Are you getting serious about riding your road bike? If so, check out this bit of advice from Bicycling Mag:

Improper bike fit is one of the leading causes of the injury, according to Anna Saltonstall, a physical therapist at Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles, Oregon. "If your seat is too far back, you overuse your hamstrings and glutes, and if it's too high, you overextend your hamstrings with each pedal stroke," she says. "Saddles that put too much pressure on the sciatic nerve, which feeds the hamstrings, can cause numbness and pain in those muscles."

You can still stress those hammies on a bike, an here are some exercises that can help: http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s-4-20-18151-1,00.html


copyright Charlie Layton

To Strengthen

Lie on your back, knees bent, feet directly under knees. With shoulder blades and head on the floor, raise your butt to align with your thighs. Hold for 30 seconds. Complete five repetitions.

To Stretch

Lie on your back with your legs extended. Hold each end of a belt and loop it over your right foot. Bring your right leg up straight until it's perpendicular to the floor, and pull down on the belt. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch legs. Do three repetitions on each leg.