You don’t have to be training for Le Tour de France to enjoy the numerous health benefits of cycling. Increased cardiovascular health, improved joint mobility, and increased muscle strength and flexibility are just a few. Not to mention that cycling on a regular basis is a great way to decrease your body fat percentage. However, just like many other high-intensity sports, cycling definitely takes a toll on the body and often requires proper supplementation in order for cyclists to remain energized and well-prepared for all the ups and downs (literally) of the sport. Today, we’ll examine how a premium Collagen Peptides supplement can function as optimal pre-and post cycling nutrition for cyclists, for both recreational and competitive riding.
The Challenges of Cycling
Longer distance cycling, especially cycle touring, requires a great deal of strength and energy in order to endure longer, more demanding rides. Whether cycling is simply a recreational hobby, your form of transport to the office and back, or you’re on a competitive circuit, you’re probably well aware that nutrition impacts your ride. You'll often hear competitive riders speak about "hitting the wall" or "falling off the pack",which basically means their muscles have zero fuel left. A cyclist's ride or performance is also determined by preparation. Technically, checking the tires, gears, and chainrings, to more complex matters, such as mental preparation and visualization are also important, especially in competition. For recreationists, a simple hack like cycling in the morning before the day's responsibilities and work begin, can also make a world of difference, according to Soul Cycle.
Cycling, even though it involves no physical contact, can still be considered an aggressive sport at times. The wear and tear on your muscles, knees, and back from repetitive movements are not to be ignored by your body! Even though you may not feel it immediately after you get off your bike, your muscles remain contracted and tight, which can lead to muscle tearing if not addressed properly. In addition, if your feet aren’t positioned on your pedals correctly while you’re riding, your knees will suffer. Furthermore, cycling also puts your back in an unnatural position for longer periods of time, which can result in chronic lower back pain - one of the many reasons why optimizing your recovery is of utmost importance.
In cases where cycling aggravates an injury or results in chronic pain, you’ll likely need more than just a few days of rest. In these cases, no matter how rigorous your training may be, it is crucial to listen to your body, rest, and avoid overtraining. Even though recovery is largely underestimated in cycling, it is absolutely essential when it comes to preventing over-use injuries and recovering from physical strain so you can start every new ride feeling rejuvenated and fresh.