If you own a proper bicycle, road cycling is a great way to maintain physical fitness during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Even if the type of bicycle you own is less than a professional cycling sportbike, riding any bicycle outside can be a great way to maintain your physical and mental health. For many, especially those living in large cities who rely on public transportation, we realize it may simply not be feasible if you don’t own a bike or have access to a private vehicle to get outside of your populated area - and that’s OK! If you fall into this category, check out our guide on 10 easy exercises you can do at home!

But to all you cyclists out there who are still getting it in, this article is for you. We’d like to take a moment to examine kinesiology tape and its many practical uses for road cyclists. Professional road cyclists have been using kinesiology tape during their rides for many years!

Kinesiology tape is stretchy and often made of a blend of nylon and cotton. It does not irritate or immobilize the area as sports tape does. Perhaps you have observed athletes wearing kinesiology tape at various events – athletes sporting colorful tape strips across the shoulders, knees, backs, and even abs? Or perhaps along their arms and legs? Kinesiology tape can be used in many different areas of the body, depending on the areas of injury or in need of support. The tape can be applied in an X, Y, I, or fan pattern with different results for each.

Besides providing support, kinesiology tape can lessen pain, reduce swelling, improve performance, increase the circulation of blood, and increase the circulation of lymphatic fluids. While developed in the 1970s, it’s still very popular in use today, allowing comfortable movement during various activities.

You may have questions about how to apply kinesiology tape, and we will cover that towards the end. First, let’s take a look at 5 Ways Kinesiology Tape Can be Helpful for Road Cyclists:

Better endurance

Kinesiology tape usage can delay the onset of fatigue, giving you a longer and better ride. Improved posture is another benefit that can contribute to endurance – if you are properly using your muscles, you’re less likely to have injuries that shorten a ride, or to overwork key areas unnecessarily. Also, kinesiology tape helps to disrupt pain by applying a small but effective amount of pressure on the affected area.

Reduction of swelling

Increased circulation means that extra fluids do not pool in areas becoming fatigued.

Better flexibility

Kinesiology tape allows you to have a normal range of motion while still providing support. Kinesiology tape is water-resistant, so it can endure even rain showers, sweat, and other moisture contacts. It is strong enough that you may be able to use the same tape application three to five days without irritation to the skin or underlying structures. Road cyclists like to wear kinesiology tape when participating in special events to perform at their best and prevent injury.

Assistance for weak muscles

Used properly, kinesiology tape supports muscles and muscle groups, joints, and even the nervous system. Enhancing movement, kinesiology tape can help train weak muscles, or even re-train muscles that are in habits of bad posture or movement. This kinesiology tape can be used to help improve the posture in the head and neck areas for some cyclists. You might consider kinesiology tape for areas such as your:

• Back
• Calves
• Elbows
• Hamstrings
• Knees
• Shins
• Shoulders
• Wrists

One of the most common uses of kinesiology tape for road cyclists is to treat existing knee pain and minimize it during rides. Easily apply kinesiology tape to the area you need and then experience the benefits as you ride, or for any other activity.

Faster recovery time

Kinesiology tape contributes to a faster recovery by facilitating increased circulation and decreased inflammation. Increased circulation means that nutrients and oxygen are moved to the area quicker, and lactic acid is removed faster, as well. When kinesiology tape is applied to an area, it lifts your skin slightly, creating a micro space in the joint or below skin. It has been found that the tape may change the way your body processes information in your sensory nervous system about pain, decreasing its intensity and effects on the mind and body.

Physix Gear Sport provides a complimentary kinesiology taping guide to show you how to properly apply the tape before your activity. Offered in a whole range of colors, kinesiology tape also comes with the 82-page e-guide on the usage of kinesiology tape. Our shipping department is fully operational: you can order your tape by clicking here and you will receive your guide and kinesiology tape with 100% satisfaction guaranteed - if for some reason the tape doesn’t work for you, send it back for a full refund and keep the guide. In addition to cycling, you can further find the support you need for running, swimming, and all of your other favorite activities!