According to a past article at the Denver Post, crunches do not constitute a “core program” (a program that focuses on the muscles supporting the spine…and pelvis). With cyclists, we find it common that the glutes or hamstring/quad connection are misfiring and the lower abdominals (where we draw most of our support for the low back) are weak.
Crunches hit the upper abdominals and will help support the middle of your back. What about the neck position of the cyclist? With the trapezius muscle attaching from the neck to the spine, don’t forget to look at the balance of the upper body for cyclists too. Bottom line, finding muscle balance for everyone helps promote a safe, efficient, and pain free moving body with all activity, whether you’re a cyclist or not.
Great Moves Physical Therapy offers multiple opportunities to hone muscle balance to feel better everyday — free consultations. Call us at 719 477 6870 to see how you can start balancing your muscles today to prevent more pain tomorrow.