Bike Better With Chiropractic Advice
By Brandi Goodman
Biking can be enjoyed all-year round if you wear the right clothes and watch out for possible hindrances to your ride. An ice sidewalk, for example, may want to be avoided if you don't want to end up injured. With some chiropractic advice, you can enjoy better biking that keeps your body in the best shape possible.
Adjust Your Seat
Your bike seat can cause a lot of discomfort. You'll need to adjust the one you have -- making it higher or lower -- so it fits your height. You may also need a new seat entirely. Some are just too thin and uncomfortable to sit on safely. You may want to invest in a larger seat with thicker padding to keep your bottom from hurting after a long ride.
Stretch Before, During, and After Your Ride
You always need to stretch before any activity. Before you get on your bike, take a quick walk around your yard. Do a few stretches to loosen up your lower body. You want to get your blood flowing and prepare your joints.
However, you also need to stretch during your ride and after. If you plan on being gone long, you should stop and stretch at certain intervals so your joints don't look up. You'll want to stretch after you return home as well so you can recover faster.
Make Sure Your Bike is the Right Size
Try to ride on a bike that's far too small for your height and weight and you'll be uncomfortable quickly. You shouldn't have to hunch way over to reach the handlebars, nor should you struggle to reach the pedals. You need to fit comfortably on your bike if you want to be safe. You can get help at a professional bike shop. They'll be sure the bike you choose fits your body type.
Don't Let Your Legs Get Tired
One of the problems with cycling is that the legs can tire quickly the longer you go. You may not realize it at the time, but your back pain can be caused by your leg pain. You may find yourself leaning forward more to focus more on the road and less on your leg discomfort. You may be holding your legs at a different angle as well to try to get your legs more comfortable. This can put your back at a poor angle and cause stress and tension. You shouldn't be riding until your legs are this tired. Instead, take a break until it's safe to ride again, and in the future, don't ride so far that this happens.
Biking provides an ideal pastime from ages young to old. You need to keep some chiropractic advice in mind so you can make the most of your biking experience and have a safe ride.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Phoenix, Ariz.