Mid-Ride Reset | Athletes for Yoga for Cyclists

Waiting at a stoplight? Stopping to hydrate? One of the best things about Athletes for Yoga is that you can do it anytime, anywhere — even on your bike. Here’s a few of our fave quick Resets for cyclists that will optimize your ride: 

Cycle Side Bend
Why: While you’re busy riding forward, the sides of your body become tight. Getting outside your usual range of motion is key for maintaining a balanced cycling body.
How:
•    Stand over your crossbar with your feet parallel and your knees bent slightly.
•    Turn your palms forward and reach your arms overhead.
•    Grab one wrist with your other hand and bend your torso to one side.
•    Focus one bending from the middle of your spine, without leaning forward or back.
•    Hold for 3–5 deep breaths before switching sides.

Cycle Quad Stretch
Why: Your quads and hip flexors work hard when you ride. Give them a quick break!
How:
•    Stand over your crossbar with your feet parallel and your knees bent slightly.
•    Bend one of your knees and reach back with the hand on that side and grab your foot.
•    Stand tall and keep your hips squared forward while you push your foot back into your hand.
•    Hold for 3–5 deep breaths before switching sides.

Cycle Twist
Why: A quick twist will help keep you balanced by moving your body outside your cycling range of motion. It will also help prevent and ease back pain.
How:
•    Stand over your crossbar with your feet parallel and your knees bent slightly.
•    Put one hand on your handlebars and one hand on your seat.
•    Lengthen your spine tall, then gently twist toward your seat while keeping your hips squared forward.
•    Turn your head and look back at your seat.
•    Resist the urge to use your arms to get further into the twist — instead focus on keeping your spine tall and rotating your rib cage to its natural stopping point.
•    Hold for 3–5 deep breaths before switching sides.

Check out The Yoga for Cyclists Collection and shop the looks at Omnium. How do you use yoga on the go with your bike? Let us know with #yogaforcyclists and #athletesforyogaXomnium!