Health, Cycling should be on medical prescription – a 2025 resolution?

Taking up Cycling is much more than a simple sporting resolution: for many, it is a real transformation in their physical and mental health. Last November, we asked our readers to share their experiences. Between inspiring anecdotes and challenges to overcome, here is an overview of the benefits of cycling. Without any doubt, cycling should be on medical prescription. Will it be your next resolution for 2025?

Cycling, a health ally: inspiring testimonies

If cycling is often seen as a leisure activity or a means of transport, for some it is a real health prescription. Our readers confirm: among their motivations, physical and psychological reasons largely dominate. “Feel better, better cardio“, “lose weight“, “fight against my sedentary lifestyle“: so many phrases that recur in their responses.

Others talk about a more targeted approach, like treating a specific problem. One respondent says: “Operated on a herniated disc, the surgeon told me “If you don't want to see me again, you have to start cycling to strengthen your back”.“

“no more anxiety attacks“

“Physical capacity increased tenfold, no more anxiety attacks, extraordinary motivation, complete cessation of medications”

For others, the emergency is mental. This is one of the testimonies that stood out to us. This one from this reader who took up cycling to stop taking antidepressants: “Physical capacity increased tenfold, no more anxiety attacks, extraordinary motivation, complete cessation of medications, more than restorative sleep.“, she tells us. Although she admits to having had “thigh pain for six months” !

If initial expectations vary, they share one thing in common: the desire for well-being, whether for “remove the specter of loss of autonomy“, “yet another attempt to quit smoking“or just to be”free the mind“.

The benefits observed: when life changes by bike

The observation is unanimous: once integrated into everyday life, the bicycle works miracles. The responses show that its benefits go far beyond physical health. “An incredible time saver, even when traveling from one Parisian suburb to another“, “limit road stress“: the testimonies paint an equivocal picture of positive changes. This other reader tells us that he adopted the bike for “its ability to integrate a better lifestyle into daily life without making the schedule even denser“.

Beyond the body, cycling acts as a mental booster. Regular effort also seems to build confidence: “At 80 years old, in full physical and mental shape“, proudly writes a respondent. Beyond the simple daily travel tool, the bicycle even becomes for some a means of escape, as another reader testifies: “We took up road tandem riding with my wife and regularly go on traveling vacations.“.

Challenges and Tips: Overcoming Obstacles

Everything is not always simple at the beginning. Respondents share the obstacles and difficulties encountered. “The lack of infrastructure”, “finding routes that allow you to avoid main roads as much as possible” or “fear of the behavior of others” are obstacles cited by several participants.

Some are more pragmatic: “The complexity of wearing a shirt and a suit on a bike because I don't have a shower at my job“. Others highlight personal challenges: “At first I couldn't go a mile“, admits a reader.

Cycling, a key to a healthier life

We took the opportunity to ask them what they have put in place to overcome these obstacles. “Go gradually in terms of distance and time“, “practice outside peak hours“, “study your route carefully“, or even “choose a bike adapted to your practice“: so many simple but effective recommendations.

Cycling, a key to a healthier life, better mental health, and sometimes even a rebirth. “Don't stop while it's physically possible“, tells us a respondent. So, are you ready to get on yours in 2025? This reader gives us the best conclusion for this article: “Learn to savor every moment in the saddle“.