therapy and my passion.

@ColonelDutch 4 жыл бұрын

Maintance a bike and riding through the woods are my best ways to be at mental peace. And your channel helps me with that too. Thanks from the viewer from Russia.

@IndigoTraveller 4 жыл бұрын

A great video, full of truths that we sometimes need reminding of.

@nickdmackie 4 жыл бұрын

Neil - this video resonated so strongly with me - thank you for your openness and suggestions. I often refer jokingly/lovingly to my bike as my "therapist" and could not agree more that biking has played a massive role in keeping my mental health in reasonable shape. For me, a day in the forest on my enduro bike is one of life's greatest, most complete rewards. Thank you Neil and GMBN for all you do.

@rogercmerriman 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely particularly now I’m covered in PPE in work so having a spin on the MTB or Gravel is great for headspace! It also helped few years back when I had a significant head injury, ie traumatic brain injury and the goal to get back on the bike, and the independence it gave me back!

@marcomorais8644 4 жыл бұрын

My first bike helped me out of a depression. Riding at night in those bad days, enjoying the quiet streets of Lisbons, then it went to a MTB getting dirty and hapier at the end of every ride. It's the cheapesiest psicotherapy, available 24/7! Ty, GMBN!

@BarFlyBrewing 3 жыл бұрын

Suffered from mental health issues for many years and was never happier than when on my mtb ,but ended up in a job that meant I stopped. 4 years on bike was sold long while back and I was on furlough so I bought another bike and then got redunded. Bikes arrived and gonna use this time to clear my head and reevaluate things for the future .

@stuartwhelan233 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely Colin what life is about same here no job but at least we are alive to enjoy life pal

@demazy 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you indeed for this. Thank you for sharing. It feels very good to watch it and to relate.

@nooranik21 4 жыл бұрын

No joke MTB brought me out of a years long depression. I even broke my collarbone and despite not being able to ride, I finally had the mental strength to really deal with my depression and anxiety. I started seeing a counselor while I heal up physically. I'll come back a more mentally fit and stronger rider once my clavicle is ready to go.

@GMRS4 4 жыл бұрын

Great wee video, thanks for making it. Just getting out in the fresh air on a mtb is soooo good for your mental health! Time to think and mentally sort stuff out.

@benjaminrozier8063 4 жыл бұрын

jeez totally agree, it's not only the exercise but also the feeling of the ride, the helpfulness of the community, the escape and the calmness of tinkering with music

@Sick-o 4 жыл бұрын

Amen 🙏🏻. Even on days where I’m tired, stressed, and the last thing I want to do is ride, the second I get out on the bike everything else seems to fall in its place. Keep up the good vids!

@hamishmchamish 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video Neil. Accurately informative, and also candid and relatable. Thanks for making it. As a mountain biker and mental health professional there's one comment I'd like to pick up on though. Around 6.38 you talk about "identifying why" mental health is suffering. While doing that it's important to bear in mind that depression and anxiety can hugely amplify minor worries (or even create negatives in the absence of apparent cause). Even if the problem is resolved these thought patterns can persist and maintain poor mental health or predispose us to further episodes. Trying to look at things from an external perspective ("what would I say if a friend had told me that?" ) can help us challenge these intrinsically unhelpful styles of thinking. Anyone looking for that type of help just now could search for online CBT while the lockdown is on

@jamesbirch37 4 жыл бұрын

Getting out on my bike has done wonders for my state of mind especially the last few months. And now I get to fix what's damaged so even more to occupy the quiet time!

@davidheard8493 4 жыл бұрын

What a great piece, have to agree getting out on my bike is such a relief. Even if it’s a quick ride on local roads(not the best place for a mountain bike) and getting out with my kids and seeing the enjoyment on their faces is the biggest buzz!

@karlvoice6839 3 жыл бұрын

As I suffer from mental health issues and ptsd when I'm out on my bike I feel happy and relaxed that helps me with my low mood which helps me to forget about the pain for a few hours

@lost-245 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it is I fight cronic depression with it

@dmw0lton21 4 жыл бұрын

Definitely a YES! However, that mood falls quickly, currently for me, waiting for parts to arrive to get out riding again. So difficult knowing what to do each day when on furlough, cycling is the one thing that helps to clear your kind and feel happy seeing the outdoor life and giving me the boost.

