Science Chic wrote:
So I have 2 questions:
1. Hubby is doing a Diabetes Tour de Cure 35 mile charity bike race this Saturday, and he's just now getting ready for it by riding again (hasn't ridden for years). What exercises/stretches would you recommend that he focus on to really limber up and lessen his chance of getting hurt or being so sore that he can't move (or make it up to the 285Bound picnic later that day!)?
2. We recently bought a BowFlex off of Craigslist and are starting to figure out how to use it. We looked through the online manual for ab/core exercises, but didn't find too many - can you give a couple examples, or point us to a website that might illustrate a few more we can do? I'd be happy to stop by if showing me would be easier! Ever since I started pilates, I'm a big proponent of focusing on strengthening my core as everything stems from there and with the BowFlex in the basement, I don't have room for my Pilates Reformer unless I kick the kids out of the remainder of the play area!!
Thank you!!
Good for your husband getting back in the saddle, so to speak. One of our members is riding in that race also. Without knowing your husband and what type of shape he is currently in, I will tread lightly! Remember how when we were young we were told to stretch before running, biking, etc? Not so...stretching before the muscles are warmed up actually cause small tears in the cold muscles..getting on a treadmill, slow jog, etc. is a better way to warm the muscles and studies have shown that runners actually perform about 13% better than the old fashioned way of stretching first. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. And remember to stretch after the activity and stay hydrated. Is he doing any other type of exercises to strenghten his legs like squats, lunges, deadlifts, etc?
As far as the Bowflex, I have only used one once. I don't think there are too many exercises on the Bowflex that are core specific. If someone out there has a Bowflex and knows of some good core workouts, let us know. I prefer other ways of working the core using the BOSU ball, kettle bells, medicine balls, cable equipment, etc. Please give us a call to set up a time to come to the gym, I would be happy to show you.
Again, good luck to the husband in the race...diabetes is an epidemic in the U.S. and through education we could slow down this terrible disease.
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