A new study from the University of Copenhagen and the University of Verona confirms what many of us already feel when we get on our bikes outdoors: nature does something special to both body and mind.

The study asked participants to walk at the same pace in three environments – nature, city and gym – while researchers measured mood, stress and physical strain. The results were striking:

🌿 Participants had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol after exercising in nature.
😊 They felt happier, more relaxed and less tired.
💚 And they were significantly more likely to repeat the activity in nature than in the city or indoors.

The researchers also found that the body recovers faster after activity in nature – the heart calms down faster and the nervous system activates the processes that create balance and well-being.
In short: Nature boosts both physical and mental health.

For those of us who love cycling, the conclusion is obvious:
When you choose the bike and head out into the countryside, you get much more than exercise. You get a break from the pace of everyday life, fresh air in your lungs and a mood that rises with every pedal stroke.

It’s health, happiness and energy – wrapped in pure nature.

So maybe it’s time to swap one of your weekly indoor workouts for a trip outdoors?
Your body – and your head – will thank you for it 🌳🚴‍♀️

#CopenhagenBikeShow #Cycling #Health #OutdoorMotion #MentalHealth #GreenLifestyle #University of Copenhagen #NatureIsMedicine