As a SPIN enthusiast, I love jumping on my bike and tackling a 45 minute cardio-intensive workout. What I don't love, however, is the negative impact that my prolonged (and sometimes incredibly repetitive) SPIN schedule has on my muscles.
Individuals who take part in limited range of motion activities, like cycling, can begin to notice a shortening of their muscles. This is especially true of a spinner's hip flexors since that area contracts repeatedly during a SPIN routine! If that individual does not care for their shortened muscles, injury is inevitable!
The best way to keep muscles healthy is to focus on flexibility. Rather than performing short, intense bouts of stretching, which can have inhibiting effects, a person should aim for longer / frequent stretches where less tension is used. Such stretches should be held for at least 20 seconds to overcome a stretch reflex and an entire stretching regimen should conclude after 20 minutes. That time frame allows for 3 minutes of focused stretching for each muscle group.
If you need new suggestions on lengthening and becoming more limber, check out this stretching guide!
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