Heading to the WBL
Well it’s a new year, the training is in full swing with 17 hours on the bike this week along with some core strength. I keep tweaking my neck, so that is slowing the core work & I’m typing this with ice on my shoulder. I have been trying something called the 5 Tibetans to strengthen my whole body, but the first time I did it I had a sore neck from riding my Hei Hei without fitting it…I should know better. That was in Dec, I gave up the 5 Tibetans routine, went to my chiropractor a few times, got a massage and didn’t do any specific neck exercises for 3 weeks. Yesterday I felt really good having hit my goals for the week on the bike, but still needed a core workout. 5 Tibetans again…and the neck pain this morning to go with it. I went back to Dr Glass today and left a message for my massage therapist. Hopefully this is sorted out soon. I’m not blaming the 5 Tibetan routine, just my lack of good sense to let things heal before pushing them.
55nine Performance is sponsoring the Winter Bike League. If you don’t know what that is check out the link…but basically it’s a big group ride over in Athens, GA from Dec until Feb that progressively gets faster as it goes. There are also attack zones specified and sprints to be won. All of this is scored on points system and there are cash & prizes to be won. I’ve been meaning to get over there for some of these rides, but something always comes up…lately it’s been bike fits which is good by me. Nam & I were traveling too. Anyway, since we are sponsoring the sprint I figure I better get my butt over there do this one. Just my luck the pros will be sprinting this weekend….I’ll stay out of the way.
I hope every one had a safe and happy new year!
Eddie O
January 9th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Hi Eddie. Your site came up on a Google Alert where I read that you were getting neck pain from The Five Tibetans. I thought I might be able to help as these are a wonderful routine which benefit from specific modifications.
I used to teach the original Rites (the same way as the article you link to), and noticed a recurring pattern of lower back and neck pain. I went to see physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, occupational health, Pilates and Feldenkrais Instructor’s to explore ways to eliminate these problems. I tried all the ideas out in the living laboratory of my classrooms and the result is what I call “T5T” which stands for The Five Tibetans.
The integrity of the original Rites remains but there is a progressive step-by-step build up which allows core strength to develop from the inside out. You need to have the deepest stabilising muscles protecting the spine first before flexibility can be improved. As a result of developing this method, I do not see the problems of the past, unless people ignore the program.
My book “The 10-Minute Rejuvenation Plan” (Random) is not available in the US till April 3rd 2007, but in the meantime I would suggest
a) Not dropping your neck back so far in Rites 3, 4 & 5 – keep it long & strong
b) Propping your head with 3 standard books for Rite No 2 and as your neck strength builds remove a book at a time. Alternatively leave your head on the books and do not bring it up and down. There are other suggestions here, but too wordy for this comment.
Hope this helps – let me know how you go. You can check out http://www.T5T.com or http://www.thefivetibetans.blogspot.com if you need further info.
Good luck