• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
      • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus – Premium vs. Budget Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 830 vs 820: What’s the Difference?
    • Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer has the Longest Battery Life?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer is Best for Mountain Biking?
    • Are Garmin Edge Bike Computers Worth It?
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt: Which is Better?
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – a Good Choice for Cyclists?
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • 7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon in 2023
    • 7 of the Best Budget E-bikes under $1000 for 2023
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
      • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Edge 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • How to Choose the Best Cycling Balaclava
        • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
        • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets – Waterproof and Windproof
        • The Three Different Kinds of Cycling Jackets
        • Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket Review
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Windproof Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Jerseys
        • Two of the Best Women’s Cycling Jerseys: Pearl Izumi and Sugoi
      • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
      • Adidas Cycling Glasses – Review after Eight Years of Use
      • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – Is it a Good Choice for Cyclists?
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers
      • Review of the Two Wheel Gear Convertible Pannier/Backpack
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier for Bike Commuters – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • Complete Guide to Bike Lights
        • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
        • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
        • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting in 2023
        • Reelight Rl721 Bike Lights Review – Lights that are ALWAYS on
        • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
    • Bike Saddle Reviews
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for 2023
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • Zacro Gel Seat Cover – a Budget Solution for Saddle Discomfort
    • Headphone Reviews
      • Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Review – AfterShokz Trekz Cordless Open Ear Bone Conduction Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Jaybird Tarah Wireless Headphones Review
    • 7 Reasons to Use a Power Meter on Your Bike
  • Bike Computer Reviews
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 – Garmin’s Game-Changing GPS Bike Computer
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Weight Loss
      • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Lose Weight
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight Cycling
      • How Many Calories Do You Burn Cycling?
      • How Many Calories Can You Burn Riding an Ebike?
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
      • Intermittent Fasting, Cycling, HIIT, and Weight Loss
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
      • 5 Great Reasons to Take Up Cycling During Retirement
      • Science Says Exercise is a Miracle Cure and Protects You from Diseases
      • Science Proves Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • Science Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • 7 Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • Case Studies: Three Seniors who Regained their Health with E-Bikes
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
    • Cycling and Strength
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
      • 5 Great Strength Exercises for Cyclists
      • Science Says Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
    • Cycling and Brain Health
      • Science Shows Five Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Kids biking
      • 7 Easy Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos
      • 7 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 3 – Preparing for Your First Race
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Your Bike – and How to Do It
    • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Complete Core Workout for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • 5 Benefits of Cross Training for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Guide to Smart Turbo Indoor Trainers
    • How to Get Started with Stationary Biking: A Guide to Stationary Bikes
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
    • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers for 2023
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • How to Change Gears on a Bike – Beginner’s Guide
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • Top 10 Tips to Keep your Bike from being Stolen
    • Smart Phone vs a Bike Computer for Recording Bike Rides – Which is Better?
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Do You Need a Cycling Jersey?
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
      • How to Buy Used Bikes on Craigslist (and Other Online Marketplaces)
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
    • 5 Things You Need to Know about Hydration for Cyclists
      • Hydration for Cycling – How Much Fluid do You Need?
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
      • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Tips for Going Car-Free
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
      • 5 Ways to Stay Visible in Traffic When Cycling
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Helpful Tips for New Bike Commuters – Don’t Start Bike Commuting Until You Read This!
    • Winter Cycling
      • Safe Winter Cycling – How to Cycle Safely in the Winter
      • How to Dress for Winter Cycling – Cycling Clothes that will Keep You Warm and Dry
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • Top 10 Tips to Not Get Hit by a Car on Your Bike
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
You are here: Home / Cycling Training Plans / Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists / Why Stretching is Crucial for Cyclists

Why Stretching is Crucial for Cyclists

December 30, 2021 by Guest Author

Pin
Share
Tweet

In this post, guest author Jamie Singer explains the science behind why stretching is important for cyclists, and explains how stretching can help you to reduce muscle pain and cycle more efficiently.

Muscle Hangovers!

We’ve all been there. The day after you push your body to its limits, finally reaching your cycling goals – you feel amazing that you’ve ridden those extra miles, but your body has entered “muscle hangover” mode. The question is, can a cyclist do anything to avoid the soreness after extreme physical exertion? In this article I will explore how muscles work, why a cyclist might get muscle aches, and how stretching can ease the pain.