@rufysufy 4 жыл бұрын

I get splitting headaches after work most days. getting in the saddle for an hour is like taking some painkillers for me. In fact some days I ride twice a day - hard XC workout in the morning, slow pace in gravel in the eve.

@domrushton9651 4 жыл бұрын

Great Neil, extremly tough times for many and without my bike i dont know how much worse all this would have been affecting me mentaly. Had to laugh when you mentioned the chain snapping as this happened to me a few days ago, devastating push home. On the 1 occassion EVER i dont take my backpack. Gutted me but back out again today and lesson learnt. Much love for the video man really hit home with me as well as many others x

@Hoani87 4 жыл бұрын

Great video GMBN. I have to say along with riding, watching your content, new and old, has also been a great way to channel positive vibes and escape these four walls.

@IraLive1 4 жыл бұрын

I'm 3 seconds into the video and I gotta say yes because it's been helping me with anxiety for a very long time and I don't know what I'd do without it.

@lostboy8814 4 жыл бұрын

I was a fireman at a very busy fire station,part of my job was being a road accident specialist,so I got to witness some pretty awful sights,my guvnor at the time got myself and others into mountain biking,and I never looked back.Every Sunday we'd all ride up on the South Downs,and the mountain biking really helped me cope with the day to day mental anguish of the job.I've been mountain biking now since 1994 and love what biking does for you physically and mentally.Great video Neil,thanks.

@AndreRicoyDias 4 жыл бұрын

That's truly amazing! Great content, Neil. In fact, is inspiring to think about the sport in more deep terms. Especially while we can't ride as we used to. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about biking as well as the influence your injuries had on your life and work. That helps us "normal people" to take some time and also prioritize what we most value to keep riding. Great content indeed! Cheers!

@tonyo4984 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the the analogy to recovering from an injury. I hadn't thought of it that way but it is a good way to think about all this. I am 63 now and have had mountain bikes since the mid nineties and they have given me back so much more than I ever spent on them in health and wellbeing. I ain't stopping anytime soon...

@guglio7350 4 жыл бұрын

Great chapter! GMBN nail it as alway, so considerate and down to earth. great work.

@gmbn 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@Accretion67 4 жыл бұрын

Neil, thanks to you and GMBN, you have all got me into this great hobby and lifestyle. I too have ridden to spots just to sit and relax. Not every ride is an adrenaline fueled frenzy. Sometimes the best rides are the ones where I catch the sunset over the Rocky mountains and just take it all in. Cheers!

@Antigravity78 4 жыл бұрын

Yes most definitely. I have like many others struggled with mental health in the past and have Just got back into riding with being put on furlow with work. after not being on a bike for around 15years as you ca guess my fitness is very bellow par but loving getting back on a bike and pushing myself to improve and get out the house at these difficult times. Keep up the great work GMBN 👌🏻👍🏻

@ibrahim_raven1701 4 жыл бұрын

Glad to help add captions to this video, really remarkable knowledge.

@barkingmadman1169 4 жыл бұрын

As an engineer, my mind is always on, so much so that I nearly always have difficulty sleeping, even before COVID. Nothing has ever helped me clear my mind completely like MTB. I consider this the number one benefit of the sport, more even than heart health and strength benefits biking provide. It absolutely is therapy! Great video, and thanks for the recognition.

@Jmastarasta 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video. Great job Neil was really helpful and just good to take a step back and reflect

@BartoszRogowski 4 жыл бұрын

Such a deep and honest video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. We are all more vulnerable than ever. We need a lot of empathy and solidarity, but before helping others we have to take care of ourselves. I definitely don't ride as much as I would like to, but each time was very calming for me.

@gmbn 4 жыл бұрын

Well said!

@ryanl.4296 4 жыл бұрын

MTB literally saved my life, not only in the form of much needed excercise, but also in the sense that it is the only place I can go where I have no depression and anxiety. I am by no means fast and by no means a great rider, but that makes railing a turn and tackling a technical climb even the more satisfying. I used to find my relief through playing music, and while I still find it there it cannot compare to riding a bike. My friends criticize me for how much I spent on my bike, but they don't realize that because of this bike I have saved money by not needing to go see a therapist, saved money from medication, become a much stronger person in every aspect and it has provided me with access to hundreds of free trail systems to ride in my home state. To me you can't put a price on that. I heard it said somewhere that "no matter how slow you are you are still lapping everyone sitting on their couch" and that is how I approach every ride. A "bad" day on the trails is still better than the best day at work!

