For the Love of Bikes

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From Yoga Mat to Bike Saddle

March 21, 2011 /

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I haven’t been able to ride or train much, but yesterday I got back on the bike and back on the road. 
With little riding or training possible, I saved what sanity and fitness I still had with yoga.
I noticed the benefits of my daily yoga practice yesterday on the bike.  I rode my Scott CR1 Pro, my usual aero road bike.  She felt tailor-made for me yesterday.  The cockpit felt nice and snug, no saddle discomfort and I felt surprisingly strong on my 25 mile ride, especially considering my time on the bike has been very limited.
I commented to my husband that it was almost as if I had grown –  which of course I haven’t – at my age you are more apt to shrink – only talking height here, not weight, unfortunately. 
When I first got my Scott (Rocket), she was just a little big in the cockpit.  I often had pain/tension in my neck after long rides and saddle discomfort, even after shortening the stem and making other adjustments with my fit.
It was never bad, but never just right either.  This was not the case yesterday and it was wonderful!
Obviously it wasn’t a growth just better flexibility.
I love yoga and have done it off and on for several years, but not daily like now.   I recommitted to a daily yoga practice a while back for the mental/spiritual/emotional/physical benefits without a lot of thought for how it might help me on the bike.
That’s how it is sometimes.  We do something for one reason or benefit only to find it has some other benefit too. Thank you yoga!

training

2 Comments

  1. Diane Lees

    As a bike shop owner and a certified yoga instructor, I wish I was able to convey what you learned as well as you did here. Thank you. It is easy for a yoga teacher to say – practice regularly and you will notice the benefits; it is better to have someone like you say so! The connection among mind – body – spirit, without any religious connotations is very real. And, it makes for better flexibility, breath control, endurance, and in the end, a healthier cyclist. Happy riding and as we say – Namaste.

    • Susan (Post author)

      Diane,
      Thank you. I’m a believer in yoga and everything it offers – it’s without a doubt the single best thing I do for myself. Practicing every day is the key for me. Thanks for your comment.

      Susan

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