Proper stretching enables optimal athletic performance, as with the triathlete pictured here. Photo from Fabio Mascarenhas on Flickr
Proper stretching enables optimal athletic performance, as with the triathlete pictured here. Photo from Fabio Mascarenhas on Flickr

Related Post: Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist’s Training Plan, Phase 1

HOW Do Muscles Work?

Muscles work a little bit like Velcro. There are two components of a muscle: extrafusal and intrafusal fibres. Within the protein strands of extrafusal fibres, the contractile elements of a muscle are composed of units called myofilaments. Within these filaments there are thick and thin “strands” of smaller protein chains.

When you contract a muscle, these filaments slide past each other, which shortens the muscle – this is the “bulge” you see for instance, when you flex your bicep. The body converts the energy created by the shortening myofilament via the tendon that attaches to the bone – and movement is created.

There are two components of a muscle: extrafusal and intrafusal fibres. Within the protein strands of extrafusal fibres, the contractile elements of a muscle are composed of units called myofilaments. Within these filaments there are thick and thin “strands” of smaller protein chains. why stretching is important for cyclists
There are two components of a muscle: extrafusal and intrafusal fibres. Within the protein strands of extrafusal fibres, the contractile elements of a muscle are composed of units called myofilaments. Within these filaments there are thick and thin “strands” of smaller protein chains

Let’s take the calf muscles as an example. The gastrocnemius is a double-headed muscle that originates from the femur of the thigh, and inserts into the back of the heel through the Achilles tendon. When you want to flex your knee and point your foot downwards (an action known as plantarflexion) your brain sends a signal to the gastrocnemius, causing it to contract. Given the rotational movement necessary when pedaling, this contraction is crucial to produce the movement.

WHY Do My Muscles Feel Sore after Cycling?

The calf muscles aren’t the only muscle group that works during cycling. Your entire lower body is in action, with the hip, knee and ankle joints moving through their range of motion. However, none of the joints runs through its full range of motion. Why is this relevant?

Well, put simply, it puts more strain on those muscles performing contraction because the energy produced by those muscles is distributed through a shorter range. So in our Velcro analogy, this might cause a “clumping” effect within those nodules of protein in the thick and thin filaments. This begins to manifest itself as “soreness” for the cyclist.

This isn’t the only reason however. It’s worth noting the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration at this stage. Aerobic respiration occurs when your heart pumps oxygen to the contracting muscles in order to produce enough energy to move. Past a certain exercise rate, the heart can no longer pump oxygen fast enough, which is when anaerobic respiration begins.

During this period, the body begins to produce energy out of stored glucose reserves. The by-product of this is a build-up of metabolites, such as lactic acid, within the muscles. Why is this relevant? You guessed it – it causes soreness. Combined with the clumping of protein filaments, the build-up of lactic acid compounds that aching feeling in your muscles.

Why Cyclists MUST Stretch

Before you set off on that inviting, long bike trail - take a few minutes to stretch. That's what Maggie is doing right here
Before you set off on that inviting, long bike trail – take a few minutes to stretch. That’s what Maggie is doing right here

This build-up of waste products and irregular accumulation of muscle protein is exactly why we need to stretch after a long bike ride. Two things happen when you stretch. Firstly you are regrouping those thick and thin filaments back into an ordered state. Think of Velcro – it’s much easier to stick Velcro when the two sides are flat instead of in a clumped state.

All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart and Videos
Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Garmin Edge Explore vs Garmin Edge 530 vs Garmin Edge 830 vs Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

Secondly, it is the venous system, as opposed to the arterial system, that is responsible for returning waste products back to the systemic circulation in order to be removed – by stretching you are activating a “muscle pumping” system in the veins to enable this process to actually happen.

Two things happen when you stretch. First, you regroup your thick and thin muscles filaments back into an ordered state. Second, you activate your veins to pump your muscles and enhance removal of waste products from your blood. That’s why stretching is important for cyclists! Here, Maggie stretches after a long day of cycling on Australia’s Gold Coast. She was exhausted, but she wasn't going to skip stretching - we know from painful experience how essential it is to stretch after a bike ride
Here, Maggie stretches after a long day of cycling on Australia’s Gold Coast. She was exhausted, but she wasn’t going to skip stretching – we know from painful experience how essential it is to stretch after a bike ride

HOW Does Stretching Help Cyclists?

