Pedal to Perfection: Why You Need a Bike Fit from a Physiotherapist
Our Physiotherapist and Bike Fitter Jenn Baardseth doing a Comprehensive Bike Fit with a client
Biking has rapidly become one of the most popular sports amongst mountain and sport lovers. It’s a sport that involves the thrill of exploring new paths, along with endurance and speed. At any level, including recreational, competitive and professional one of the most beneficial investments you can make for your cycling journey is a professional bike fitting, particularly by a physiotherapist. Continue reading to learn why!
Bike Fitting is a Science
Bike fitting is much more than adjusting seat height or handlebar position. It’s a science that understands your body mechanics, flexibility, and riding, and optimizes your bike setup to match this. Physiotherapists have very specialized knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the human body, which allows us to ensure your bike will fit like a glove. We consider factors such as joint angles, muscle engagement, and overall body alignment to prevent injuries, decrease riding related pain and maximize efficiency.
Bike Fitting for Injury Prevention
Injury prevention is one of the primary benefits of a physiotherapist-led bike fitting. If you are riding a bike that is not setup for your anatomy and biomechanics, this improper fit can lead to overuse injuries. Overuse injuries can occur anywhere in the body, including your arms, knees, lower back and neck. In your bike fit session, the physiotherapist will help to identify potential or existing issues before they become chronic problems and bleed into other activities or areas of your life. Your bike will be adjusted to reduce stress on these vulnerable areas and promote healthier and more comfortable biking habits.
Bike Fitting for Optimization of Performance
Each of our bodies is unique, and therefore so should be your bike fit! Your physiotherapist will go into a detailed assessment of what your body will need to stay comfortable and efficient on your bike, and any specific cycling/training goals you have. You will leave with a bike that is fine-tuned and ready to enhance your performance, whether it’s speed, endurance or comfort you’re aiming for during your rides. Small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in power output and overall cycling efficiency.
Bike Fitting to Have More Fun
We all want to be able to glide effortlessly on our bikes, free of discomfort and pain - when we have a bike that fits us like a glove, this can be a reality. A common goal amongst physiotherapists in general is to reduce pain and improve quality of life. With bike fits, your physiotherapist will adjust your bike’s geometry, saddle position, handlebar reach, and more to ensure you feel comfortable, confident and supported throughout your ride. This comfort factor can make a world of difference, especially on those extended journeys or challenging terrains.
What to Expect From Your Bike Fitting
During your bike fitting session with your physiotherapist, expect a thorough assessment of any current injuries, any biomechanical limitations and joint health. We analyze your posture, flexibility, as well as your cycling technique. This is an interactive process, which allows precise adjustments to be made to the components that make up your bike. Any changes, suggestions or alterations will be explained along the way, always going into the benefits of each. You’ll leave with a bike that feels like an extension of your body, ready to take on any adventure with confidence.
Final Thoughts on Bike Fitting
Investing in a physiotherapist-led bike fitting is about investing into your health and long-term biking enjoyment. The benefits are clear, no matter if you’re a novice or seasoned biker: injury prevention, enhanced performance, and unmatched comfort on every ride. This could be your first step towards a better cycling experience. Click Here to book your bike fitting today!
Written by Jenn Baarseth, Physiotherapist and Bike Fitter at Ridgeline Physio in Fernie, BC
