Post Ride Stretches

Stretching...who has time?

We ALL do!  And yes, I say we because I could use to stretch more, too.  As cyclists we have notoriously tight areas in our bodies which can develop into poor posture and range of motion.  We pride ourselves on our quiet upper bodies with no wasted energy, and this is particularly true of the time trialists and triathletes out there.  And then as result we stay locked into these unnatural positions for hours on end with the result being greater cycling fitness but also chronic tightness.

As I type this post during the 14th hour of my day, how can I say that we all have time to stretch?  Realistically, if you were to end your rides 5-10 minutes early a couple of times a week you would have time to stretch.  And this is the key time to perform the exercises: when your muscles are warm and loose.

Recent studies have shown that over stretching can be damaging and even lead to injury due to joints being loose,  One article about this here.  But most cyclists I know would have to change their behavior quite significantly to become an over-stretcher.

So, take a look at this great article from TrainingPeaks and make these easy exercises a part of your weekly routine!

TrainingPeaks:  Best Stretches for Time Crunched Cyclists

As always, if you have questions you should consult a certified trainer for help.

Stay loose!
Coach Brian