Cycling and martial arts: Flexibility?

[jeltz]

Well I'm just getting over a calf injury but in a couple of weeks I'll be getting back to martial arts.

I've read that cycling is supposed cause some shortening of the hamstrings and make it harder to maintain good leg flexibility.

I know there are other martial arts people on the board how do they find it, personally lower body flexibility has always been a problem for me (from a child) and prior to the injury it appeared that there was no change or even maybe a slight improvement as my legs became stronger, which doesn't seem right

 

[lukesdad]

Cycling is regarded as a very linear exercise (moving thru one plane) any other exercise you can do to improve flexability will be good for general health, though it may not improve your cycling prowess. I use swimming for the same reason.

 

[dan_bo]

Do it. Core strength and flexibility are key to good sustainable riding- I was at my fittest when I was also doing Tai Chi.

 

[Jim_Noir]

I find cycling effes my flexaiblity, however puts some amazing power into my kicks (and along with my running gives great cardio). I do yoga to get the flexaibility.

 

[jeltz]

Thanks for the replies, I must look into yoga.