If it's good enough for Darcy Bussell...

[gerrymcm]

I do yoga twice a week and pilates once a week and since I started this regime approximately 2 years ago my back heath has improved hugely.
I guess most of it is down to core strength improvements but also improved flexibility. I have 3 "dodgey" discs in my back and before starting yoga/pilates when they "went" I could be in a lot of pain (and not exercising) for 6 weeks at a time. Since I started yoga/pilates a back injury rarely lasts more than a few days. Both yoga and pilates gets a big thumbs up from me.

good luck
Gerry

[RickH]

I go and mind my Granddaughter while my Daughter goes to her pilates class - does that count?

Rick.

[CliveyT]

I go to pilates regularly because my back is right royally screwed (20 years of rugby does that). That said a small village class filled with the over 50's doesn't provide the same entertainment that some of you seem to get

[Lucyhan]

Does Darcy Bussell cycle? Do you think she took up ballet to improve her cycling fitness, good idea if she did, I expect it helps up the hills.

That said, I have sciatica and found some back exercises on the website of Back care http://www.backcare.org.uk. It is much easier to do these at home rather than going to all the faff of going to a pilates/yoga class. However if going to a class is what you want go for it I am sure you would be made welcome. If anyone reading this knows of a Pilates group full of men that need token women, please post it I could be persuaded. (To help the sciatica).

[The Mechanic]

I have been doing pilates for about 8 years. I an 100% certain it has been beneficial to my cycling.

[Tonyf33]

I find a 5 minute stretching session which I incorporate whilst making a brew/food for a decent ride out is ample.
Aside from 2 busted shoulders from playing rugby my flexibility and core strength has always been pretty good

[pete75]

Pilates nah - what you need is this. If it's good enough for the Cannibal.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNIFfypHdmU

[squeaker]

I have been doing pilates for about 8 years. I an 100% certain it has been beneficial to my cycling.

+1, but do try several different classes - they can vary a lot - and beware that IME some moves (involving lots of flexion) can be back killers...

[boris]

Does Darcy Bussell cycle?

I asked a cyclist in the evening rush-hour in london for directions :and as she rode away I realised it was her. It was quite a few years ago when she was only known for the ballet. Many london riders, I found, absolutely would not speak while commuting. She was completely normal and friendly in her replies. She had a really nice road bike.

[nikitaakilapa]

I'm a dancer, yoga teacher and a cyclist. I've been dancing since I was a kid, cycling on London roads since I was a teen (wrong side of thirty now!) and practicing yoga since early twenties. I noticed a huge difference to the quality of my cycle when I started yoga - in terms of strength, stamina, speed, concentration and focus etc. I always recommend to anyone who will listen to do yoga!

[Lucyhan]

Does Darcy Bussell cycle?

I asked a cyclist in the evening rush-hour in london for directions :and as she rode away I realised it was her. It was quite a few years ago when she was only known for the ballet. Many london riders, I found, absolutely would not speak while commuting. She was completely normal and friendly in her replies. She had a really nice road bike.

Clearly then cycling helps dancing because in my case it does not work the other way around!