The Journal of Strength and Conditioning ran a study on efficiency when running – and found that those who had greater stretch were more efficient. To translate this, the more your muscle is able to stretch, the better the range of motion that is available in your joints, leading to better running. This is directly applicable to cycling. The more you can flex your hip, knee and ankle joints, the better you are going to be able to cycle.

Click here for a complete stretching guide for cyclists
Click here for a complete stretching guide for cyclists

Enter the Antagonist

Stretching is important for another reason though.

Whenever one muscle in your body contracts, there is necessarily another muscle on the opposite side that stretches. Take the thigh for instance. At the front of the thigh you have the quadriceps muscle group and at the back you have the hamstrings. When you want to flex your hip the body contracts the quadriceps and stretches the hamstrings at the same time. In “physio talk” this is known as concentric contraction of the quadriceps and eccentric contraction of the hamstrings.

The opposite is true when we want to extend the hip: eccentric contraction of the quadriceps and concentric contraction of the hamstrings. In either scenario, we can label the muscle group performing the action as the agonist, and the muscle group opposing it as the antagonistic muscle group.

As we have already discussed, cycling does not use our muscles to the full range of motion – and in fact only ever uses the main muscle groups in concentric contraction. This means the action of peddling overloading the same muscle groups repetitively, which over time can cause subtle posture deformity.

This subtle warping effect of one muscle group being stronger than its antagonist might manifest itself as a dull knee, hip or back ache. The more you overwork a muscle, the more its default position will be contracted. If you’ve ever experienced this you will know the sensation. This is why pro cyclists tend to have very strong hip flexor muscles, causing an anterior pelvic tilt. Stretching can help combat this by re-balancing the agonist with the antagonistic muscle groups.

Related Post: Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Core Workout for Cyclists

WHEN Should Cyclists Stretch?

It is always a good idea to stretch both before and after you go for a bike ride. Warming up and warming down will help your leg muscles function at peak efficiency. Each stretch should be performed for a minimum of 30 seconds.

To begin with you may find it hard to do the stretch, but over time you will master it, and will in fact need to increase your range of motion to achieve the same results. This is good! It shows that the stretch is working.

It’s also a good idea to do the stretches on the days you do not ride your bike, in order to build up your range of motion.

The best stretches to perform are those that target all the main muscle groups used during cycling. These are:

  • Quadriceps
  • Hamstrings
  • Calf muscles
  • Hip flexors

HOW Should Cyclists Stretch?

Each muscle group can be stretched in exactly the same way that you might stretch an elastic band – start with the hip and just work through the full range of motion. Simple!

Related content: Our 10-minute Complete Stretching Routine for Cyclists

Conclusion – Why Stretching is Important for Cyclists

In summary:

  • Muscles work like Velcro, with protein strands sliding past each other
  • Soreness comes when this sliding action doesn’t work optimally
  • Stretching can help rebalance the scale
  • Stretching is also important to help maintain your posture off the bike.

Thanks for reading our post on why stretching is important for cyclists!

Related Article: Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists

Related Post: 5 Great Strength Exercises for Cyclists

Related Post: Garmin Enduro Smartwatch

Related Post: Science Shows that Strength Training Improves Your Cycling Speed and Your Long-Term Quality of Life

Related Post: Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming

Related Post: Review of Joe Friel’s Cyclist’s Training Bible

Read more about how to get fit with cycling by choosing a post from the slide show below:

