Jun 09, 2020 | Brasilia, Brazil |
Does a couple that exercises together stay together? That’s what Odailson and Ellen Fonseca, married for 20 years and parents of preteen Thalissa, believe. Odailson is director of communication and religious liberty for the Adventist Church in São Paulo and Ellen is an elementary school teacher at the Adventist College of Artur Nogueira , in the interior of São Paulo.
Since they began dating, both have maintained an exercise routine and living together has allowed them to practice various sports together such as running, tennis, bodyboarding, rollerblading, and mountain biking. Despite their experience and enjoyment of many exercise types, it was the mountain bike that won the couple’s heart.
Just over two years ago, Odailson was invited by a friend to ride.
“I started alone, but when Ellen realized how much the sport was doing for me, she decided to ride with me,” he says. “She has always been open to trying new things, so we are living this adventure together.”
The couple cycle two to three times a week and, despite the hectic daily routine, physical activity is a priority.
Exercise allows for a constant contemplation of nature. This was the most incredible experience for the couple on their bikes.
“We glimpse the sunset and beautiful landscapes, and we have worshiped God in the midst of eucalyptus trees,” says Odailson. However, they have also experienced less-than-enjoyable moments, such as exhaustion, falls and escaping dogs.
For them, the bicycle became an impossible habit to give up. So when they travel with their daughter on vacation, they look for bicycles to ride. Although still a child, Thalissa occasionally bikes with her parents.
“Passion for sports is a family thing,” jokes Odailson.
Cycling is also usually a collective and supportive sport. Occasionally, the couple cycles with friends or with groups organized by São Paulo Adventists, like Seven Bikers. In these adventures, they can cycle 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) between forests and trails far from urban centers. Alone, they have managed over 64 km (40 miles) in one day.
Positive effects
There are countless positive effects of cycling on the health of those who practice it. Physical education teacher Juan Santos lists the main ones: strengthened muscles, improved heart health and breathing, reduced stress and help balancing and concentrating. For the Fonescas, the benefits of mountain biking go even further.
Ellen explains that while cycling is also the ideal time to talk and reflect on your emotional, professional, and spiritual life with your partner.
“We have come to many resolutions on the road, pedaling,” she says. “We cry and rejoice together between one track and another. Biking is our special time together.”
For Odailson, mountain biking made noticeable improvements in not only his physical conditioning, but also made him happier and more cooperative, improved his sleep and anxiety, and strengthened his immunity. For Ellen, the effects were the same, with the added benefit of relaxation and free therapy in the difficult moments of life.
As a couple, the results are even more visible.
“Our family has become lighter, happier, and even more connected,” Odailson points out.
“Ellen and I have even more chemistry, for example, especially in the middle of the trails, on a bicycle. At those moments, it is impossible to use a cell phone, we connect only to what is important.
This article was originally published on the South American Division’s Portuguese news site
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