4 Chiropractic Tips on Biking in the Cold
By Brandi Goodman
Riding your bike isn't a summer-only activity despite what many people might think. You can ride your bike no matter the weather, as long as you keep a few things in mind. Some chiropractic tips can help you manage the cold better.
Layer Up!
You're going to want to wear layers. This ensures you stay plenty warm when you first start riding. You can then remove a layer or more once your body heats up and you no longer need every item on your person. Make sure the clothes are well-fitted, though. A bulky jacket with long sleeves may hinder your hands and their ability to steer the handlebars.
Stretch Before You Go (and When You Arrive Home)
It's always imperative that you stretch before an activity. When you're heading outside on a cold day, it's even more necessary. You need to stretch your joints out well so they're warmed up and ready to go. Failing to do so will allow the cold to stiffen the joints quickly and make it difficult to ride for long.
You should be stretching once you're finished on the bike. As soon as you arrive home, perform some more stretches so you can help your joints recover.
Find a Steady Path
You don't want to ride over patches of ice when it's cold. Nor do you want to ride over mounds of dirty or rough patches of roadway. You should always find a steady path that's easier for you to zoom across on your bike. Hitting bumps can shake up your body a little more than necessary and lead to discomfort if you aren't careful.
Get a Wider Seat
A wider, more comfortable bike seat can make a huge difference when you ride. Not to mention, the material it's made of can also help with warmth when you're riding on a cold day. A cushioned seat with extra padding is far more worthwhile than a thin, leather seat that's cold and uncomfortable from the get-go.
There are always ways to make activities more worthwhile for your back and body. With some chiropractic tips in mind, you can make your cold weather bike ride far more suitable. That way, you'll still get to utilize the exercise as a way to burn calories, strengthen your core, and enhance your lower body.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.