If you’re an avid cyclist who thrives on intense workouts, you may be curious about the benefits of yoga poses for cyclists. Indoor cycling exercises put continuous strain on your muscles, especially your core, shoulders, and arms. Incorporating yoga into your routine can help you find the balance and relaxation your body needs.
Now, let’s take a moment to assess your current state. Are you completely relaxed, or do you feel any lingering tension? Are back pain and recurring neck complaints all too familiar? The following yoga poses for cyclists serve as valuable additions to your workout schedule, allowing you to release tension and maintain your performance.
Do you want to get started right away with the guidance of our Instructor Pauline? Start your Recovery session here.
Table of Contents
Yoga Poses for Cyclists: Unwind and Rejuvenate
1. Bridge Pose
The bridge pose offers numerous benefits for your body. By stretching your hips, chest, neck, and back, this pose helps alleviate back pain and fatigue that may arise from your cycling workout. Follow these steps:
- Lie down on your back on the floor.
- Place your feet hip-width apart, flex your knees towards your backside.
- Keep your arms flat alongside your body.
- Inhale and lift your hips and pelvis, bringing your upper legs parallel to the floor.
- Roll your shoulders back, bringing your shoulder blades together, and clasp your hands.
- Draw in your belly button and hold on to your ankles.
- Maintain this position for up to three minutes, focusing on slow, calm breathing.
- Release your hands, place them next to your body, and exhale, rolling your back down to the floor.
- Stay on your back for a moment, hugging your knees to your chest.
2. Twist Pose
The reclining twist pose offers space and flexibility to your lower back and chest, a much-needed relief after an intensive cycling workout. It also engages your core and helps reduce stress and fatigue. Try the following steps:
- Lie down on your back with your arms stretched out sideways at shoulder height, palms down.
- Raise your legs straight up and bend your knees.
- Exhale while slightly flexing your hips to the right, bringing your knees down to the left toward your hand. Simultaneously, turn your head to the right.
- Ensure your shoulders and palms remain firmly on the floor. Don’t worry if your knees don’t touch the floor; the focus is on maintaining shoulder contact.
- Inhale, as you raise your legs again and return your head to the centre.
- Turn your hips to the left and repeat the movements on the other side.
- Repeat these movements 5 to 10 times per side.
3. Cat-Cow Pose
The cat-cow pose is a simple yet highly effective exercise that stimulates your spine and strengthens your lower back. Here’s how you do it:
- Position yourself on your hands and knees.
- Inhale while lowering your stomach and hollowing your back, raising your pelvis and face upwards. Push your shoulders back.
- Exhale while tilting your pelvis forward, rounding your back upwards and raising your stomach off the floor.
- Direct your face toward the mat or floor below you.
- Alternate between these two poses, coordinating your breath, for a total of 10 repetitions.
4. Reclining Butterfly
Targeting your hips and pelvis, the reclining butterfly pose helps maintain balance in these areas, which are essential for overall body control. Follow these steps:
- Place a pillow or blanket lengthways behind you.
- Sit down and bend your knees.
- Bring the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to drop outwards.
- Exhale as you lean backward, using your elbows to lie down.
- Relax your groin area and lower your knees, finding a comfortable position without excessive tension.
- Tilt your pelvis to maintain an extended lower back.
- Stay in this position for 3 to 5 minutes, focusing on your breath.
Camel Pose
The last of 5 yoga poses for cyclists: the Camel Pose. To open up the front of your body and stretch multiple muscle groups, including your ankles, thighs, abs, chest, and throat, incorporate the camel pose into your practice. It also helps relieve stress and fatigue while strengthening your back muscles. Follow these steps:
- Kneel down with your knees hip-width apart.
- Press your shins and upper feet into the floor.
- Place your hands on your lower back, fingers pointing down.
- Gently lean back, adjusting the depth of the stretch based on your experience level.
- Beginners can maintain this position, while more experienced practitioners can lean further back, placing their palms on the soles of their feet.
- Let your head drop backward, holding the pose for 30 seconds to one minute.
- Bring your hands to the front of your hips, inhale, and straighten up your upper body.
- Lift your head last.
Why Choose Yoga in addition to Indoor Cycling?
Besides its benefits for cyclists, yoga offers numerous advantages that complement your indoor cycling routine. It helps improve flexibility, balance, and core strength, reduces stress and fatigue, and enhances mental focus and overall well-being.
Incorporate these yoga poses into your cycling routine to find the balance your body craves. Release tension, enhance your performance, and experience the transformative power of yoga for cyclists.
