Just like everything else we do for exercise, when it comes to Cycling, technique matters.

Your ability to sustain good cycling technique over duration will allow you to be more efficient with the amount of energy you are utilizing.

Sure anyone can ride a “beach cruiser” bicycle. That’s not what I’m talking about, I’m talking about exercise. When we exercise to increase our bodies capabilities we must sustain varying levels of intensity for many different durations. There are many capacities that we can and should train in order to have our bodies adapt to efficiently operating throughout various exercise demands.

Good cycling technique takes a lot of practice just like anything else.

In order to practice good cycling technique here are a few things you can do to increase potential of your self and/or your participants.

1. Make sure the bike is set up appropriately for the unique biomechanics of your body.

This will prevent improper biomechanical overuse injuries and it will maximize your ability to recruit the appropriate muscles required for the unique distribution of power to multiple muscle groups

2. Maintain appropriate riding posture.

Maintaining appropriate riding posture will help to ensure you are continuing to recruit the right muscles to most effectively and efficiently continue to cycle

3. Find and Feel the connected rhythm in your body.

The muscles from your core and hips down to your toes should feel as if they are in continually connected movement pattern. At no point should your rpm feel choppy, It should always feel smooth. With appropriate distribution of circular power to the push and pull movement on the pedals

4. Show Up!

It’s primarily your consistency that allows you to practice more frequently the appropriate technique that it takes to utilize your bodies energy systems most efficiently for the intensity and duration of the work that you are doing

5. Listen to Your Body and Be Aware.

Understand the volume of work that you are doing and how it relates to your overall training regimen. Be aware of overtraining, be aware of necessary recovery time, be aware of your breathing rate at different intensities, be aware of how your heart rate responds to cycling and how you can utilize that data in other forms and types of exercise. Be aware of your bodies readiness for today’s volume of work, And be aware of your hydration and nutrition. Be aware of the environmental factors that affect your body today and tomorrow, and the day after that)

These are a few examples of how to improve your cycling technique, The list goes on!!!