Stretching for cyclists: Why, how often, and which are best?

Yoga instructor performing a lumbar stretch
(Image credit: Wahoo SYSTM)

Cyclists can spend a large amount of time in a relatively fixed position, which can cause a number of issues including the shortening of muscles, increases in stiffness/soreness and could even lead to a reduction in power production from muscle groups.

The amount of time we generally spend in a fixed position on the bike is often compounded by spending a large sum of our work hours seated at a desk. The easiest way to combat these large portions of inactivity is to include a stretching regime post-ride/exercise.

   

   

   

   

   

Jarred Salzwedel

Jarred Salzwedel completed his Honours degree in Sports Science at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2013. His Master's degree focused on investigating training adaptations to differing high-intensity interval training programmes in cyclists.

He has raced both on the road and track at a National level in the Junior ranks which led to his interest in the science behind training and conditioning, as well as his passion to help athletes optimise their performance. 

Jarred owns and manages Cycle Dynamic Coaching - a coaching platform that looks after and advises some of South Africa’s top Road and Track cyclists. He has extensive knowledge in exercise physiology having previously focused on the physiological testing of endurance athletes.

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