Why Cycling Is One of the Best Forms of Exercise

Cycling is one of those rare activities that can be whatever you want it to be. It can be a competitive sport, a recreational hobby, a way to commute to work, an opportunity to explore new places, a form of rehabilitation, or an excellent cross-training option.

One of the things I love most about cycling is that it provides a fantastic workout without the impact associated with activities like running. It challenges your cardiovascular system, strengthens some of the largest muscle groups in the body and improves endurance, all while being gentle on your joints.

Because of this, cycling is a great way to build fitness, strength and confidence, particularly if you’re recovering from an injury, managing joint pain or looking for a safe and sustainable way to become more active.

Who Can Benefit from Cycling?

Cycling may be a great option if you:

• Are recovering from an injury such as an ACL tear, ankle sprain, muscle strain or other knee injury.
• Have a history of heart disease or find yourself becoming breathless during everyday activities.
• Have knee or hip osteoarthritis and are looking for a low-impact form of exercise.
• Would like to lose weight while improving your fitness and ability to walk or run further.
• Are a runner looking to increase your training volume without significantly increasing your injury risk.
• Want to improve your cardiovascular health while reducing stress on your joints.

Whether you’re returning to exercise after injury or looking to maintain your fitness as you age, cycling offers a versatile and accessible way to stay active.

Cycling Physiotherapy

If you’re already a cyclist and are dealing with an injury, struggling to get back on the bike after some time away, or finding that riding is leaving you sore and uncomfortable, it can be valuable to see a physiotherapist who understands the unique demands of the sport.

Some of the most common cycling-related issues we see include:

• Neck and back pain
• Knee pain, including patellofemoral pain syndrome and iliotibial band syndrome
• Foot and ankle pain, including Achilles tendon injuries
• Hand and wrist pain, including thumb joint pain and nerve irritation
• Shoulder injuries and other issues following a cycling crash

During an assessment, we’ll identify the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. These may include joint stiffness, muscle weakness, reduced mobility, training load errors, riding position or bike setup.

Treatment may include hands-on therapy, targeted strengthening exercises, mobility work, taping and advice regarding bike fit, training loads and workstation ergonomics where appropriate.

The goal isn’t simply to reduce pain. It’s to help you ride more comfortably, improve performance, prevent future injuries and keep doing the activities you enjoy.

Get Back to Riding with Confidence

Whether you’re new to cycling, returning from injury or training for your next event, the right advice and treatment can make all the difference.

At Physio On Miller, our team can help you address pain, optimise your movement and develop a plan to keep you riding stronger for longer.

Book an appointment today and let us help you get back on the bike with confidence.

About the Author

Felix is a proud member of Bicycle NSW and enjoys spending as much time as possible on two wheels. You’ll often find him riding through Flat Rock Gully on his commute to work, doing laps of Centennial Park or tackling the climb to Akuna Bay with his local cycling group in Ku-ring-gai National Park.