Stretching

[snedden9485]

I am doing about 300km per week on the bike. I currently do no stretching. I have been told i really should be stretching as it could damage my knees for the future and my hamstrings will shorten up from cycling.

Any advice on this and any good links for strecthing exercises? How often should i be stretching? 10 - 15 mins daily?

[Nobody]

Take it from someone probably a bit (maybe a fair bit ) older with knee problems. The stretching has kept me going. Without it, I probably would have given up cycling again by now.

Try this one for stretches:
http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/articl ... mend-20142

[toolonglegs]

Look up the Jelly Belly pro team website....one of their riders went thru some really good stretches in a video.

[Pax]

I have mixed feelings about stretching. Sometimes I do it but generally I don't. To be honest I rarely do stretches except on short breaks
during long rides

I generally have no problems so long as I don't overdo the sudden acceleration/power bursts on rides.

I ride 300ish k most weeks, I'm 50 this year.

But then other people swear by the importance of stretching...perhaps it is just a personal thing. I do find that it is important to vary the riding position a bit. I.E.: I used to do all my hill climbing seated, now I make a point of doing some standing as it varies the muscle usage around the kneee joint (IMO) and makes a significant difference to me.

[snedden9485]

Look up the Jelly Belly pro team website....one of their riders went thru some really good stretches in a video.

I had a look on their website but i cant seem to find it?

[rob e]

i've got 3 stretches i do, hamstring, quad, hip flexor and it makes a difference.......i never used to stretch at all. i might only stretch a few times a week but its better than nothing.

[seddo]

Agree with stretching, I find it very beneficial for my longevity but I mentioned in another thread it would be of some use to another forumite - but got shouted down by other members - so waiting for them to wade in on this discussion. IMHO if it works for you do it.

[casual_cyclist]

Being old school, I am a fan of local libraries. I am currently trying to track down Stretching scientifically : a guide to flexibility training by Thomas Kurz which I have heard is good.

I will let you know what I think of it.

[Joehax]

I find most benefit in stretching my quads prior to riding, and then everything else after I've finished.

Some people say there is no benefit in stretching before exercise, but I notice a big difference if I don't.