We often dedicate lots of time and energy into training, but the benefits of stretching are not be ignored. When we exercise the muscles are worked hard and every time they work they shorten. Over time this can cause muscles to be less efficient, potential muscle imbalances and even an increased chance of injury.
Flexibility incorporated into our exercise sessions or into our daily routine helps the muscles stay lengthened. Regular stretching carries many benefits;
- Improved performance
- Can increase physical and mental relaxation
- Reduces the risk of injury
- Lowers incidence of back problems
- Can reduce muscle soreness
- Stretching reduces muscle tension
How much flexibility training is needed is very individual. As with anything, too much of a good thing can be bad for us. Overstretching is not uncommon. In fact, with a sport like cycling where a certain amount of elastic tension works to turn the cranks round, some muscle tension is good.
With cycling, it is mainly the muscles in the thighs, hips and back, particularly the quadriceps (front of thighs) which take the beasting. So it would make sense to stretch these areas more as well as areas of obvious tightness.
A healthy balanced approach is all that is generally needed. Consistency is often better than volume, a few minutes interspersed throughout the day is effective and consistent. Forming a regular routine is best for most cyclists, targeting the tighter muscles, the ones needing more attention.
