Bike Week 2015 is upon us. This annual event promotes cycling and how cycling can easily be a part of everyday life. This year the event is taking place during 13th – 21st June and is focussed on encouraging people to cycle to work.
Whether you’re encouraged to start cycling to work or simply want to take a more leisurely approach to cycling there are a few things to consider as far as keeping your back safe.
Tips to keep your back safe while cycling form our Fareham Chiropractor
Preparation: Making sure that the bike is set up correctly for you is critical and sometimes the most overlooked task. Overstretching to reach the handlebars, backwards-sloping seats, wrong seat heights and soft tyres are just some of the factors that can contribute to back and neck pain in cyclists.
- Handlebars – you should be able to reach them comfortably without having to overreach or strain your back, neck, shoulders or wrists.
- Seat – ideally this should be flat or sloping forwards slightly.
- Height – You should be able to sit on the seat with your leg almost straight with only a slight bend at the knee when the pedal is at the bottom. This position allows for the maximum pedaling efficiency.
- Tyres – these should be pumped up to minimize the impact on your spine.
- Clothing: Wear suitable clothing that won’t be too restrictive and will provide adequate cushioning and support where required.
Underway: If you haven’t cycled for some time and you’re starting out then remember to take it easy.
- Warm up and cool down – remember cycling is like any other form of exercise so remember to warm up slowly and do some stretching at the end of your cycle ride to help loosen up tight muscles.
- Change your posture – It’s important to vary your position on the bike and so your posture. Try standing up to cycle from time to time. Always remember to do this safely though!
If you are already experiencing back problems then it is important to check with a chiropractor or healthcare professional before taking up cycling or embarking on a long ride or race.
Why not undertake a Functional Sports Assessment with one of our chiropractors at Homewood Clinic in Fareham?
Here at Homewood we offer Functional Sports Assessments. The Functional Assessment is unique to you and your chosen sport – in this case cycling. The Assessment allows our chiropractor to take you through a series of body part, or region assessments, which need to meet a particular standard if they are to perform the techniques required for cycling. You can read more about our Functional Sports Assessments here.
Why not contact us at the Homewood Chiropractic clinic on 01329 280283 to meet with one of our chiropractors to help put you on the right track.
Our Experience Counts: 55 Years in Fareham
Serving the people of Fareham, and surrounding areas of Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the local areas of Whiteley, Hedge End, Locks Heath & Portchester
