Hamstring Problems
 

Hey Folks,

I've been riding almost daily for about a year and a half now and loving every moment of riding. For the past 7-8 months I've exp. really tight hamstrings on both legs 24/7. I always stretch before and after the rides.

Is this normal? Any of you folks exp. this? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

I don't think its normal for your hamstrings to be tight all the time. That being said, just so you know the studies done on stretching before a ride show that it is counter productive. After is fine but before doesn't help. I don't think it would cause your muscles to constantly be tight but thats all I have to contribute to this discussion.

What does tight hamstrings mean? You can't touch your toes?

Hi asiamj . Ive had trouble with my hamstrings riding to . I actually buggered them for about 3 months from pushing them too hard. I'd suggest doing some more stretches when you're not riding and I recommend seeing a physio before it becomes a big problem. They'll probably suggest you do a lot more stretching and they'll probably give you a stretching program. Once your hamstrings are more flexible you'll be far less injury prone and will notice a difference in performance :)

Hope that's helpful

Buy a copy of The Science Of Stretching. It's a short book but the standard text on stretching for serious athletes and coaches. Once you've read it you'll know what you've been doing wrong, you'll stop it, and the problem will go.

Nope. That's a myth. The problem should be fixed for general health, but if a muscle will go through the range of motion needed for an exercise there will be no performance gains from stretching. For some exercises - but this isn't relevant to cycling - performance may decrease as a muscle will no longer store rebound energy to use like a spring.

^++