If you’ve just finished riding, you probably think it’s time to relax, right? But wait a moment! There are a few important things you must remember. Today, we’re going to talk about six things you should never do after riding. Read on to maintain a healthy riding lifestyle.
1. Stopping Immediately
You might want to stop immediately after riding. However, the cooldown phase is essential. Especially if you have ridden at an intensity where you cannot speak, you must not skip the cooldown phase. Stopping suddenly can cause your muscles, which are in contact with the blood, to stop, leading to dizziness, nausea, and in the worst case, fainting.
- Gradually slow down and walk after riding.
- Light stretching until your heart rate returns to normal.
2. Skipping Stretching
It’s crucial to have a cool-down routine to calm your body after riding. You don’t need anything special. Simple stretching will suffice until your heart rate returns to normal. Stretching helps reduce lactic acid in your body, promoting faster recovery.
- Stretching leg muscles.
- Stretching shoulder and arm muscles.
3. Not Changing Clothes
If you don’t change out of your sweat-soaked clothes immediately after riding, you can develop skin issues. Wearing sweat-drenched clothes provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. So, even if you’re tired, change your clothes immediately after riding.
- Take off sweaty clothes and change into clean ones.
- Wipe off sweat with an absorbent towel after riding.
4. Not Showering
The sweat left on your body after riding creates a breeding ground for bacteria. A lukewarm shower can reduce muscle fatigue and provide psychological comfort. Even if it’s a hassle, shower to avoid greater discomfort later.
- Shower with lukewarm water within 30 minutes after riding.
- Do a simple cool-down exercise before showering.
5. Drinking Alcohol
A cold beer with friends after riding? Not the healthiest choice. Drinking alcohol after exercise makes your body more tired and slows down muscle recovery. For healthy recovery, drink water or sports drinks instead of alcohol.
- Replenish fluids with water or sports drinks after exercise.
- Consume nutritious snacks instead of alcohol.
6. Ignoring Pain
Don’t ignore the pain you feel after riding. If you feel pain, you need to ice it. Cooling is important to reduce muscle inflammation. Use ice to refresh the inflamed area with fresh blood.
- Apply ice to the inflamed area for 20 minutes.
- Repeat icing as necessary.
Conclusion
We’ve learned about six actions you must avoid to maintain a healthy life after riding. Always remember and practice these six things after riding. They are small steps for safe and healthy riding.
We hope the methods shared today help you enjoy a healthier and more energetic riding lifestyle. Enjoy your rides safely and healthily!