We all know that getting plenty of exercise is a great way to stay fit, get strong and improve our overall cardiovascular health. But it turns out carving time out of your busy schedule for regular sweat sessions is also extremely beneficial for your mental health.
According to a recent study conducted by The Lancet medical journal, participants who worked out consistently for 30 to 60 minutes a day had 21 fewer poor mental health days each month than those who didn't exercise at all. Researchers concluded that breaking a sweat not only helps boost your endorphin levels, but can also improve immunity, stress and anxiety levels.
Our Members can back that research here. We asked some of them to share how Peloton has helped them go further than they ever imagined during this challenging year.
Embracing Self-Love
“In April 2020, my marriage ended, which was a total shock to me,” says Lisa G. of New York. “So I just wanted to say how grateful I am for this Bike and community for getting me through the hardest year of my life. I ride three to five times a week and also do strength three times a week. Laughing with Cody, crying with Christine or just being a badass with Robin. Each instructor offers something different for every mood. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
Cultivating Gratitude
“I received my Bike a week before the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Angela C. of California. “As a physician and frontline worker, this Bike that goes nowhere has allowed me to channel my fear, anxiety and stress into positive feelings and thoughts. Tomorrow is never promised. Count your blessings everyday!”
Making a Mind-Body Connection
“I’ve battled with anxiety, self-doubt and the losses of my mother and grandmother within three years of each other,” says Sonya S. of Massachusetts. “My physical health suffered as well. Being a business owner, I’ve always devoted time to my career, allowing my health to take a backseat. When I turned 33, I made the decision that I wouldn’t celebrate another birthday at the same weight or in the same mindset. I ordered my Peloton Bike and started focusing on nutrition. Since then, I feel connected to my body and emotions in a way I haven’t been in a very long time.”
Living One Day at a Time
“You wouldn’t have recognized me two years ago,” says Nicole B. of Illinois. “My life revolved around alcohol. If I wasn’t drinking, I was thinking about drinking or recovering from drinking. I kept myself isolated, and I didn’t appreciate any of the numerous blessings I had in my life … Every time I get on the Bike, especially for a 5 AM class, I am grateful. I laugh. I cry. I am happy to be alive and living sober. One ride at a time. One day at a time. I am eternally grateful for all of you.”
Finding Inner Strength
“Two years ago on Christmas Eve, I was getting chemo,” says Jessica G. of Pennsylvania. “Telling myself to be brave, to be strong and to be badass. In the two years since, it is no secret that I have struggled with all of those things. It’s also no secret that, in the last 17 weeks, I have become a Peloton addict. So today I got up, and I rode six rides, 95 minutes, 27.63 miles and a whole lot of sweat and confidence. Today I feel brave. I feel strong. I feel badass. Today my body doesn’t feel like my enemy. Instead, it feels like we are finally in sync. This feeling is amazing, and I realize that I can do hard things because I have already done the hardest thing. Even though I have struggled, today I love my body, and I recognize my strength.”
Read on to discover how Peloton instructors build mental stamina through exercise.
