Cycling is more than just a recreational activity or a mode of transportation; it's a lifestyle embraced by million.
Biking is one way I love to introduce people to gentle exercise and cardiovascular training. It is less impact on the joints than jogging and sometimes running. We even have good evidence to show that biking is great for arthritis in the knees! Motion is lotion is what I usually tell my patients and clients.
Many times though, people buy their bike and they just start riding without being properly fitted. Getting a bike fit done by a professional and one who is a physical therapist is a great way to start and prevent aches and pains and take care of aches and pains that may have been there for a while.
Logan now offers bike fits! Investing in a bike fit is a great way to invest if your health and wellness for the future. Read more below on why YOU, should get a bike fit!
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Cycling is a fantastic way to stay fit, explore the outdoors, and even commute to work. However, without the proper bike fit, this enjoyable activity can quickly lead to discomfort, pain, and even injury. While many cyclists might consider a bike shop fitting service, there’s a growing argument for getting a bike fit done by a physical therapist (PT). Here’s why:
1. Personalized Assessment of Your Body
A physical therapist has a deep understanding of human anatomy and biomechanics. When you get a bike fit done by a PT, the process starts with a comprehensive assessment of your body. This includes evaluating your flexibility, strength, posture, and any existing injuries or conditions. Unlike a standard bike fitting, which focuses primarily on the bike, a PT-tailored bike fit prioritizes your body’s unique needs. We are trained to look at all aspects of the body and how each part is influencing the other.
2. Injury Risk Reduction and Management
Cycling can exacerbate existing injuries or create new ones if your bike setup isn’t right. Physical therapists are experts in injury risk reduction and management. They can identify subtle imbalances or weaknesses in your body that might lead to problems down the road. By adjusting your bike fit to accommodate these issues, a PT can help you avoid common cycling injuries like knee pain, lower back pain, and neck strain. Knee pain is the most common area where people experience pain with biking. Logan helps teach you how to strengthen your knee and fit your bike to the optimal position.
3. Maximize Performance
Whether you’re a competitive cyclist or a weekend warrior, maximizing performance is likely one of your goals. A PT doesn’t just make sure you’re comfortable on your bike; they ensure you’re positioned to optimize power, endurance, and efficiency. With their knowledge, they can fine-tune your bike fit to enhance your pedaling mechanics, which can lead to better performance on the bike. How fast your turning your pedals (cadence) is important! Logan will watch you bike on a trainer and give suggestions!
4. Addressing Individual Ergonomics
Every cyclist is different. Your height, limb length, and even riding style can affect your ideal bike fit. There are also many different types of bikes. Physical therapists are trained to consider these individual differences meticulously. They take into account your specific ergonomics to adjust the bike’s saddle height, handlebar reach, and pedal position and more. This individualized approach ensures that your bike fit is as ergonomic as possible, reducing strain and improving comfort.
5. Holistic Approach to Cycling Health
A physical therapist’s approach to bike fitting goes beyond just the bike. They consider your overall health and fitness, including off-the-bike exercises that can improve your cycling. They might recommend stretches to increase flexibility, strength exercises to address muscle imbalances, or tips on improving posture. This holistic approach ensures that you’re not just fit for your bike, but fit for life. Logan is a fitness forward physical therapist and strength (resistance) training is important. Logan will work with you on how to incorporate other movements and exercises in your daily life to help with overall health and biking!
6. Post-Fit Follow-Up and Adjustments
A PT-provided bike fit often includes follow-up appointments to ensure that the adjustments are working well for you. Cycling is dynamic-meaning things are changing, and as your body adapts to the new setup, further tweaks might be necessary. A PT is there to guide you through these changes, ensuring that your bike fit evolves with your needs. It also takes time for your body to adjust to the new changes so following up to make sure things are going well and to keep making adjustments is important.
7. Investment in Long-Term Comfort and Health
While a PT bike fit might be more costly upfront compared to a standard bike shop fitting, it’s a worthwhile investment in your long-term comfort and health. Reducing injury risk, enhancing performance, and ensuring comfort on your bike can lead to more enjoyable rides and a healthier lifestyle overall. This investment can save you money on medical bills and downtime due to injury in the long run.
Conclusion: Just Get a Bike Fit
Getting a bike fit done by a physical therapist is more than just adjusting your bike to suit your body. It’s a comprehensive, personalized service that takes into account your unique anatomy, biomechanics, and health goals. Whether you’re aiming to ride pain-free, improve performance, a bike fit will be a great investment.
revent injuries, a PT bike fit offers a level of precision and care that standard fittings can’t match. So, if you’re serious about cycling, consider making an appointment with a physical therapist for your next bike fit—it could make all the difference in your cycling journey.
Have questions?
Schedule a free call with Logan here!
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