5 Borough Bicycle Club Meeting: Core Muscle Activation for Cyclists

When we think about core strength – if we think about core strength! – we think about that abdominal six-pack. The abdominal six-pack may get you a date, but it won't get you stability, endurance and power on the bike, or prevent injury. For that you need the core muscles, essentially pelvic and scapular stabilizers such as glutes, transversus, obliques and lats, but others as well. How to activate these muscles, without gaining the bulk of a musclehead, is the topic for the evening, with presenters Bob Nelson, Seth Greiner and Amy McGorry, all physical therapists at H & D Physical Therapy in Manhattan.

Bob is a fellow cyclist and triathlete, member of the 5BBC, multiple Montauk Century rider and a founding member of the Fast and Fabulous Cycling Club. He counts Liz Baum among his satisfied former patients. Seth began playing soccer at age 6 and now plays left midfield in the Hoboken Soccer League. He received his personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine in 2003 and is a strong believer in functional exercise. Amy, an avid runner and golfer, is the former director of outpatient rehab for Georgetown's collegiate athletes. In her spare time, she's a freelance sports anchor and reporter for Cablevision's News 12 Long Island.

Bob, Seth and Amy have developed a set of exercises that will help cyclists maintain an efficient position on the bike and use core muscles to power the pedal stroke, resulting in a lower incidence of injury. The exercises, done with a physioball and stretch cord, were designed for triathletes but are suitable for a number of different sports. They have adapted their program for cycling, and are working on a version for golf. A free brochure describing the exercises for cyclists will be available at the exercise demonstration.

The trio have shown their stuff at several triathlete shops in Manhattan and have graciously offered to give the 5BBC a demo and to answer any questions you may have. The presentation will begin at 6:30 PM sharp and will run approximately an hour followed by a Q & A.

The off season is the perfect time to start using this exercise program to train the core. Cyclists of all skill levels are invited.