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My doctor has recommended cycling to heal from a leg injury.

I think it is working, but, unfortunately, another problem is arising.

My right leg was injured (in the Adductor) and I seem to compensate it by making more effort with the left leg. I end up with a stiff calf after 20 minutes of heavy-ish cycling. To avoid a new injury, I have to wait a couple of days before going back to the gym.

How can I reduce this stiffness ? Should I drink more liquids ? Eat bananas ? (they are cheap here, I am from Brazil. And I remember hearing something about cramps and bananas) Do some sort of warm up exercise ? (which ?)

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    The calf is made up of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. This q/a about stretching the calf has info that should get you started until you get a full answer to your question. You also need to consider your form. – BackInShapeBuddy Nov 1 '14 at 23:30
  • @BackInShapeBuddy And the stretching should be done right before the cycling ? – josinalvo Nov 2 '14 at 0:44
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    "Dynamic stretching" can be done before exercise, but "static stretching" should be done after the tissue is warmed up. See #5. "When to stretch" in this answer. Here is some info on dynamic stretching. – BackInShapeBuddy Nov 2 '14 at 8:09
  • The obvious answer is "stop with the heavyish cycling", and make it much lighter. That will give your body a better chance to adapter. I would also make sure you are using your bike's gearing so that you don't have to push too hard. – Eric Gunnerson Nov 4 '14 at 5:05
  • Gradually increase efforts, instead of just jumping into "heavyish" cycling. Also, seat position and pedaling technique can impact calf activation a lot. – JohnP♦ Nov 6 '14 at 14:46

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