Which yoga exercise will help you with cycling
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Cycling is an enjoyable way to rebuild body mass, discover new places and increase the pace of blood circulation. But let’s be honest, the cycling posture of leaning forward on the handlebars for several hours may make your muscles stiff.
That’s why yoga is recommended for a better cycling experience. Yoga has a treasure trove of poses specifically designed to improve flexibility, strengthen core muscles, and boost overall well-being – all of which translate to a smoother, more enjoyable ride on your Bobbin Bikes bike!
Wait…. Who is Bobbin Bikes? Bobbin Bikes is a bicycle company that operates from the United Kingdom and currently offers many types of bicycles starting from 12-inch bicycles up to the regular bicycles meant for adults. And given that they have an enormous choice of fun kids’ bikes it is quite difficult not to ride with your kid. But hold on, we need to warm up first!
Best yoga poses for cyclists
Many yoga postures target key muscle groups used extensively in cycling, promoting flexibility and reducing the risk of injury. The best part of Yoga is that you can do it with your little ones.
If you have toddlers, you can make them do the poses with you and goof with each other in the meantime. While you might not do it correctly with a little one around, it’s still good for stretching your muscles, and theirs.
If you have a balance bike for your toddler, then they also need a good stretch before using it. So next time before you go cycling, make sure to try out some yoga poses.
These are some of the best and easiest yoga poses to incorporate into your routine:
Downward-facing dog
This fundamental pose stretches your hamstrings, calves, and shoulders – areas often tightened by cycling. Start on all fours, push your hips back and up, straightening your legs as much as comfortable. Keep your heels pressing towards the ground and gaze between your legs. Hold for 5-10 breaths.
Pigeon pose
This pose loosens up your tight hip flexors, which is essential for maintaining good posture on the bike. From a downward-facing dog, bring one knee forward between your hands.
Slide the other leg back, keeping your hips square. Lean your torso forward, resting your forehead on the mat or on blocks. Hold for several breaths on each side.
Warrior II pose
This pose strengthens your legs, and core, and improves balance – all crucial for confident cycling. Step one leg back with a deep bend in the front knee.
Keep your front ankle aligned with your knee and your torso upright. Raise your arms overhead, palms facing each other. Hold for 5-10 breaths on each side.
Cat-cow pose
This dynamic duo warms up your spine and improves core stability. Start on all fours with a flat back and neutral neck.
During the inhalation, keep the back straight, pivot the pelvis backwards and look up like a cow. When breathing out, bring your back in by bending your head to your chest, like a cat. Flow between these movements for several breaths.
Upward-facing dog
It strengthens muscles of the back and abdomen; and can help prevent the round shoulder appearance commonly associated with the posture of cyclists. It is a quite simple posture for the individual who is just beginning to practice yoga.
The position is quite simple: To start, get a lying down position on your stomach, and let your hands rest parallel to your shoulders.
Lift your upper body off the ground, and pull your arms as far as you are comfortable with to get them straight. More important is to lock your core and look a little upwards. Hold for 5-10 breaths.