Withdrawal symptoms and pilates for cycling

I have not been on my bike in 25 days. The first two weeks were OK because I was on holiday and could not take my bike with me. I did cycle in the gym as I have mentioned but that is not the same.

On the last day of my holiday I really screwed my back up and it is still not 100%. Luckily it is much better but I don't want to set it back by going back on the bike too soon. No zumba this week for me either.

Although I did a lot of gym cycling whilst on holiday I am starting to feel sluggish and less happy. I think it is because I'm not getting out on the bike.

In an effort to distract myself from bike withdrawal I have been looking into getting some new sportswear for zumba and it spiraled out of control and I have basically enrolled onto a pilates class. This all happened before 9am. I have a lovely funky new outfit on its way (including a sports bra for the bustier woman ;) from Fabletics). My first pilates class is 10am on Sunday morning. I'm really looking forward to it.

Then I happened upon this article article 

So whilst I am not new to cycling I was pleased to read some advice from a pro and even more pleased to see that Pendleton's 6th tip for cycling is supporting your hard work with an activity like pilates! Woop!

Victoria says:

“I think Pilates is really good. Yoga is great, but it’s quite hard work if you’re not someone who is really into that holistic kind of approach. You have to buy into yoga in some way, both spiritually and physically. I think Pilates is great – I did Pilates towards the end of my career to manage my core stability and back pain from wear and tear and a long time spent hunched over a bike, and I found it really helpful.

“Matt Pilates, reformer Pilates… I just bought myself a reformer for my garage gym, which makes me super happy. Pilates is excellent because it’s a really important to have a strong back and core and support throughout your midsection so you don’t get achy shoulders, back, and pelvis, so yeah, Pilates is key.”

I have found a class in my village and I hope that pilates helps to stretch out my thigh muscles and also stretch and strengthen my back to avoid another stint off the bike.

So I've got cycling at least twice a week, zumba and pilates once a week - or I will have as soon as this back of mine is fixed.

Kimberley  

A week in the desert - a week in the gym

I have spent the past week in Dubai.

In a gym.

On an exercise bike.

OK, so maybe not the entire week in the gym, I did an hour a day, 15 miles average per hour which I was happy with.

Exercise bikes are incredibly dull. Especially out there in the immense heat with air conditioned gyms and a view of the desert.

I was amazed to drive by a 'Cycle Hub' shop in Motor City. Even more amazed to see some people (not many, maybe 3 or 4 the whole week I was there) out cycling. Two of them were in the early morning and two were in the middle of the day. It was 45c that day. Kudos to them!

So I got 75 miles done but its just not the same. When I got back to my bike I actually gave it a hug. Don't care who knows it either. I love that bike!

Can't wait to get back on it this week.

Kimberley