Pilates for cycling

Does anyone do pilates?

Since my intial physio problem a few months ago I've been seeing a physio. The 'deadleg' got sorted (with a change of saddle) and some other non cycling related issues have been sorted but my lower back has become a bit of an issue that I don't want to let get out of hand.

My hammies are short. That causes lower back, or lumbar, soreness. I get it not only from riding but sitting and driving - neither of I do a lot of really. So instead of continual physio manipulation I was advised I should replace physio treatment sessions with two sessions of pilates per week. I start tomorrow.

It does sound like a bit of mumbo jumbo but I have only been told good things about doing it and I am looking forward to doing it - especially in a class situation, doing it at home for me would be a disaster.

So if you do do pilates what should I expect? Any cycling related pilates tips?

Tags: fitness, health, pilates

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Permalink Reply by Lee-Anne on August 8, 2010 at 17:59

NO tips to offer, however Ive just read Cadel's bio and pilates is one of his major training habits - so it's gotta be of some use to us meer mortals.

What (very) little i know of the activity, it is all about core strength, make your core strong and your back is able to relax and do its job better. Having been on the track again yesterday i know i need to improve my core too!

Im interested in your 'deadleg' issues.... cos i have a problem of whatever bike (road/track/mtb), and/or shoes (trainers [with and without cages]/cleated road ) i ride with ,after about 40mins i get numb toes (starting from the outside moving in)

Also any ideas where to get a properly fitted saddle?

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Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on August 8, 2010 at 18:10

I've got hammie problems too but they never bother me on the bike, can hurt like hell when driving though. I try a few stretches now and then, when I remember, and now I should try pilates. The new bike store on Brighton Rd has cycling specific Pilates classes.

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Permalink Reply by Wombat on August 8, 2010 at 20:37

I have not participated in Pilates, but my Canberra mate does a couple of sessions a week for the purpose of increasing core strength.

I took the alternative path of taking up Yoga in stead of Pilates. Same result hopefully, but just a slightly different implementation. Some of the exercises are remarkably similar, but I do like the meditative state in which Yoga is carried out. Helps me to relax into it and helps the exercises to flow more.

When I went to a Pilates class with my friend while I was in the ACT, it seemed a little stilted and did not flow from one exercise to the next.

For anyone in the Inner South (north of Blackwood probably) I know a good Yoga Instructor. If you want details let me know.

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Permalink Reply by Dani on August 8, 2010 at 22:06

Pilates is good for strengthening and stretching all the major muscle groups in the body. Both yoga and pilates are beneficial to posture which is why it may have been suggested to you. It is NOT "mumbo jumbo" and can have other health benefits. I am recently divorced and it was suggested to me that I take up some form of meditation exercise to help my wellbeing. If you are feeling a bit stressed out it might help you with that too.

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Permalink Reply by Gus K on August 8, 2010 at 22:10

How did you know I was going to write mumbo jumbo?! Our replies crossed! I agree it is a stress defuser but I wont be going to India for it.

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Permalink Reply by Dani on August 8, 2010 at 22:24

O? why not? You could return to Adelaide Cyclists crowd and become a cycle/pilates guru. Ahhh Hail Master Angus Kingston, what wisdom do you have for your children of the two wheeled movers?

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Permalink Reply by Gus K on August 8, 2010 at 22:08

Yes, Yoga - pilates.. same diff I say at the moment but I know I'll be corrected. I have also done yoga, albeit briefly. I think I could say Pilates is about actual exercise and core strength and yoga is also but has all that spritual -- dare I say mumbo jumbo -- but feels good if you ignore that... but there's nothing like strengthening the mind a bit -- but isn't that what cycling is for?

@Lee-anne. Basically my saddle on my everyday MTB did me in. It was too wide and basically squashed my nerves. Swapping it to a narrower one helped. I also used to get pins and needles in my foot but I think getting position right helps. I was given an article about cycling and physio stuff by my physio that I will try and pull some details from. You're not alone though, pins and needles in hands and feet is very common.

@Patrick -- cycling specific PIlates classes, wow! That says something about demand. I am doing it at my physio's because, hopefully I can get some back on health cover.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Daniell on August 8, 2010 at 22:10

Hi Angus,
Expect a bit of fun and better core strength! When I started the hardest thing for me was to isolate the abdominals but after a week or so you do get used to it. No doubt your instructor will help but I found actually feeling the area with my fingers helped isolate them. Prepare for your abs to hurt every now and then. The reformer looks wierd but it really works. Prepare to be pretty chuffed in a few weeks when you are riding and you realise you have automatically engaged your core while riding and your hips aren't rocking and all the power you are generating is being transferred to your pedals.