Post by BrusKO on Jan 20, 2007 9:10:36 GMT 8
Gathered from RoadBikeRider.com
BODY MECHANIC: Why Crosstraining Helps
As cyclists, we have one primary goal -- to move forward. Not sideways, backward, up or down. Forward.
That's great, but have you seen a tree that is consistently blown by the wind in one direction? Over time, it becomes bent that way permanently. The same thing can happen to our bodies if we're subjected to a consistent stress.
It's Wolf's Law: The body reshapes itself based on forces it receives from the outside world. For example, several hours per week on a bicycle.
Sure, adapting the body to a bike is far better than adapting it to a couch and remote control. But the lack of variety still leaves you more susceptible to injury. In fact, many cycling injuries are "overuse" injuries. We use the body over and over in the same way until it finally says enough.
It doesn't have to be that way. Simply by crosstraining one day a week you'll help balance the repetitive stresses of riding. It will make you healthier and maybe even stronger on the bike. Here are several crosstraining examples and their benefits:
---Trail running or hiking. One of the few disadvantages of cycling is that it doesn't provide any (intentional) contact with the ground, something that's necessary for bone health. Studies show that for those who focus only on cycling, their health is great but their bones ain't. Gradually add one or two running or hiking sessions each week.
---Swimming. Obviously, pool time fills another gap for the cyclist -- upper-body conditioning. But swimming is also an incredibly rejuvenating activity for the entire body. I've known several athletes who added swimming to their regimen and saw long-term neck and back pain ease within a few months. Can't swim well? You'll find adult lessons and masters swim groups at health clubs, rec centers, schools or Y's in almost every town.
---Tennis, racquetball, basketball. These and other court sports give you a mental and physical change of pace. Your muscles, ligaments and cardiovascular system will benefit. These activities make your body move side to side, backward, up, down -- things we don't do on the bike. And they're start-stop-start activities that work the heart and lungs differently than we're used to. Start slow to let your body adapt to the new stresses.
You get the idea. By adding other activities to your training you'll improve your overall health. Chances are good you'll spend less time battling injuries and more time enjoying your rides.
(Body Mechanic Brad Cooper is a physical therapist, athletic trainer and triathlete who offers tips on injury prevention, treatment and training in his "Fitness Matters!" ezine available at
BODY MECHANIC: Why Crosstraining Helps
As cyclists, we have one primary goal -- to move forward. Not sideways, backward, up or down. Forward.
That's great, but have you seen a tree that is consistently blown by the wind in one direction? Over time, it becomes bent that way permanently. The same thing can happen to our bodies if we're subjected to a consistent stress.
It's Wolf's Law: The body reshapes itself based on forces it receives from the outside world. For example, several hours per week on a bicycle.
Sure, adapting the body to a bike is far better than adapting it to a couch and remote control. But the lack of variety still leaves you more susceptible to injury. In fact, many cycling injuries are "overuse" injuries. We use the body over and over in the same way until it finally says enough.
It doesn't have to be that way. Simply by crosstraining one day a week you'll help balance the repetitive stresses of riding. It will make you healthier and maybe even stronger on the bike. Here are several crosstraining examples and their benefits:
---Trail running or hiking. One of the few disadvantages of cycling is that it doesn't provide any (intentional) contact with the ground, something that's necessary for bone health. Studies show that for those who focus only on cycling, their health is great but their bones ain't. Gradually add one or two running or hiking sessions each week.
---Swimming. Obviously, pool time fills another gap for the cyclist -- upper-body conditioning. But swimming is also an incredibly rejuvenating activity for the entire body. I've known several athletes who added swimming to their regimen and saw long-term neck and back pain ease within a few months. Can't swim well? You'll find adult lessons and masters swim groups at health clubs, rec centers, schools or Y's in almost every town.
---Tennis, racquetball, basketball. These and other court sports give you a mental and physical change of pace. Your muscles, ligaments and cardiovascular system will benefit. These activities make your body move side to side, backward, up, down -- things we don't do on the bike. And they're start-stop-start activities that work the heart and lungs differently than we're used to. Start slow to let your body adapt to the new stresses.
You get the idea. By adding other activities to your training you'll improve your overall health. Chances are good you'll spend less time battling injuries and more time enjoying your rides.
(Body Mechanic Brad Cooper is a physical therapist, athletic trainer and triathlete who offers tips on injury prevention, treatment and training in his "Fitness Matters!" ezine available at