Exercises to improve ability to lift my bicycle

[Bikeknit]

I chose a lighter than average bike partially because I want to be able to get it on my rack by myself. So far I'm able to get it off alone but still struggle to get it on. I've looked at Court's and another video for lifting technique but realize it would help to be a bit stronger.

I do a little (older lady version) weight work (either on machines at the gym or with hand weights at home) once or twice a week and I'm wondering if there is someone in the community who can suggest which muscles to concentrate on and exercises to do to improve my ability to lift the bicycle.

 

[indianajo]

An article on bbcnews.com stated people over 55 lose 20% of their muscle mass yearly if they don't exercise.
I do some pilates exercises I saw on Body Electric PBS show, plus a few left over from the US Army daily dozen. I do biceps curls 30 rep, lift weight over head 30 rep, lift weight straight out to side 30 rep, lift weight out diagonally from body 30 rep. I started with a 1 lb weight, 2 lb for a few months, did 3 lb for a year, now I am up to 5 lb. I have very light upper body muscles & bones for a man, am afraid 10 lb would tear up my joints.
I have been having trouble lifting my 82 lb speakers onto the poles they came with and have started front curling a bar bell of 38 lb from the stand at waist level to my chest. I'm up to 8 reps but can't lift upper arm out away from my chest yet.
I do 30 pushups leaning on a chair against the wall. I can't do ones all the way down to the floor now, it makes my wrists hurt.
For back muscles I put hands on floor then do a knee dip 1 2 3 4 30 times. I should probably do this with hand weights as I'm starting to get back muscle pain riding the bike.
I do this every other day. My legs are very short. People with longer legs maybe should only touch fingers to ground, and then only after stretching out for a week or so. People with balance problems should wear a bike helmet doing this or anything where they might fall indoors. The $1 CPSC version is fine at 0 mph.
For finger muscles I play 3 Scott Joplin rags 3 or 4 times a week.
These do make my muscles sore the next day. Sign of good exercise. I take ibuprofen the day I am sore.
Enjoy fitness & good health.

 

[Marci jo]

Same here! Even though I use my legs while lifting I still get mild back pain.

 

[DavidRvR]

Watch youtube on certain ways to lift and use your legs vs your back and so on ... It has some good videos on techniques ..

Loading and unloading the bike.. buy one that has a small ramp so you dont have to lift.

 

[Bikeknit]

Watch youtube on certain ways to lift and use your legs vs your back and so on ... It has some good videos on techniques ..

Loading and unloading the bike.. buy one that has a small ramp so you dont have to lift.

You are right DavidRvR a ramp would help but I'm not quite ready to replace my newish rack. Besides my doc is encouraging weight bearing exercise which bicycling is not. I'm thinking I'll be better able to motivate myself to lift weights if it will make getting the bike on the rack easier!

 

[DavidRvR]

You are right DavidRvR a ramp would help but I'm not quite ready to replace my newish rack. Besides my doc is encouraging weight bearing exercise which bicycling is not. I'm thinking I'll be better able to motivate myself to lift weights if it will make getting the bike on the rack easier!

For the interim Mostly.. But yes I understand that replacing can be costly. Wouldnt be hard to make one depending on ability but I have used a 2x6 in a short length for emergencies

Until you are able, Not saying skip the exercise and workouts

 

[Bikeknit]

@indianajo thanks for the great suggestions. I'll add some of these exercises to my workout.

 

[sarahlaughed]

I suggest exercising biceps, triceps, quadriceps, hamstrings, and, above all, core strength!

Using good form when lifting the bike will help prevent injury, and lifting weights with a mirror, and ideally at least one session with a personal trainer (group settings are fine; the important thing is that someone offer corrections, at some point, if you’re lifting in a way that can cause injury) should be a massive help.

Go, you! Best wishes, as you get stronger!

 

[Kayakguy]

You are right DavidRvR a ramp would help but I'm not quite ready to replace my newish rack. Besides my doc is encouraging weight bearing exercise which bicycling is not. I'm thinking I'll be better able to motivate myself to lift weights if it will make getting the bike on the rack easier!

Looking at the problem another way: Try grasping the bike itself lower down on the frame, as lifting up to waist level isn't too challenging, but from waist level up to higher can be much harder. Can be a bit tricky finding a good, balanced place to hold the bike without having the front wheel wobble.

And another possibility: Try a rack that can be folded down. Lower the rack, attach the bike, then lift both together back to vertical. Won't be as much weight to lift, as the rack, being pivoted at the bottom end, bears a good part of the weight.

 

[Frank/Delaware]

Looking at the problem another way: Try grasping the bike itself lower down on the frame, as lifting up to waist level isn't too challenging, but from waist level up to higher can be much harder. Can be a bit tricky finding a good, balanced place to hold the bike without having the front wheel wobble.

And another possibility: Try a rack that can be folded down. Lower the rack, attach the bike, then lift both together back to vertical. Won't be as much weight to lift, as the rack, being pivoted at the bottom end, bears a good part of the weight.

How about securing your front wheel to the bike with a Velcro strap to stop it from moving; then lift the bike a few times for exercise.

