I have hamstrings and I'm not afraid to use them

[magnatom]

I've been thinking about improving my hill climbing recently and today on my ride I thought I would work hard climbing whilst standing more. Tak Ma Doon is a reasonable climb (266m climb with an average gradient of 6.2% and a maximum gradient of 17.5%). Not the Alps but a hard climb for me.

So off I set up the hill and I start honking (and sitting). Bloomin hard work but good for the old legs. It was on the second hard incline that I had a Eureka moment. I remembered what someone had mentioned on here recently about pulling up on the pedals as well as pushing down, and I realised that I wasn't doing that. So I gave it a go.

Blimey, that made a huge difference! For the fist time ever, I felt like I could accelerate up the hill! Amazing. I also tried to use more of the pedal stroke when seated, and again it made a huge difference (a sort of scraping dog poo of your shoe move!).

So it would appear that I have hamstrings, and it might be worth using them!

I was very pleased with the ride overall. Best average over 50 miles (17.0mph!) and the sun was out the whole way

 

[Keith Oates]

Using the clipless pedals on the up stroke really does help, dropping the heel and then sweeping through at the bottom is also good to improve the power on the pedals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[magnatom]

Yes I'll need to keep working at my pedal stroke. This is something I have neglected up until now.

My hamstrings are a bit tight today!

 

[MSeries]

now do some gym work to lengthen and strengthen your hamstrings, glutes and lower back. Don't forget your triceps and shoulders to enable you to support your body out of the saddle for longer.

 

[magnatom]

now do some gym work to lengthen and strengthen your hamstrings, glutes and lower back. Don't forget your triceps and shoulders to enable you to support your body out of the saddle for longer.

Length is probably not a problem as I've always had good flexibility in my hamstrings (head on knee when standing). Strength is probably lacking though. Gym time is limited due to family and work commitments. So more climbing is the answer!

 

[HLaB]

Well done, that's sound like a good ride yesterday.

I decided to see a physio about my legs/ knees constantly shifting problems, not major just niggling. They reckon my Hamstrings are slightly too long and flexible. Whereas the muscles which connect the hips to the thighs (I forget the name) are a little short but strong. I'm trying to do some exercises now to redress the balance.

 

[gaz]

I pull up on nearly all my climbs, helps using a different muscle set. + you get fantastic connection with SPD-SL's

 

[magnatom]

HLaB,

Good luck with the physio. It sounds like they are on the case.

Gaz,

My left foot came out of the clip a couple of times. It probably needs tightening up, but I think my cleats may be worn as well. I'll add it to my list of things to buy to sneak past the wife!

 

[Randochap]

Have a look at this. Clears up some common myths.

Try varying technique. A good one is driving knees up toward bars. This will engage different muscle group and power climbing. But remember, variety is the spice of cycling powerfully.

 

[jimboalee]

Don't for get the Hip-Flexors ( the muscles in front of your hip joints ).

As Randochap suggests, try knee kicking your handlebars.

 

[magnatom]

I think I was trying a kicking type of motion. It certainly helped.

As you say Randochap, I think it is all about mixing it up a little and using different muscles. I hit the steepest incline on the ride (about 17.5% by all accounts) and instead of just normal honking, I tried to 'kick' the handlebars. I was amazed when I started accelerating (from 5 mph to 8mph so not a huge amount, admittedly!). It's nice to find a new muscle group!

 

[jimboalee]

I think I was trying a kicking type of motion. It certainly helped.

As you say Randochap, I think it is all about mixing it up a little and using different muscles. I hit the steepest incline on the ride (about 17.5% by all accounts) and instead of just normal honking, I tried to 'kick' the handlebars. I was amazed when I started accelerating (from 5 mph to 8mph so not a huge amount, admittedly!). It's nice to find a new muscle group!

It's a 60% increase !!!

 

[magnatom]

It's a 60% increase !!!

Mmm. I like your thinking!

 

[oldgreyandslow]

"now do some gym work to lengthen and strengthen your hamstrings, glutes and lower back. Don't forget your triceps and shoulders to enable you to support your body out of the saddle for longer"

Please explain/expand on this:

I have very tight/short hamstrings, so much so that I suffer from a lower back problem and visit an osteopath for regular maintenance of the problem. I do some stretches for my hamstrings, calves, glutes, quads and back and countless sit ups and oblique sit ups and would be interested to know of any additional excercises or stretches you could suggest.

 

[I am Spartacus]

"now do some gym work to lengthen and strengthen your hamstrings, glutes and lower back. Don't forget your triceps and shoulders to enable you to support your body out of the saddle for longer"

Please explain/expand on this:

I have very tight/short hamstrings, so much so that I suffer from a lower back problem and visit an osteopath for regular maintenance of the problem. I do some stretches for my hamstrings, calves, glutes, quads and back and countless sit ups and oblique sit ups and would be interested to know of any additional excercises or stretches you could suggest.

You should ask a qualified fitness instructor pref one with advanced gym quals who looks like they actually know what they are talking about.. taking up exercises quoted off an internet forum isnt best practice.

and what you keep going back to an osteo for...? if he/she cant 'cure' you and do you pay or get it for gratis...??? just one of my general rants I'm afraid.. bear with me .. some of these 'practitioners' get away with crap service for a very good living