@eudog8108 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this video, on this topic, especially at this time. So poignant & true. Riding time is bro time with my riding buddy and the defences are down when we talk so everything from the pick up & drive to the trails, the ride to the post-ride brewery visit is therapeutic. Colleagues of his just performed a small study on inpatients admitted for depression and found clear benefit from riding (I’m sure the donated Giant ebikes helped too!)

@69mjar 4 жыл бұрын

I can 100% agree with wanting to go home right after you ride one small trail. I had a peddle strike a few weeks ago and went over handle bars. Broke ankle had some deep scrapes on leg and had slight concussion. It's been hard for me to get back out and truly enjoy it yet but I'm hoping if I keep going it will come back.

@nicolaellis6959 4 жыл бұрын

Yes GMBN! Mountain biking is honestly so important to me, it's an escape. You're forced to focus on the trail rather than your thoughts and it's a wonderful break from life. It sounds like it's keeping so many of us going through the lockdown.

@theparableprojectcolumbus3219 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! Thanks GMBN.

@megane230f1 4 жыл бұрын

Been out on a bike just takes you mentally to a different place, then getting off with a flask of tea in your haversack is perfect for me, the sounds of the birds, the sounds of the woods, the views, the tranquility, the people you meet on the way is why i love riding my bikes.

@gmbn 4 жыл бұрын

There's nothing quite like it!

@aarongibson7090 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing some of your own mental health struggles, it is appreciated. Talking about mental health struggles on a worldwide platform can help bring awareness to the struggles people face every day, and help promote mental health awareness. There are a lot of people who love MTB that are struggling right now with mental health issues, and hearing from someone they admire, like yourself, can be a very powerful. Thank you for making this video and bringing awareness to the struggles that people are facing right now in this difficult time.

@gmbn 4 жыл бұрын

Glad we could help!

@TWROC96 4 жыл бұрын

Such a timely video. Well done Neal. Thanks.

@nomadcarpenter8549 4 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed hearing your side of things, real and visceral video. Thanks for putting it out there. So many videos are about distraction and entertainment that meaningful gets sidelined.

@gmbn 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Nomad!

@michael_emtb 4 жыл бұрын

I love this video. Neil did it so so well. Me getting back into mountain biking marks the turning point in my mental health for the better. I suffer from severe depression and anxiety, but with meds and biking, I'm kicking its arse and getting back to my old self. Well done GMBN for a superb video!! ❤🤘🏻

@osvaldovegacasanova3559 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Neil , thank you very much for it. Hugs from Chile

@rosssmith1049 4 жыл бұрын

Totally help me get by. I do feel worse if I don’t get to ride. Neil, you are doing a great job of producing the videos you’ve put out since lockdown, keep up the good work!

@phantasma2323 4 жыл бұрын

Neil and everyone at GMBN gave me my foundation, it changed my life. Continue to do what you’re doing. It’s having the greatest impact.

@ournexus7235 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful video. Thanks. For me, it's just about taking the roof off from over my head in more ways than one, and letting the pressures poor out on the breeze. Works sometimes, and someone's not, just like you said.

@khicks91011 4 жыл бұрын

We have enjoyed all your videos. As a newbies to mountain biking, we appreciate all your hard work and information. Thanks for all you do.

@NotMyFullTimeJob 4 жыл бұрын

This is probably the best video that GMBN ever produce. So honest. Please, don’t ever stop pedalin’...

@jdwells7233 4 жыл бұрын

Outstanding outlook Neil. Cheers Dude.

@stewartbibb 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video Neil. It has been an interesting spring here in Ontario, Canada. Thanks for the great content!

@bennash4848 4 жыл бұрын

great video. i have done all sorts to my ull sus during lockdown things i would never have thought about doing before.. also i have just finished building my first bike build .. a orange crush hard tail. would have been cheaper to buy the pro version however the sense of achievement is huge. considering i had to watch a video on how to change a tire just over a year ago and now finally being able to get out and ride again has really helped me

@thatsright9567 4 жыл бұрын

I definitely agree on that, especially after a long day at school and preparation for it or generally stressful, shitty days. It is 1000 times better, than playing on a console. Sadly some days/ weeks there is no time left for a ride.

