Fixed gear to strengthen hamstrings?

My 2 sources of exercise these days are biking (~20 mi RT commute,
occassional lunchtime hill climb) and beer-league softball.

For the last 3 years, I've been getting hamstring pulls in both legs
during softball, ranging from mild tightness (about 6" above the knee, on
the outside of the back of the leg) to a debilitating pull/tear (about
9" up, centered) that I still can feel time-to-time 18 mos. later.

I'm wondering if I can parlay this into a new bike - I'm hoping that if I
switched to a fixed-gear for commuting that I would be able to strengthen
/ loosen my hamstrings to prevent these recurring injuries.

For those who ride fixed-gears, do I have any shot convincing SWMBO with
this plan?

Thanks,
Brian

Brian Lerner wrote:
My 2 sources of exercise these days are biking (~20 mi RT commute,
occassional lunchtime hill climb) and beer-league softball.

For the last 3 years, I've been getting hamstring pulls in both legs
during softball, ranging from mild tightness (about 6" above the knee, on
the outside of the back of the leg) to a debilitating pull/tear (about
9" up, centered) that I still can feel time-to-time 18 mos. later.

I'm wondering if I can parlay this into a new bike - I'm hoping that if I
switched to a fixed-gear for commuting that I would be able to strengthen
/ loosen my hamstrings to prevent these recurring injuries.

For those who ride fixed-gears, do I have any shot convincing SWMBO with
this plan?

Thanks,
Brian

It's a reach, but I say go for it! (I'd be really impressed if you could
get your HMO to spring for it)

Brian Lerner wrote:
My 2 sources of exercise these days are biking (~20 mi RT commute,
occassional lunchtime hill climb) and beer-league softball.

For the last 3 years, I've been getting hamstring pulls in both legs
during softball, ranging from mild tightness (about 6" above the knee, on
the outside of the back of the leg) to a debilitating pull/tear (about
9" up, centered) that I still can feel time-to-time 18 mos. later.

I'm wondering if I can parlay this into a new bike - I'm hoping that if I
switched to a fixed-gear for commuting that I would be able to strengthen
/ loosen my hamstrings to prevent these recurring injuries.

For those who ride fixed-gears, do I have any shot convincing SWMBO with
this plan?

Thanks,
Brian
The fixed gear on my commute has strengthened my legs because it forces
the legs to work differently in a variety of situations: consistent
cadence and power output on level ground, high cadence going down, high
power output going up, and of course stopping reminds the quads and
hamstrings that there IS another direction for resistance. It has helped
me in non-bicycling sports.

However, I honestly think stretching is more important, regardless of
the gears you're using. If you already stretch a lot, then absolutely
get a fixie. They're cheap (relatively) and fun, and will stengthen your
legs.

(PeteCresswell) wrote:
Per Brian Lerner:

I'm wondering if I can parlay this into a new bike - I'm hoping that if I
switched to a fixed-gear for commuting that I would be able to strengthen
/ loosen my hamstrings to prevent these recurring injuries.


Depending on your age and general durability, I'd be on the lookout for knee
problems supplanting the hamstring problems.

Right, I'd suggest caution if you're over 90.

Per Brian Lerner:
I'm wondering if I can parlay this into a new bike - I'm hoping that if I
switched to a fixed-gear for commuting that I would be able to strengthen
/ loosen my hamstrings to prevent these recurring injuries.

Depending on your age and general durability, I'd be on the lookout for knee
problems supplanting the hamstring problems.
--
PeteCresswell

"Brian Lerner" bml_in_co_at_yahoo wrote in message
6...
My 2 sources of exercise these days are biking (~20 mi RT commute,
occassional lunchtime hill climb) and beer-league softball.

For the last 3 years, I've been getting hamstring pulls in both legs
during softball, ranging from mild tightness (about 6" above the knee, on
the outside of the back of the leg) to a debilitating pull/tear (about
9" up, centered) that I still can feel time-to-time 18 mos. later.

I'm wondering if I can parlay this into a new bike - I'm hoping that if I
switched to a fixed-gear for commuting that I would be able to strengthen
/ loosen my hamstrings to prevent these recurring injuries.

For those who ride fixed-gears, do I have any shot convincing SWMBO with
this plan?

Brian,

I'd suggest frequent exercise, perhaps lasting as long as 10 or 15 minutes
each, 2-5 times per day.

This is best done in front of a mirror.

Then, when you can say it with a straight face, give it a shot with SWMBO.

And let me know how it turns out. I've got several frames/parts boxes just
clamoring to be built into bikes, but I'm past my limit already (7 bikes
that are imminently rideable).



Lee

On Sat, 18 Jun 2005 18:03:20 -0500, Collin wrote:
Brian Lerner wrote:

For the last 3 years, I've been getting hamstring pulls in both legs
during softball, ranging from mild tightness (about 6" above the knee, on
the outside of the back of the leg) to a debilitating pull/tear (about
9" up, centered) that I still can feel time-to-time 18 mos. later.

I'm wondering if I can parlay this into a new bike - I'm hoping that if I
switched to a fixed-gear for commuting that I would be able to strengthen
/ loosen my hamstrings to prevent these recurring injuries.

For those who ride fixed-gears, do I have any shot convincing SWMBO with
this plan?

However, I honestly think stretching is more important, regardless of
the gears you're using. If you already stretch a lot, then absolutely
get a fixie. They're cheap (relatively) and fun, and will stengthen your
legs.

As Collin says, stretching is more important. Stronger muscles
without additional flexibility will just make pulling them easier.
You might want to add a few minutes of stretching to your pre-game
warmup, and maybe even when you come in from the field.

But it might be fun just to see if you can sell She on the fixie
anyhow...

Pat

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