engaging the ***

[KnottedYet]

My riding pattern (on cleats or on platforms) uses a lot of butt. So I've got this rather ummm "rounded" posterior when viewed from the side. Buns of Steel! (and I've got wide hips, so I'm just looooooovely to behold, I'm sure... )

I seem to kick in more butt when I concentrate on good posture and keeping my lower abs firm.

Remember, the quads are a two-joint muscle complex. Part of them is also a hip FLEXOR. (brings your knee to your chest) So you've got to be kicking in a hip EXTENSOR to counterract that as you push down on the pedal. Your butt and hams are the biggies there. (but hams are a 2 joint complex, too.... so someone's gotta be counterracting the knee flexion activity if you are trying to use the ham as a hip extender as you push on the pedal) (quad and ham can get a good tug-o-war going!)

Butt: hip extensor
Quad: hip flexor, knee extensor
Ham: hip extensor, knee flexor

Upshot is, if you are pedalling you are automatically using your butt at least some and if you can concentrate on the muscles a little you can raise it's activity.

It's all about the co-contractions...

[elk]

once again...i go out onto the streets armed* with more excellent information.
it all comes down to the same thing, eh? expanding the consciousness into the body....
(my favorite question: where in the body IS the mind?)

thank you

elk

*replace with proper muscle group

[annie]

I've found that when I spend more time riding "in the drops," I automatically use my gluts and hammies more than when I ride slightly more upright. I also agree that if you focus your attention on using those muscles, no matter what your position, you will use them more efficiently. The benefit is more strength in your pedaling, and a more even load on your muscles, which lets you use all of them for a longer time. Or so the theory goes...................

Annie

[kelownagirl]

My butt muscles always hurt when I climb steep hills....

[KnottedYet]

My butt enjoys our leisurely walks up steep hills. The singing birds, the sparkling rays of sunshine, the lovely flowers, the gentle breezes...

[elk]

My butt enjoys our leisurely walks up steep hills. The singing birds, the sparkling rays of sunshine, the lovely flowers, the gentle breezes...

flowers, birds, breezes....that turn into singing winds....but Knot, I thought you climbed said hills in Seattle!!

I must be sitting on my saddle right 'cause this butt is writing a letter to the editor...

e