Ow, my hamstrings...

pensierobello
pensierobello Posts: 285 Member
edited November 9 in Fitness and Exercise
I've been doing a lot more cycling since it's the holidays and my hamstrings are going mental - really really tight and achy. I did a 23 mile cycle last week and they've been panging since then, I've tried stretching before/after but they're not improving much if at all! Any top tips? Should I lay off the cycling for a while?

Replies

  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Active recovery (google it) and stretch every 30-60 minutes (youtube for stretches).
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,031 Member
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    Active recovery (google it) and stretch every 30-60 minutes (youtube for stretches).

    Thanks for chiming in! Gonna check this out myself, finding myself with tight hamstrings particularly on the left side. Youch!

    Seriously, thank you    ...looking forward to watching and trying some out from the Vid! :)

    OP...hope the extra stretching helps you as well. Hang tight and I think after the Holidays you'll find more ppl on here that will pop in and help you out with even more suggestions. As to whether you should give up cycling for a bit.. well, tight hamstrings can mean they've shortened and giving them plenty of stretching may be what you need.

    I don't mean some before and after cycling but all the time, stretching every day, it's what our body needs. Someone explained it to me like a cat, think of a cat, they wake up they stretch out, they are constantly doing it without even thinking. lol

    ... have you ever considered doing a bit of Yoga or Pilates on the side? Both those can keep your body flexible and limber (and about a million other benefits) to do other activities and strengthen your body. As to give up cycling for a bit, well you know the level of your pain you're in and if you continue to feel that level of pain it might be worth spending time stretching out the hams doing other activities for a bit. That way next time you get on the bike you'll be able to ride and not have the tightness so bad and actually enjoy cycling again. Can you simply ride less for a bit rather than give it up for a bit?

    Good luck!

    Off to check out the stretching vids! ;)
  • hazleyes81
    hazleyes81 Posts: 296 Member
    Is your bike set up properly as far as seat height and fore/aft placement? What sort of bike is it?
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