Why do tennis players cycle after a match?

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1 min read

Tennis players use a stationary bike for 10-15 minutes after a match as part of their post-match recovery routine. There are several key reasons for this:

  1. It helps remove lactic acid buildup in the muscles that occurs during the high-intensity match. Lactic acid can lead to muscle soreness, cramping, and fatigue.

  2. Light cycling promotes blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, aiding recovery. It's considered an "active recovery" that is more effective than passive rest.

  3. Gradually reducing exercise intensity on the bike brings the muscles back to a normal state in a more effective manner compared to suddenly stopping.

  4. The main muscle groups targeted are the quads, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves, which are heavily used in tennis.

  5. It's part of a comprehensive post-match recovery process that also includes hydration, nutrition, stretching, massage, ice baths, and sleep to help players recover quickly for their next match.

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