Originally posted at my old blog geekcyclist.blogspot.com

Since I spent the month of January doing all my cycling either on the trainer or at spinning class, I have found myself doing a lot more stretching. I’ve believed in the benefits of stretching since I was running track in high school. But like so many other things in life, if it doesn’t pay off immediately we have a hard time being consistent at doing the things that are good for us.

Luckily my spinning instructor ends each class with a cool-down period that includes a pretty well-rounded stretching routine. Since the first couple of classes I have found that when I ride on the trainer I have been doing the same routine.

There is a great guide to basic stretches for cyclists here (orignal link was broken so a new one was added 2014-03-29).

It’s described as stretches for ‘before’ cycling. The debate over whether it is better to stretch before or after exercise rages on. All I can say is that I find it easier to be thorough with my stretching if I do it after my workout. It seems like if I stretch before I rush through the stretches.

Your mileage may vary.