should i stretch my legs before cycling? if so, what is the correct way to do it?

Answer 1

always stretch before a ride! if you dont, you will cramp up faster. heres what i like to do:

take you left arm and grab your left ankle, and pull it up toward your waist. pull tightly and keep it there for a few seconds. do the same to other side.

put your right foot forward as if taking a big step, and your left foot behind you, then squat down low. you should feel the stretch on the underside of your right leg and the top side of your left leg. do the same for the other leg.

i also do other stretches for my abs and arms. i race XC and this works great for me. bring a bottle of gatorade to help keep the cramping down for long rides.

Answer 2

Yes. Stretch before and after rides. Before your long rides it's a good idea to ride a short distance (2-3 miles maybe?) then do 10-15 minutes of stretching. Warms the muscles up a bit. Easier to stretch.

Answer 3

NEVER EVER TRY TO STRETCH A COLD MUSCLE!!!!!!!!!

The _correct_ way to stretch before riding is to ride a short warm-up, just enough to warm up the muscle, then stretch. If you stretch a completely cold muscle you risk spraining and or tearing.

If you can't do a warm-up before stretching, it's actually better not to stretch at all before, and wait until you're done with ride.

It's too difficult to describe actual stretches here. You need to go by a book that has pictures showing the proper technique.

Answer 4

Yes. However, I am not a physio, so you will need to seek medical advice on the exercise that you need.

For myself, I stretch the tendons that join the knee, so that I do not pull on the knees. But a general warm up is a good idea before starting any exercise.

Luck

Answer 5

you should stretch your legs before anything and everything. (and AFTER too!!) it is always a good idea.

cycling requires the work of all parts of your leg so your stretches should reflect that. focus a lot of energy on your calves and get your quads/hammies/and gluts in there too.

as far as specific stretches, well thats up to you and your ability. basically, you can feel it and you know when youre doing good or bad.

most importantly, dont rush it. hold a good stretch for atleast 11 seconds and take your time. youll notice improvement in your endurance and recovery time.

jay

Answer 6

cycling primarily concentrates on your quads, so stretch your quads very well. Do the stretch where you grab your foot standing up or lying down and pull you foot up towards your back. However, since your quads will be worked, you always needs to stretch the counteracting muscle. So go ahead and stretch out your ham strings too. Stand up and touch your toes, or sit down and do the sit and reach one foot at a time.

Answer 7

i do before and after