Regardless of the recent scandals in cycling competition, culminating in the revelations of Lance Armstrong’s indiscretions with human growth hormone, there is a growing popularity in this sport of kings. And it’s not just competitive racing. More and more sports enthusiasts are cycling for the joy of movement and the benefits of keeping fit, staying toned and losing weight.

fashionable marriage

Add to cycling the growing popularity of Pilates and we have a match made in heaven. Pilates has been around since the early 1900s, but its growing popularity has increased recently due to the rise of a health-conscious society. Pilates and cycling go hand in hand. The two complement each other in various ways.

The many benefits

Pilates develops the core strength that is so beneficial to the cyclist. After all, when you think of the avid cyclist, what comes to mind? The answer: leg strength. Cycling only strengthens the leg muscles, right? No, the whole body is strengthened by riding a bike. In fact, if a cyclist depends solely on the power of his legs, what happens? He becomes wobbly, unbalanced, weak in his arms, and inefficient in his movements. Instead of traveling in a straight and efficient line, he begins to move without efficiency.

Additional benefits

Pilates cures those problems. By toning the core, abdomen, chest, and back, the cyclist gains new balance and all-important efficiency of movement. There are a number of advantages and improvements for the cyclist when he engages in a rigorous or at least consistent Pilates program. Among the many benefits particularly relevant to cyclists include the following

Elimination of back pain, superior efficiency in the pedaling movement

improved balance

Improved balance of muscle groups

greater flexibility

More efficient upper body power

Faster recovery of lower body muscles.

Superior Strength of Focused Breathing

Fewer bone injuries due to increased bone strength

Decreased any inefficient and involuntary movement that occurs during fatigue.

The processes

Pilates offers a series of processes to strengthen and provide greater flexibility to the knees, lower back, thoracic spine, neck and pelvis, as well as the arms and legs. The Pilates stretch provides an added advantage for the cyclist. It helps improve posture and flexibility, and that reduces injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

If you’re interested in biking, consider adding Pilates to your daily workouts. There are numerous talented and trained Pilates instructors to be found all over the country, and of course, bike shops are available just about everywhere these days!