Does anyone know of a stretching program specifically designed to improve flexibility for the aero position on a tri or tt bike?
the best stretch for the aero position:
TITS N A
time in the saddle in aero
.
I know it’s a completely revolutionary idea, and probably nobody doing triathlons has ever even considered it, but, you should think about looking at doing some yoga…
Your head is going to explode if you even think about stretching to improve your aero tuck abilities.
But seriously, loosen up those hamstrings and strengthen your neck muscles by just riding a lot. Best way to get fast in aero is to ride a lot in aero.
Your head is going to explode if you even think about stretching to improve your aero tuck abilities.
But seriously, loosen up those hamstrings and strengthen your neck muscles by just riding a lot. Best way to get fast in aero is to ride a lot in aero.
Exactly… or do a little bit of active stretching before hand.
Stretching the old school way for flexibility is pointless… unless you’re a gymnast, ballerina or figure skater.
Wow, I definitely stretch before and after all of my TT rides and Tris. The positions I find most helpful are the “Wheelbarrow” and the “Crazy Cow”, when coming out of the Wheelbarrow I tuck and roll my spine out and the Crazy Cow I focus on breathing to elongate my stretch.
the athlete’s guide to yoga by sage roundtree
.
What part of you do you think you need to stretch.
Just curious as I am completely inflexible but ride a fairly low position. Other than my neck getting tired I find no restrictions in movement.
Mark
The only time i get injured is when i stretch. With that said i just dont do it. All good so far.
What is limiting your ability to achieve the position you want?
Once you identify that, you’ll know what to stretch.
There’s no way we can know without doing an evaluation AND seeing you on your bike.
Stretching the old school way for flexibility is pointless… unless you’re a gymnast, ballerina or figure skater.
This is the latest fad, to discount stretching. I jumped on the bandwagon a bit and paid for it. I think we’re finding it’s more complicated. Some need “old school” stretching. Some need more dynamic stretching. Some need a mixture. Some need it more at certain times than others. Age may play a role in how much you stretch, as well as what sport you are doing and/or your biomechanics. And so on. It can also just feel good. I wonder as well if some stretching behaves slightly similar to resistance training (wild guessing there).
I have no “proof” of the above, but it’s just my take based upon reading and observation and personal experience. I just think the oversimplification of stretching (it’s good/it’s bad/do it this way only) is the wrong approach. In fact, I think most training/nutrition absolutes should be treated with skepticism.
I actually liked the original question, by the way.
I found flexibility to be a limiting factor in my aero position comfort and drop, until i switched to a saddle that allowed me to rotate my hips forward. If your hips are rotated forward, you really shouldnt be having any flexibility issues other than maybe super-tight hamstrings holding you back. (an adamo saddle worked for me)
Sometimes if I am feeling tight I will lay on my back and pull one knee into my chest. That seems to loosen up my lower back/ass/upper hamstrings. Another way to do this is to sit on the edge of a chair, and lean down and try and put your head on the floor (through your legs) without rotating your hips.
Hope this helps
I know it’s a completely revolutionary idea, and probably nobody doing triathlons has ever even considered it, but, you should think about looking at doing some yoga…
How about this position?
I you can do this, the aero position would be easy
Like others, I don’t stretch. Time in the saddle to get used to a position. I have trouble even touching my ankles with straight legs but can get awfully low (~57 minute 40k on about 240-250 W).