yoga for cyclists

[beccaB]

I'm looking for a yoga class that would help me move faster and avoid injury. There are so many types. Any suggestions on what kind of class to take?

[indysteel]

Hmmm, I'm not sure what you mean by "move faster."

Any well taught yoga class will be beneficial to you in helping you gain better balance and flexibility. From there, the type of class that is best for you largely depends on your personality and what type of workout appeals to you the most. I, personally, like rather fast-moving classes. I'm also very teacher-specific in my tastes. The style of yoga isn't necessarily as important to me as the teacher. Unfortunately, my favorite teacher is taking an extended hiatus to be home with her little ones, and I haven't found anyone I like half as much.

My advice is to sample a variety of classes and teachers and see what you like. Regardless of style, I think it's very important to look for a good, experienced teacher. Because of yoga's increasing popularity, there are lot of newbie instructors out there and, in some studios and gyms, they do not emphasize proper form and breathing.

Here's a good summary of the types of yoga.

http://yoga.about.com/od/typesofyoga/Types_of_Yoga.htm

[beccaB]

Thanks! For me moving faster means riding faster, and I have had some knee injuries which means that I do a lot of thinking before I do any lower leg motion, so I won't twist the wrong way and be sorry for it later. I'm hoping I can even find some yoga classes in my area.

[indysteel]

Thanks! For me moving faster means riding faster, and I have had some knee injuries which means that I do a lot of thinking before I do any lower leg motion, so I won't twist the wrong way and be sorry for it later. I'm hoping I can even find some yoga classes in my area.

This is just my two cents, but I don't think yoga will make you faster in light of your knee probems. It can help with core strength certainly and counteract long hours in the saddle. Rather, I would suggest talking an experienced bike fitter to make sure your bike and shoes are set up correctly to account for your knee problems. The height and fore/aft position your seat, your crank's Q-factor (essentially, it's width), the placement of your cleats if you use clipless pedals, your gearing, taken collectively, will have a greater effect on your cycling strength and comfort than yoga.

As far as yoga goes, I would recommend being very careful. Definitely talk to your teacher before class about poses that are contraindicated for the kind of knee problems that you've had. Unfortunately, I've tweaked my knees in yoga before--and I don't have a history of knee problems. It's an area where I definitely have some limitations. You might look for classes that are deemed "gentle" or "restorative." And as I mentioned in my earlier post, there are a lot of instructors out there who have very little understanding of exercise physiology.

Don't let me steer you from yoga. I believe very strongly that it's a great part of any active lifestyle, but it poses it's own risk of injury.

[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!