{"id":7695,"date":"2017-04-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-04-11T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpmigr.edinburghbicycle.com\/blog\/3-essential-yoga-poses-for-cyclists"},"modified":"2026-02-24T14:07:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T14:07:29","slug":"3-essential-yoga-poses-for-cyclists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/ebco\/blog\/3-essential-yoga-poses-for-cyclists","title":{"rendered":"3 Essential Yoga Poses for Cyclists"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"kirsty-yoga-bike.jpg\" Written by Kirsty, Sales Assistant at Edinburgh Bruntsfield and yoga teacher.  <\/em> Kirsty runs our Yoga for Cyclists class at Edinburgh Bruntsfield. No bike necessary! <\/p>\n

In cycling, the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hips never rest. As a result, riders often have overdeveloped quadriceps and tight hamstrings, which can pull the hips out of alignment. <\/p>\n

Also, a cyclist’s spine is constantly flexed forward. If proper form isn’t maintained, it can result in muscle pain and strain in the back and shoulders. Yoga helps ease tightness, creating core strength, and aligning the spine. <\/p>\n

Cycling requires not only physical strength, but also intense focus and concentration to succeed on the road. The attention to breath and mind-body connection in yoga can be employed by the cyclist while riding to maintain mental clarity and calmness. <\/p>\n

Here are a few of my favourite poses, which help with cycling. <\/p>\n

Bridging: <\/h2>\n

\"bridging-pose.png\" This pose is a great counter-pose for your upper body positioning while on your bike. It will open up the front of your body and strengthen your spine.
Start on your back with your knees bent. Position your feet about six inches away from your hips. Make sure that your feet are pointing straight ahead. Inhale and press your feet into the floor and lift your pelvis up as high as you can comfortably. Slide your shoulders underneath you, clasping the hands. Breathe evenly. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Slowly lower down, one vertebra at a time. <\/p>\n

Benefits of Bridge Pose: <\/p>\n

•    Stretches the chest, neck, spine, and hips
•    Strengthens the back, buttocks, and hamstrings
•    Improves circulation of blood
•    Helps alleviate stress and mild depression
•    Calms the brain and central nervous system
•    Stimulates the lungs, thyroid glands, and abdominal organs
•    Improves digestion
•    Helps relieve symptoms of menopause
•    Reduces backache and headache
•    Reduces fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia
•    Rejuvenates tired legs
•    Relieves symptoms of asthma and high blood pressure
•    Therapeutic for hypertension, osteoporosis, and sinusitis <\/p>\n

Downward dog: <\/h2>\n