Did you know that more than 850,000 people bike to work regularly? Biking is a great way to get in shape, reduce your carbon footprint, and see more of your surroundings. But, as with any sport, there’s a risk of injury.
If you’re a cycling beginner, an injury can make it difficult to stick with it. Even a simple blister can make it painful to ride your bike.
With that in mind, we put together this guide to preventing cycling injuries so you can have a happy and safe ride every time. Read on to learn more!
Don’t Skip Your Warm Up
Before exercise, it’s vital to perform a short, dynamic warm-up. Many people stretch their calves and call it day. However, static stretches can lead to injury and lower your performance.
Instead, take an extra five or 10 minutes to warm up on your bike. You should have minimal resistance, no hills, and a slow pace. This gets your leg muscles ready to start cycling.
In addition, be sure to take a few minutes after your ride for a cycling cool-down period. This will help prevent sore muscles and cramps.
Wear Proper Attire
When you bike, you want your legs to have a full range of motion. This means no constricting pants and no flowing skirts.
If you’re commuting to work, you might be wearing jeans or trousers on your bike. This is okay, as long as you can move freely.
But, if you have a wide pant leg, it can get caught in the gears which can damage your pants and cause you to crash. Be sure to roll up your pant leg or tuck it into your sock on the side closest to the chain.
In addition, you should also be sure to wear proper shoes. If you wear sandals or flip-flops while you bike, you risk your shoes slipping and causing you to crash. Instead, opt for sneakers or other shoes designed for cycling.
And, don’t forget your cycling safety gear. This means your helmet, reflective clothes, flashlight, shatterproof sunglasses, and cycling gloves. You should also bring a lock in case you want to stop along the way.
Take Care of Your Road Rash
Even with the best preventative measures, some crashes are unavoidable. Road rash and cycling go hand in hand!
But, with proper care, you can avoid infection and scarring and get back on your bike sooner. Take the time to treat your injuries to promote wound healing and experience a quick recovery.
Your Guide to Preventing Cycling Injuries
With these tips, you’ll be able to start biking regularly without worrying about common cycling injuries. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so take the time to make sure you’re being safe every time you go out.
If you enjoyed reading about preventing cycling injuries, we have tons more health and lifestyle advice on our blog. Check it out for more!
