Written by: Athletico
Posted: Saturday, 03 May 2008
Follow these tips to help you stay healthy while riding....
- Don’t forget to cool down with a walk, and stretch out after a long ride. This will help to decrease muscle and joint soreness the next few days and decrease harmful effects of being in a crouched position.
- If you wear orthotics or inserts in your casual or athletic shoes you may benefit from wearing a custom or over the counter insert in your cycling shoes for proper leg mechanics.
- In the middle of a ride or when stopped, look occasionally to the left, right, and downward to avoid neck pain and stiffness.
- Change your hand position on the handlebars occasionally to avoid excessive stress on the wrists and nerves in your arms.
- Stretch legs and arms following a ride to maintain good flexibility for improved performance.
- Contract core musculature while riding to prevent low back pain. To contract abs, think of flattening stomach rather than crunching in half.
- Be sure your sunglasses cover your full line of vision so you do not have to strain your neck by trying to look above or below rims.
- Look around for an exercise program designed to address the muscles that are subject to the most wear and tear in cyclists. Try yoga for cyclists or a balance training exercise class at your favorite gym.
About AthletiCo: AthletiCo has 47 locations in the Chicagoland area that offer orthopedic rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, sports medicine, massage therapy and much more. For more information, please go to www.athletico.com.
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