Bicycling For Fun and Fitness

The Right and Wrong Way to Cycle

How to Ride a Bike Well - The Wrong and Right Way to Cycle 

Cycling is one of the many great activities that can be added to your fitness regimen. It is fun and it can greatly increase your energy level. However, just like in any sport or exercise, there are right and wrong ways to do cycling. Of course you would want to do it the right way because improper cycling could lead to injuries that would definitely hinder you from enjoying your ride or could impair your health. Luckily, experts have studied the way people cycle and just keeping a few things in mind would help you make sure that you are riding your bike correctly. 

The Head 

Wrong Way: Locking your head in one, stiff position.  

Keeping your head stiff and locked in a certain position would not only make you look like a statue, but could also strain your neck muscles. Your facial muscles should also not be tensed and your jaws should not be clinched too tightly as that would make it hard for you to breath properly. Well, it is not recommended for you to keep on moving your head, like banging it violently, but you should not tense your head and face as you cycle.  

Right Way: Keep your head relaxed and in a neutral stance. Not only will this be more comfortable, it will also allow you to breath steadily and gain more control of your body. You can wear sunglasses if the sun makes you squint excessively.  

The Arms and the Hands 

Wrong Way: Gripping tightly on the handlebars and keeping arms as stiff as a pole 

Of course, you would not want to get off your bike and fly away, but you should not grip too tightly as this will cause your hands and arms to tense and strain, which could make you lose control of your ride. Stiffening your arms also makes it difficult for you to turn well especially on times that you have to turn quickly.  

Right Way: Relax your hands and arms as you hold on the handles. If you find your self rather tensed, you might tap your fingers from time to time, or shift the position of your thumbs.  

The Upper Body 

Wrong Way: Moving from side to side 

Sometimes, when you get excited with your ride, you tend to get giddy and keep on moving from side to side. This unnecessary movement just wastes your energy, and could destroy your balance. Unnecessary upper body movement could also hinder you from having a smooth cycle. You might need to move side-to-side when you are climbing uphill, but for most rides in plain roads, you should be relaxed and avoid pointless gestures.  

Right Way: As with most of your entire body, your upper body should be very relaxed when you cycle. As a point of reference, try keeping a straight line as you ride. There should be no tension from your wait up. This will help you keep focus and save energy, allowing you to cycle more and enjoy more. You could also try riding in the morning towards the west, away from the sun so that you cast a shadow in front of you. Check your shadow if you do unneeded body movements, and just correct yourself until you make it a habit to ride smoothly.  

The Knees 

Wrong Way: Cycling with knees wide open 

Not only is it awkward to cycle with your knees in a frog position, it also creates wind resistance that could slow you down or even hurt you. Another thing bad when your knees are positioned away from you body is it will make your pedaling less efficient. You need to direct all your lower-body energy downward, and having your legs spread apart would not allow you to do so.  

Right Way: You should tuck your knees in when you cycle. This will eliminate wind resistance and would help you have a smoother ride. This also allows for greater power while pedaling. When you observe athletic cyclists, you would usually see that they keep their knees tucked.  

The Pedals 

Wrong Way: Pedaling in a circle.  

Pedaling is the single most important aspect of cycling, because you definitely cannot cycle without pedaling. However, the common sense advice of pedaling in circle is not at all the best way to make your bike running. Doing so is actually counter productive, if not impractical.  

Right Way: The pedaling action is actual more downward and upward instead of circular. On your down stroke, you need to somewhat push down, but of course following the contour of the axle. Upwards, you do it is if you are removing mud from your shoe. This provides you with smoother transition as you do your up and down strokes.

It is important for you to know the wrong and right ways of cycling. Otherwise, this enjoyable activity might prove to be a hassle instead of a joy. Try these tips for yourself, and soon you would see that you are biking better and enjoying more at the same time.

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