| Pilates Body by Valentin Program
for Cycle highlights two specific areas needed for the sport:
power and correct posture. It is important the cyclist have a
lean and strong physique and increased endurance for long rides.
Correct posture is crucial to cycling and neck, lower back,
abdominal, arm, and leg strength used to maintain proper
positioning assists in reaching optimal pedaling rate. In
addition, cyclists need to constantly practice exercises that
will correct the constant curve of the spine to avoid
deformation (kyphosis).
Benefits
- Strengthen all aspects of the leg which is responsible for
the propulsion of the bike
- Build
upper body strength of maintaining posture and balance on
the bike
- Increase
lower back and hamstring flexibility to establish correcting
positioning
- Stretch
the hip flexors and quadriceps to avoid lower back pain
- Create
muscle balances between the front and back as well as the
inside and outside of the leg to stabilize the leg and align
the knee and hip joints
- Improve
balance to avoid falls
- Develop
breathing awareness to build better endurance
"The most
obvious impact that Pilates has had on my cycling is that I ride with less fatigue... in strengthening my
core, my energy is more focused on pedal turnover. I'm not
wasting effort in keeping balance, and I have a more solid plane
of resistance through my torso from which to push off. A
secondary effect is that I'm more aware of my place in space and
I'm holding better form on the bike. I'm more aware of my
posture, and I'm consciously checking my shoulders and back to
maintain an open chest to enhance breathing."
Mike
"Pilates has helped increase
my endurance this past year... by reducing my body mass and helping me maintain a lower
weight while keeping the same strength I had doing weight
lifting twice a week. As a 44-year-old 200+ pounder
I used to believe size and strength were the key to
competing well in triathlons. Now I am able to maintain
195 pounds and still have the same basic muscle strength, but be
more competitive at triathlons and able to run a 3:15
marathon. Furthermore Pilates training has increased my
'support muscle' groups which reduce my risk of injury and
prolong the duration my 'main muscles' can handle work
loads."
Dave
|
