Take Back Your Core
Find out if you've yet to unlock your hidden strength with these three simple core tests
It's time to take the back the six-pack from bodybuilding magazines and put it back where it belongs: on the bike. If you're struggling to get past a plateau or dealing with discomfort on the bike, your corecould be the missing link.
Related: A Killer Core Workout for Cyclists Who Hate Crunches
"If a rider's core is weak, they're not able to maintain their upper body in the position needed to ride a bike," says Julie Bates, Body Geometry Fit Instructor with Specialized Bicycles. She says that cyclists who aren't strong in that region will put their weight on their arms to hold their body up, which can lead to numb hands, a sore neck and shoulders, and other problems. On the other hand, a strong core can mean more fluid pedaling, better breath, and a more comfortable ride.
Ashton Szabo, an anatomy and kinesiology specialist based in Grass Valley, Calif., says the primary function of the core muscles is to stabilize the body. Often, we think of the plankas the de rigueur test to see who has the strongest core among your training buddies— but Szabo says it doesn’t necessarily test the body in a dynamic, meaningful way. Try these three DIY tests instead to see how you measure up.
Related: One Move For A Better Pedal Stroke
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