Exercise Bike

Sports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fitter and stronger. This “Gains without Pains” series of posts will take common exercises done in the gym and look at correct posture and technique in order to reduce the risk of injury.

 EXERCISE BIKE

 BENEFITS

 - provide a good cardio workout while working the lower body and strengthening the back and arms 

COMMON MISTAKE

 - bad positioning - set the seat to hip height when standing beside the bike

 • Ensure the leg is stretched with a slight bend at the knee when the pedal is at the lowest point to prevent hip, thigh and knee strains

 • Keep toes pointing forwards to avoid additional strain on the IT band, knee and hips 

• the handlebar should be a couple of inches lower than the saddle, so that the arms are fully extended to avoid lower backache 

 GOOD TECHNIQUE

– keep the back straight to prevent any upper body issues