When life throws you a curve lean in!

Recover your balance on your bicycle.

It is time to find some time for yourself. Relax mind and body in a natural setting. Get away from it all. And take a ride on your weapon of stress reduction: your bicycle.

Here is what cycling can do for you:

1) Improve Your Mood: Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling. You are only one bike ride away from a better mood. Yet, that reality can seem so far away with the ongoing stressors that have become part of our everyday world. Why does cycling help you feel so good? Because it pumps blood around your body at a greater rate which allows for the rapid spread of endorphins and other good substances like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. So sometimes, to get that feel-good feeling, its just a matter of hopping on your bike and giving it a go, to get the that feel good feeling.

2) Promote Positive Mental Health: When we ride "it's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves," to quote Sir Edmond Hillary. And he should know: in 1953 he became, one of the first of two people to reach the summit of the tallest peak on Earth, Mount Everest. Why? Because when we attempt to stretch ourselves to the utmost, we get a great sense of accomplishment. And climbing a mountain on a bike we conquer ourselves little by little. Cycling has been shown to be one of the most effective activities for the head and the heart.

3) Create New Thought Patterns, Promoting Feelings of Calm and Wellbeing: Cycling can be a great way to “zone out,” but you can even use it for as a form of meditation. Focusing on your breath, the wind in your face. The regular, uniform movement of cycling has a relaxing effect on the brain, stabilizing both physical and mental function. So if you're "stuck" cycling can jumpstart a new mental pattern that can get you back to YOU!!

4) Provide Mental Wellness & Socializing Benefits: After months of social distancing, and reduced social interaction, connecting with like-minded individuals in the relative safety of the outdoors --enjoying fresh air and natural beauty--can be a life-saver. Relax during al fresco picnics or cloud-watches or maybe availing yourself of newly permitted outdoor beverage and dining options among fellow humans and four-footed friends. Bike your way to connection with your greater community.

 5) Forest Bathing While Cycling: Into the forest I go, to lose my mind, and find my soul. It has been proven that stepping into the wilderness clears the mind and nourishes the soul. Something about all the green beauty and fresh air, clean away the cobwebs and sets the spirit right. Immersing oneself in the forest and soaking in the atmosphere through the senses. Nearly 40 years of extensive research shows a wide range of health benefits from forest bathing, including decreased stress, improved mood states, a variety of mental health benefits, improved vigor, reduced fatigue and feelings of awe.

6) Cycling Can Grow Your Brain: When you ride your bike, blood flow to the brain increases just as it does to the muscles, bringing in more oxygen and nutrients that can improve cognitive performance. Cycling has also been shown to counteract the natural decline of brain function and development as we age.

Life may not be about your bicycle, but it sure can help you get through it. When it's time to unplug and recover your balance, consider packing one of Altor’s lightweight, foldable APEX locks. Stylish but sturdy, the APEX or APEX Ti will protect your ride allowing you to stop along the way to partake of whatever the bike path throws your way.

Need a lockup for your upcoming self-care rides or as a gift?
Luckily you can grab one during our FALL SALE!
Get an Altor APEX for only $98 (regularly $148) or an Altor APEX Ti for 20% off.