Flexibility and riding

[InTheWoods]

I was wondering if riding can improve your flexibility? I haven't been able to touch my toes since I was 2 or something and I'm 37 now (I think). I've been getting more into the riding lately, and then by accident when fooling around with my kids tonight, discovered I can not only touch my toes but get right down so the 2nd knuckle on my fingers is touching the ground. The only exercise I do is cycling, chasing my kids around, and working in the garden (which includes digging out tree stumps, digging trenches etc etc).

Is this a good sign, is it caused by my cycling, or does it mean something is going wrong with my legs/tendons etc, as in I'm permanently stretching them and soon will resemble a piece of cooked spaghetti??

[ave a go]

Hi,

I would say that it's an indirect result of the cycling.

It's the stretching that you are doing that would be making you more flexible.

Cheers,
Matt

[NBSE2]

I have not reviewed the forum for discussion on hip flexors but riding your bike will exercise these muscles and cause them to tighten up. After you ride your bike it is very important that you stretch these muscles out. I recommend that you introduce your self to Yoga, specifcally what are called sun salutes to stretch these muscles out. This can not be underestimated. Yoga will also give you an understanding of your body and provide a baseline going forward generally. I am not giving medical advise, but you need to stretch!