  • How to choose the best bike lock. Always lock the FRAME of your bike to something solid. Locking the front wheel as well is a good bonus
    How to Choose the Best Bike Lock
  • 7 of the best indoor bike trainers. The rear wheel of your bike is suspended in an A-frame and the tire rests on a roller in a resistance unit.
    7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
  • Cycling is a low-impact form of exercise that is safe and fun for most people
    7 Steps to Lose Weight by Cycling
  • stationary bikes - get fit fast
    How to Use Interval Training on a Bike to Fight Aging
  • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
  • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
  • A Guide for Fat Cyclists - How to Set up Your Bike and Get Out and Enjoy!
  • Cycling makes your brain grow
    Research shows that cycling fights aging by making your brain grow!
  • 5 Great Strength and Conditioning Exercises for Cyclists
  • Why Stretching is Essential for Cyclists
  • Proper stretching enables optimal athletic performance, as with the triathlete pictured here. Photo from Fabio Mascarenhas on Flickr
    10 Minute Complete Stretching Routine for Cyclists
  • Complete Bike Training Plan - Includes Phases 1, 2, and 3
  • Heartwarming Video about How Cycling Saved Phil Jones from Morbid Obesity

Check Out Our Most Popular Posts!

  • 7 of the Best Health and Fitness Trackers
  • Best Budget gifts for cyclists
    Best Budget Gifts for Cyclists - Under $15 and Under $30
  • Our Ultimate Gift Guide for Cyclists - 90 Top Picks from Budget to Luxury
  • They look the same - but there are quite a lot of differences!. Garmin edge 1030 plus vs 1040 bike computers
    What's NEW about the Garmin Edge 1040? Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
  • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
    ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED! 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
  • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers
  • 7 best dog bike baskets
    7 of the Best Carriers to Take Your Dog on Bike Rides
  • This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right)
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison with Reviews and Videos
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • 7 of the best indoor bike trainers
    7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
  • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs. 1030 Plus. Would a much CHEAPER bike computer work for you?
  • 7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
  • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists to Track Bike Rides
  • Best road bike saddles
    9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for Men and Women - Video-Packed Post
  • 7 of the Best Bike Computers
  • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
  • 9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets for men and women. A great waterproof cycling jacket will keep you dry, and at the same time be breathable, so that you don't overheat your core
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
  • 7 of the best waterproof cycling pants for men and women
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
  • The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 vs 1040
  • Get a new bike, and then get outside and have fun!
    7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon - Cruiser, Mountain, Road and Hybrid
  • Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
    Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
  • Waterproof cycling jackets - group of cyclists
    Best Waterproof Cycling Gear - Includes Jackets, Pants, Gloves, and Balaclavas
  • Great bike lights will light up the night for you! Just be sure to get the ones that are right for you
    7 of the Best Bike Lights
  • 7 of the Best Women's Cycling Jackets
  • 7 of the Best Windproof Cycling Jackets - Find a Great Cycling Jacket Now!
  • How to Choose the Safest Headphones for Cycling
  • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers Compared
  • 7 of the Best Child Bike Seats Compared
  • How to Buy the Best Electric Bike
  • 7 best bike locks
    7 of the Best Bike locks Compared. Find the Best Bike Lock For You!
  • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling

Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog!


average-joe-cyclist-mug-shot copyWe write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we REALLY would appreciate if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. We are proudly affiliated with Amazon, which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the only way we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win/win situation!
Shop at Amazon in the USA:
Shop at Amazon in Canada:
Shop at Amazon in the UK:
Our Best Posts about Getting Fitter with Cycling
Complete Bike Fit Training Plan
Complete Bike Fit Training Plan


Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists

Average Joe Cyclist's Beginner Cyclist Training Plan Part 1
Average Joe Cyclist's Beginner Cyclist Training Plan Part 1
Average Joe Cyclist's Beginner Cyclist Training Plan Part 2
Average Joe Cyclist's Beginner Cyclist Training Plan Part 2
Study Shows that Interval Training on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging
Study Shows that Interval Training on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging
 How to get fitter and healthier in just 30 minutes a week
How to get fit in just 30 minutes a week
5 Best Core Exercises for Cyclists
5 Best Core Exercises for Cyclists
How to Use Perceived Rate of Exertion to Get Fit
How to Use Perceived Rate of Exertion to Get Fit
Maggie stretching table
Muscle Stretching: The Cyclist’s Secret Skill – Why Stretching is Important for Cyclists
A Guide for Fat Cyclists
A Guide for Fat Cyclists
Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists

Save

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists Tagged With: Bike training, Cycling knee pain, Stretches for cyclists

Copyright © 2023 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.

 

Loading Comments...