Are you planning on heading to the countryside on a cycling trip this weekend? Or just in the mood to pull up your socks, re-inflate those tires and get ready to shed some weight? Whatever be your reason, taking up an activity such as cycling requires a certain amount of preparation before you actually hit the pedal. Cycling infused with a couple of simple yoga postures can shield your body from injuries and help improve your stamina. So, let's gear up for a few basic pre and post-cycling postures:

Pranayama

Begin with a few breathing techniques like Bhramari pranayama (Bee breath) and NadiShodhan pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing) to calm your mind and relax your body. This will relieve any stress in the mind and body and prepare your mind for the postures that follow.

Marjariasana (Cat stretch)

The Cat stretch improves blood circulation in the body and strengthens wrists and shoulders. It also relaxes the mind and brings flexibility to the spine, and is ideal for a long cycling ride.

AdhoMukhoSvanasana(Downward facing dog pose)

The Downward facing dog pose is good for strengthening the arms, shoulders, legs, and feet and gives you a strong structural support. It helps tone the muscles, gives a relief from a headache, insomnia, and fatigue. This pose also improves blood circulation and rejuvenates the body.

Trikonasana (Triangle pose)

The Triangle pose stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, calves, shoulder, chest and spine. It also strengthens the legs, knees, ankles, arms, and chest. This pose helps reduce anxiety, stress and back pain. This is a simple stretch that strengthens many body parts and also helps improve your stamina.

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