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Bike Right, Bike Fit! - A Physical Therapist's PerspectiveBike_Right (PDF - 308 KB) With cooler temperatures, Tucson’s bike paths are busy places. Local physical therapists are offering a few tips for riders who are thinking of dusting off their bikes for a ride. Take a look at how your bike fits and how fit you are for biking. Getting both you and your bike in shape are the keys to a fun, safe ride. Make a visit to your bicycle shop to be sure everything is in good working order and that the handlebars, saddle and pedals are properly adjusted for your height.
"For your own tune up, it is important that you have good flexibility of the hamstrings, quadriceps and gluteal muscles," suggests Kathi McClain, PT, ATC with Tucson Physical Therapy. These muscles generate the majority of pedaling force and experience a high frequency arc of motion. Proper stretching, balance and strengthening exercises will help with coordination of bicycling-related skills such as pedaling and maneuvering the bicycle. "We see lots of people in the clinic who overdo when they first start back riding," states McClain who works closely with physicians who prefer specialized strengthening programs, particularly for people over 40. Therapists have the necessary medical training to thoroughly assess general fitness levels, taking other medical concerns into account, and make specific recommendations. For more information on how to be sure your bike fits you call Tucson Physical Therapy at 293-5551 or visit www.arizonapt.net/tucson. This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of health care providers. Please consult your physician or a physical therapist regarding advice about a specific medical condition. Posture Tips for Cyclists from the American Physical Therapy Association:
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