@johngraham6506 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video and you captured what depression is like perfectly when you spoke about sometimes packing up your gear is too much. For me, I mountain bike for all the reasons you listed. I have to admit that some of my favorite rides are a couple of hours by myself with me and my thoughts. Again, excellent video.

@gmbn 4 жыл бұрын

Cheers John!

@euanbeaden74 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. I've ridden my bikes probably more often than ever in a short space of time and it's been so refreshing. Exploring local trails thoroughly and improving my fitness has meant that I can gather even more from riding! Great video Neil.

@davewalsh8278 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Neil (and cameraman). MTB was my church, the best way I knew to let off steam but last year I came down with a virus which left me with a lot of constant fatigue. It's been tough adjusting to life without out MTB but it's made me realise you can't use one single thing as your only outlet because if that's taken away life can get very difficult and your mental health will suffer. I've found going for walks with good friends, time with family etc are more important these days. When I get my health back, I look forward to going back on the bike again but it will be a part of a more varied relaxed lifestyle.

@ajsonic2361 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely true. Also i find the sound of our wheels when riding downhill to be so satisfying 😄💝

@beakerbiker3033 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid. Love Neil. Nice to know others struggle with the motivation.

@kentdiongzon2685 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it is a good therapy after especially for me cause i just learned how to bunny hop because of your videos thank you

@dukekaboom4105 4 жыл бұрын

To me this is the best video you have produced. Look at the comments, people telling their stories, complete strangers wishing them the best. If this video continues to allow people to be confident enough to open up about themselves then it’ll be the best on KZfaq. Personally I love riding my bike, I’ve been lucky enough to ride through this lockdown and when I’m on my bike I forget all about Covid 19. It riding my bike is my favourite thing I do. I love it.

@zendmac 4 жыл бұрын

Really like the more serious documentary-esc) stuff neil does he always seems to add a personal touch that i enjoy. Mental health is one of those subjects that just needs more coverage. good job guys!

@Jayneflakes 4 жыл бұрын

Long term illness has stopped me riding, but I get my MTB fix through GMBN these days. Also and this is really important, seeing Martyn ride is inspirational to those of us that have been affected by illness and disability. My Doctors have said that riding may happen again, but my body is saying no for the time being. What have I replaced riding with? For a while it was antidepressants, but these days it is day trips to beautiful places on my motorbike when I can and actually allowing myself to grieve for my lost life as a mountaineer and mountain biker. If I have a lesson, it would be listen to your body when you are young, injuries do not magically go away, if ignored they only get worse and if riding for therapeutic reasons, as I was, there is no shame in asking for help. Thank you to all of the GMBN crew for all of your efforts, you do more good than you probably know.

@caleblourensz139 4 жыл бұрын

Great honest video and fantastic to see a topic such as mental health raised, nice job!

@superymariowest2403 4 жыл бұрын

I needed this video. I've been having money, family, and family health problems for 2 years now. This "not allowed to even go for a walk" has really pushed me too hard. This video gives me hope! Hope that I can recover!

@martynfallon5200 4 жыл бұрын

Quality video on this. Dragged a few guys in know put for socially distanced rides. They’ve cracked on and feel much better. Good to see it’s proven to increase mood!

@declanfaughey8471 4 жыл бұрын

Yes absolutely I always feel so much better after a ride on my MTB on the local trails or up on the mountains near to my home. Time spent Mountain biking is never time wasted.

@elvingtonred 4 жыл бұрын

20 years ago I started riding with my then teenage son having stopped smoking. I not only got fit but found new biking friends, and we all still ride to this day! Best thing I ever did especially when I had a stressful job. Nothing better to be in a forest and clear your head and have some bantz with your biking buddies! Although not always good for your bank balance!

@thomasphilyaw8593 4 жыл бұрын

Just finished watching the video and great job. I like riding in groups, but sometimes riding the trails through the woods and mountains where I live by myself is something I wish I could put in a bottle and sell. Cheers from Virginia...

@MrLeovdmeer 4 жыл бұрын

It really helps me clear my head. I love my hobby!

@ruirodtube 4 жыл бұрын

Riding alone, riding with my kids, riding in the woods... it all fills me with joy. Me and my eldest lost some weight. Twice the benefits! It helps me every day.

@user-eq8wx5on1o 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid Neil! I think the best way MTB, or any other sport helps with mental health is not only the fact that it gets you away from the everyday hustle. The real benefit is that it clears your mind so that when you get back you can actually focus on any of the problems that make you anxious.