[Loki]

In a DVD [sorry VHS video] I bought on stretching about 15 years ago it warned against cycling because the short repetative movement would shorten muscles. Is this really true, or can I start cycling again? If it is true, can the damage be countered acted with a quick stretch afterwards?

Many thanks!

[Proteinnerd]

I remember reading this in Kurz's book, he made it sound like cycling was the devil.

If it did have an adverse effect I would expect you would have to be doing a whole lot of long distance cycling, what kind of cycling and what distances are you talking about?

[Loki]

That's the one, it was his video.

I used to moutain bike alot, before I took up martial arts again. I need to improve my cardio and that would be a perfect solution. I suppose how much depends on just how evil cycling really is.

[smurffee]

I often use an eliptical cross trainer for cardio when the weather is too icy to be outside running, I suppose the motion is similar to cycling. I have found no detrimental effects if you follow your cardio with a light stretch. I use the machine for anything between 20 and 90 minutes depending on where I am in my training cycle (I run half marathons occasionally)

[ms_jan]

I know a wushu player who mountain bikes a lot. He is very flexible and competes internationally. Chinese players are flexible and bikes are popular to them -).

[Loki]

Excellent. Thanks for your replies. May be I'll take it easy though, just in case.

[Van Dammage]

Hey Loki, I don't think it will effect your flexibility. Jean-Claude Van Damme uses a exercise bike everyday and we all know how flexible he is. Perhaps get a good stretch in after biking.

[Tim]

Hi.

The logic goes that doing repetitive actions that do not use your full range of motion will reinforce the limited range of motion.

I'm not sure I believe this, but what I would say is warm up properly before doing any exercise and make sure you stretch out properly after doing it. Make sure you constantly remind your body it needs to be flexible.

Cheers

Tim...

[senzala]

If biking is the only thing you do, that body will be strong in that range of motion and the brain will tighten up the muscles in that range. however if you combine it with other strength / flexibility exercises, i belive you will have no problem improving your flexibility level.