BLACK FRIDAY SALE - CALL NOW FOR SPECIAL PRICING!

5 Common Cycling Injuries and Tips To Avoid Them

A man's hands hold his right knee as if it were giving him pain. He wears black shorts and is in front of a white background.

Indoor cycling has skyrocketed in popularity among fitness enthusiasts. While it is a fantastic way to stay fit without leaving your home, it can also lead to some injuries if you don’t take the proper precautions. Read on to learn about five common cycling injuries and tips to avoid them so that you can pedal with confidence.

Lower Back Discomfort

Lower back pain often plagues cyclists, particularly when they spend hours on the bike. An incorrect riding position can cause your lower back to ache.

To prevent future discomfort, check your seat and ensure it is not in a position that will cause your back to experience pressure. In addition, monitor your posture so that you don’t lean over the handles during your ride. You can also focus on core strength exercises like planks or bridges to support your lower back.

A Sore Neck

Another common cycling injury to avoid is a sore neck resulting from poor posture while riding. To avoid this, check that your handlebars are set at a height that doesn’t force you to extend your neck too far. In addition, ensure the seat is at a height that aligns with your hip.

Regular neck stretches before your ride can also help relieve tension. Try gentle rotations and tilts to keep your neck muscles flexible and reduce soreness.

Kneecap Pain

Kneecap pain—which people refer to as “cyclist's knee”—can be quite bothersome. It may occur due to various reasons, including improper saddle height, incorrect form, or even a lack of flexibility.

One way you can prevent kneecap pain is by adjusting your saddle so that your leg maintains a slight bend at the knee when fully extended. You can also avoid this type of pain by prioritizing a proper warm-up and cool-down, as these will prepare your body for the workout and help you recover afterward.

Wrist Pain

Experiencing wrist pain while riding often stems from gripping the handlebars too hard or placing too much weight on them. Adjust your handlebars to maintain a slight bend in your elbows.

This positioning acts as a shock absorber, reducing pressure on your wrists. Also, remember to keep your grip relaxed. A lighter grip is less likely to strain your wrists.

Tight Muscles

Insufficient stretching before and after your ride can result in muscle tightness. Before hopping on your bike, incorporate a routine of dynamic stretches, focusing on your calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps.

After cycling, cool down with static stretches to maintain muscle flexibility. This habit can prevent tightness and enhance overall performance.

Avoiding these injuries will allow your indoor cycling time to be enjoyable instead of a source of pain. Fitness enthusiasts can also get the most out of their rides by purchasing equipment from California Home Fitness. Our products include recumbent exercise bikes for sale that will provide you with a strong yet low-impact workout.

BACK TO TOP