Pedal Your Way to Flexibility of Body and Mind
Whenever you miss your childhood, hop on a bike. The child within us is very much alive!
Have you ever wondered why cycling is such a popular form of recreation and transportation? Why do people push their bodies to the point of unbearable pain and beyond, only to find joy in it? Despite the countless moments of questioning, "Why am I doing this?"
Knowing your body, understanding its limits
There's something innate in us that drives us beyond physical sensation, triggering entirely different processes in the body. A remarkable surge of happiness hormones washes away the pain. However, to reach this state, the body must be accustomed to prolonged physical effort and be in good physical and mental condition. Knowing your body, understanding its limits, and recognizing the alarms it gives when it's had enough is crucial.
Regular Exercise is Key
For a healthy approach to exercise, consistency is essential. The amount of exercise should be adjusted based on the goals you want to achieve in the season or year and your capabilities. Goals should be realistic and achievable. Sometimes, things don't go as planned, so it's important to adapt to unforeseen challenges and modify your goals accordingly.
A Systematic Approach for Progress
Progress requires a systematic approach, incorporating a mix of different training types. It's even better to include various sports to strengthen the entire body, not just specific muscle groups typically used in one sport.
Combining different training types helps achieve progress faster:
- General endurance workouts, lasting at least an hour with low to moderate heart rate intensity.
- Strength training using bodyweight exercises.
- Strength training with fitness machines and weights.
- Specific strength exercises tailored to the activity (for cycling, this includes climbs, riding in a higher gear, intervals).
- Recovery sessions – low-intensity workouts focusing on basics like breathing, technique, and micro-movements.
Relieving Muscle Tension
After intense physical training, it's essential to relax the body with stretching exercises, especially for muscle groups that were heavily used. Stretching prevents micro-injuries and helps maintain or improve the flexibility and suppleness of the body.
Yoga for Body Intelligence and Awareness
Incorporating practices that are not physically aggressive, such as yoga, Pilates, or tai chi, is recommended during periods of intense physical training. These practices enhance body awareness, highlight the importance of micro-movements, strengthen deep muscles, and improve overall body intelligence and sensitivity, contributing to both mental and physical progress.
Set Your Goals with L'Etape Slovenia 2025
Once you set your goal, the journey to achieving it begins. Your investment in this unforgettable experience and a cycling jersey is only €92.98 instead of €199.98, saving you €107 – but only for registrations by January 31, 2025.
