| |
| |
|
Aerobics & Cardio Information |
|
|
|
Integrated Training for Improved Cycling Performance - Part 2
The previous article looked at postural issues and possible muscles imbalances involved with cycling. Now that we have an understanding of the imbalances that arise from a prolonged cycling position, we can develop an effective program for correcting those postural distortions. The first part of the program is stretching the muscles that were identified as tight in the previous article (calves, quads, hip flexors, hamstrings, pectorals, trapezius, and neck flexors). Stretching returns muscles to their proper length-tension relationship. As stated in the previous article, tight muscles alter joint positions which in turn affect the opposing muscles ability to function properly. Each stretch should be held at least 20-30 seconds. The next component is five minutes of light cardiovascular activity to increase blood flow to the active muscles and increase the efficiency of the kinetic chain. Treadmill or elliptical are great choices. Core stabilization training is next. Stabilization training involves improving the ability of the transverse abdominis, internal obliques and the pelvic floor muscles too effectively stabilize the spine and pelvis during cycling. Stabilization exercises involve little to no movement through the lower back, hips, and pelvis. Exercises include a progression of teaching the lower abdominals and pelvic floor muscles to stabilize the spine correctly. Exercises include abdominal bracing (aka "drawing-in" maneuver), bridges, the DOG (quadruped) series of exercises, and planks. These exercises should be performed with 12-20 reps with a slow controlled movement. Balance is a requirement during any type of riding, (endurance, tempo, sprints, climbing, etc) and involves a series of coordinated actions involving the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems (aka , the kinetic chain). Balance training is designed to improve the body's kinetic chain efficiency. Performing simple exercises like balancing on one leg force the muscles surrounding the hip, knee, and ankle to stabilize their respective joints. As you become more balanced, you can gradually add slow controlled movements like single leg reaches and/or single leg squats. The strength training portion of the program is designed to improve dynamic joint stabilization by performing exercises that are slow and controlled with higher repetitions. The strength exercises are performed using stability balls, dumbbells, and incorporating balance. Each exercise should be performed with 2-3 sets, 12-20 reps and can be performed in a circuit fashion. The speed should be 4-2-2, meaning, 4 seconds down, 2 seconds hold, 2 seconds up. This slow speed allows the muscles to stabilize the joints and increases force production and force reduction. Exercises focus on the major muscles of body (chest, back, shoulders, legs). Dave Radin, CSCS, NASM-CPT, is a personal trainer with Precision Fitness. Precision Fitness is located in the Lake Norman area. Check out their website at http://www.lakenormanfitness.com. You can contact Dave at 704-662-8664, or by email at davefradin@netzero.net.
MORE RESOURCES:
Aerobics-Cardio - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Walking for Your Health Walking is the easiest way of exercise because it is accessible at anyplace, anywhere and anytime. Several studies show that walking can:* reduce high cholesterol and improve blood lipid profile* reduce body fat* enhance mental well being* increase bone density, hence helping to prevent osteoporosis* reduce the risk of cancer of the colon* reduce the risk of non insulin dependant diabetes* help to control body weight* help osteoarthritis* help flexibility and co-ordination hence reducing the risk of fallsAlthough walking can reduce body fat for weight loss purpose, it is actually not an effective option of exercise, because it doesn't burn lots of calories and only bring small increase in metabolism. Running on Empty A sexy pair of legs moseys its way down a soft, vacuumed carpet, around a bend, and through a long, narrow aisle.Suddenly, these shapely stems, which are encased in bright spandex, dissolve into a jungle of many others, instantly blending into the vibrant surroundings like chameleons. What Should Runners Think About? What do you think about when you are running? Does it make a difference? Research suggests it definitely can.A survey into what runners think about when competing identified four categories. 3 Keys To Finding Your Natural Running Stride When I think back to when I was at school, my worst nightmare was running. I hated it, even more than football and rugy which I don't like even today. Spinning Classes - Indoor Stationery Bicycle Over the years I have changed my exercise routine continuously. That wasn't exactly planned, but it probably kept my interest up. How To Start a Running Program Running or jogging is one of the best ways there is to lose weight fast. It burns tons of calories and gets your body burning fat. Run for Your Life Running is an ideal symmetrical activity for keeping fit. However, it is common for people to blame running for injuries rather than accept that it may be how they run that is at fault. An Alternate Fitness Tool Any competitive or recreational athlete will use a variety of cross-training methods or tools to complement their particular sport or to meet their fitness needs. One such tool that is becoming increasing popular is the Kickbike. Burn 340 Calories a Day with Aerobic Exercise Strengthen your heart and lungs and give your body a wonderful shape with Aerobics.Aerobic Exercise - Improve your fitness the right way. Benefits of Aerobic Exercise The real benefits of aerobic exercise are achieved by increasing your heart rate and breathing hard for an extended period of time. During this aerobic activity your body produces more energy and delivers more oxygen to your muscles. Integrated Training for Improved Cycling Performance - Part 2 The previous article looked at postural issues and possible muscles imbalances involved with cycling. Now that we have an understanding of the imbalances that arise from a prolonged cycling position, we can develop an effective program for correcting those postural distortions. Benefits of Elliptical Training The basic motion of an elliptical trainer is a smooth, flowing.. Stay in Shape - Cycling Workouts For the Winter Months It's that time of year. The time when you decide it's fine to ride in 12 degree weather. Why Your Cardiovascular Workouts Might Be A Big Waste Of Your Time What if I were to tell you that most if not all of the cardiovascular exercise you do was worthless? Well, guess what? over 50% of the people who perform cardio in an attempt to burn fat are wasting their time? hours and hours of it! Are you one of them?Before you call me crazy, let me explain. I'm not saying that cardiovascular exercise can't or doesn't burn fat; it's just that most people are not performing the right type of cardio workouts. Cardiovascular Training - From the Heart! Cardiovascular training, or aerobics, requires a different approach than other body parts. At the "heart" of cardiovascular training is one basic premise: if you elevate your heart rate to 65-80 percent of your maximum and keep it there for a period of at least 12 minutes it will stimulate the production of fat-burning enzymes. Better Cardio Workouts The Cardio KingChange it upOne of the most important aspects to a cardio workout is changing it. Most people get bored with exercise simply because they pop these DVD's in and do the same thing everyday. Maximum Cardio Depending on your goals and body type, different amounts of cardio may be required. A lean "hard-gainer" trying to add mass may benefit from only one or two cardiovascular sessions per week. Using Nutrition to Boost Your Cardio So, you're doing cardio religiously and you're not getting any results?What's the deal?! Good news. You're probably just making some minor mistakes that need to be corrected. Aerobic Training How to start your aerobic training program:Consider first setting your goals for sometime in the future; make sure they are realistic. Start easy, be kind to yourself. Integrated Training for Improved Cycling Performance - Part 1 As we all know cycling is a great way to improve your overall cardiovascular fitness. However, what you may not know is that over time the demands of cycling can lead to muscular imbalances which can limit the body's ability to perform at peak level and dramatically increase chance of both over-use injury and chronic pain.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |