Heads up, cyclists! Don’t let neck pain ruin your ride. Whether you’re on a road bike, a hybrid or a cruiser, here are three tips that will make your ride more comfortable:
1 Check your saddle
Sit on your bike while someone stabilizes it. You should be able to pedal backward, hands free, without feeling like you’re sliding. “If you’re not centred, you tend to push or pull more on the handlebars, which can hurt your upper body,” says physical therapist Erik Moon, founder of BikePT.
2 Shift your weight
Riding to work? Avoid strapping on a messenger bag. It just puts an uneven strain on your shoulders. Rather store your items in panniers alongside the bike’s rear tire, or put them in a basket over the front wheel.
3 Stretch out
To avoid strain, ride with your head upright rather than out over the handlebars, Erik says. Stretching post-ride helps muscles recover: try chin-to-chest and ear-to-shoulder bends.
Looking for more ways to workout and get fit? Here are three arm exercises you need to try now.
