yoga for cyclists

[tulip]

I agree in Indysteel. There are alot of classes that try to pass as "yoga" but the instructors are not good, and that can lead to injury. Same for Pilates. Do your homework and ask questions of the instructors and ask around. Yoga and Pilates are great, but only if they are done correctly.

[gingerale]

May I suggest something? And you may think I'm crazy so forgive me. I'm still fairly new to cycling. But I began a rep/weights class about 3 months ago and I can tell a HUGE difference in my riding and strength over the past few weeks. I ride faster and I know I'm rider stronger on my hill work. I don't do really heavy weights. It's a group class and we do arm weights, work shoulders, squats and lunges (those REALLY help my leg work) and I feel so much stronger when I get on my bike. Just a suggestion to consider. Good luck with whatever you find!

[Flur]

+1 on finding a good instructor. I'd avoid yoga classes at gyms, at least at first (there can be great teachers there, but it's hit or miss), and concentrate on yoga studios. Many studios post their instructors bios online, and a good instructor usually will have good training listed in their bio.

I personally would not take a class with a instructor with less than 200 hours of training at a reputable school (unless, of course, they've mentored with a master). A good school will teach contraindications for certain injuries, and a good instructor will be sure to tell you "if it hurts, don't do it". I always tell my students that if something hurts and they're unsure what to do, they should come out of the pose and raise their hand, and I'll come over and give them modifications for the pose, or another pose altogether. Also, you should be able to rest when you want to. If your instructor acts like a drill sargeant, get out of there! And I recommend avoiding instructors that practice with the class. Demoing a pose is perfectly acceptable (and often a good idea), but if an instructor is doing the practice with you then they're not watching out for you.

[withm]

http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail....&c=Accessories

Here's a Yoga DVD for cyclists

[HillSlugger]

http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail....&c=Accessories

Here's a Yoga DVD for cyclists

I did the original Yoga for Cyclists this morning for the very first time (since getting it as an x-mas present). I was feeling tired and burned out and didn't feel like doing and swim/bike/run so I decided to try the video. I don't know if it will help my cycling, but I felt great afterward and am determined to make this a regular part of my training. I'm interested in a real live yoga or pilates class during the winter, too.

[SLash]

FWIW, I use yoga to stay more flexible on the bike and in general. Yoga is good for stretching hamstrings which are notoriously tight on cyclists. It also helps me to ride more comfortably in the drops since many of the basic moves focus on bending at the hips/pelvis (not the waist). Although I've taken yoga classes with a certified instructor I use a dvd (instant viewing over internet) through Netflix of Baron Baptiste entitled Long and Lean, now and do it on my own.

[Wahine]

I do yoga regularly and find it very beneficial for balancing the effects of multisport training.

I would second what others have said and advise finding a small class in a yoga studio. Once you have a good handle on what your "bad habits" and tendencies are then a DVD is fine. But it's always best to start out with an instructor in a small class setting.

I would also suggest either Iyengar (if flexibility is an issue) or Ashtanga style ( if you are looking for more core work and power).