 

[Bikeknit]

How about securing your front wheel to the bike with a Velcro strap to stop it from moving; then lift the bike a few times for exercise.

 

[Desser]

An article on bbcnews.com stated people over 55 lose 20% of their muscle mass yearly if they don't exercise.
I do some pilates exercises I saw on Body Electric PBS show, plus a few left over from the US Army daily dozen. I do biceps curls 30 rep, lift weight over head 30 rep, lift weight straight out to side 30 rep, lift weight out diagonally from body 30 rep. I started with a 1 lb weight, 2 lb for a few months, did 3 lb for a year, now I am up to 5 lb. I have very light upper body muscles & bones for a man, am afraid 10 lb would tear up my joints.
I have been having trouble lifting my 82 lb speakers onto the poles they came with and have started front curling a bar bell of 38 lb from the stand at waist level to my chest. I'm up to 8 reps but can't lift upper arm out away from my chest yet.
I do 30 pushups leaning on a chair against the wall. I can't do ones all the way down to the floor now, it makes my wrists hurt.
For back muscles I put hands on floor then do a knee dip 1 2 3 4 30 times. I should probably do this with hand weights as I'm starting to get back muscle pain riding the bike.
I do this every other day. My legs are very short. People with longer legs maybe should only touch fingers to ground, and then only after stretching out for a week or so. People with balance problems should wear a bike helmet doing this or anything where they might fall indoors. The $1 CPSC version is fine at 0 mph.
For finger muscles I play 3 Scott Joplin rags 3 or 4 times a week. When you're trying to get in shape, the right app can make a huge difference — not just in your physical results, but also in how consistent and motivated you stay over time. That’s why doing your homework before committing is so important. I recently came across a detailed, expert-driven overview of the MadMuscles fitness app that helped clarify what to expect and whether it’s worth the subscription. The article, which you can find at mad muscles reviews , does a great job of breaking down the app’s workout philosophy, customization features, and even the long-term value for users at different levels of experience. If you’re considering MadMuscles but aren’t sure if it’s the right tool for you, this review offers exactly the kind of insight you need before making a decision.

These do make my muscles sore the next day. Sign of good exercise. I take ibuprofen the day I am sore.
Enjoy fitness & good health.

Cool, you have an interesting methodology. I will have to try this!

 

[dodgeman]

I don’t know if the op is still around but can you lighten the bike? Take the battery off and anything else adding weight.

 

[Bikeknit]

I don’t know if the op is still around but can you lighten the bike? Take the battery off and anything else adding weight.

I'm here "(rarely) and seem to be doing fine getting the bike off the rack and okay putting it on. My husband got an ebike so we had to get a new rack anyway. i got one with a ramp but often don't use it. i do weights rwice a week and have built enoigh strength to manage my 42 lb.. bike. I can remove the battery if needed but so far so good. Lots of options - the ramp, help from a friend, or Cork's one wheel at a time. Turns out a simple weight routine is enough to keep me lifting the bike.

 

[Renee]

I chose a lighter than average bike partially because I want to be able to get it on my rack by myself. So far I'm able to get it off alone but still struggle to get it on. I've looked at Court's and another video for lifting technique but realize it would help to be a bit stronger.

I do a little (older lady version) weight work (either on machines at the gym or with hand weights at home) once or twice a week and I'm wondering if there is someone in the community who can suggest which muscles to concentrate on and exercises to do to improve my ability to lift the bicycle.

My bike is 38lbs and it's electric. I have an easier time lifting it in the mornings after a ride. I can get it off the car but on is tough especially in the afternoons. I have found that if I have my hubbys truck or open the hatch in my van it's easier to lift from above than down on the ground. but that depends if you have a car that allows you to do that. Squats for thigh strength, I use 5lb weights for arm strength. And I have some rubber bands with handles that work really well for arm strength. The link is attached but I don't know if it will work. https://www.amazon.com/Resistance-W...i=B0BTSQV4L8&ref_=pd_basp_d_rpt_ba_s_1_t&th=1

 

[fauconnier]

I've had e-bikes for almost ten years and I don't understand why someone would lift the whole bike when it's so simple and easy to place one wheel at a time on the rack. It is even possible to replace the pedals correctly by holding only the rear when the front wheel is on the rack.

 

[rob feature]

I've had e-bikes for almost ten years and I don't understand why someone would lift the whole bike when it's so simple and easy to place one wheel at a time on the rack. It is even possible to replace the pedals correctly by holding only the rear when the front wheel is on the rack.

Not all racks hold the wheels

 

[MrClortho]

To the original post, as others have said, concentrate on squats and lifting with your legs only, keeping your back straight. The first time I lifted my 53lbs bike on the below rack, I did it with my arms and it was a mistake. Now I squat down a bit to get a low grip and lift with my legs. Squats and leg strengthening exercises should help.

I've had e-bikes for almost ten years and I don't understand why someone would lift the whole bike when it's so simple and easy to place one wheel at a time on the rack. It is even possible to replace the pedals correctly by holding only the rear when the front wheel is on the rack.

Because some are frame mounted racks on a lifted vehicle way up off the ground.