Body Cranks

Body Cranks Bike Lover • Exercise Sports Scientist • Cycling Strength & Conditioning • Sports Trainer • MTB Coach • Massage Therapist

I had a few people tell me this week I look “fit” — too right, I do. I look and feel fit because I live like it. Food, s...
12/12/2025

I had a few people tell me this week I look “fit” — too right, I do. I look and feel fit because I live like it.

Food, sleep, training, recovery — are non‑negotiable most days. This isn’t a temporary challenge or a 6‑week sprint; it’s an identity shift that shapes how I live, every day.

Staying committed is hard. Some weeks are messy. It’s not about perfection — I aim for 80% consistency. That’s what sticks. When I miss, I reset at the next meal, the next session, the next bedtime.

I’ve dropped a lot of weight — over 1/3 of my body weight — and have kept it off for 1.5 years. That took time and commitment: early mornings, planned meals, consistent training, daily walks, prioritising sleep, managing stress, and doing the unglamorous work when no one’s watching. I changed my life so the results could change — and stay.

You’re never “done.” Maintenance is the lifestyle. I stay on track by training at BodyCranks, leaning on friends who support me, motivate me, and encourage me to step outside my comfort zone, and regular tune‑ups with my myotherapist. Plus plenty of lengthy chats with my coach. This is where my commitment lives.

I've got some big goals for 2026.

Whats on your goal list?







Fuelin

Tour of Bright: My First Stage RaceThis past weekend I stepped out of my comfort zone and jumped into my first ever stag...
09/12/2025

Tour of Bright: My First Stage Race

This past weekend I stepped out of my comfort zone and jumped into my first ever stage race—the acclaimed Tour of Bright. I’d never ridden in the High Country and had zero experience with stage racing. Add in a niggling injury and a bout of illness, and my lead-up was… well, spotty. So I went in with no expectations—just to learn, have fun, and see what I could do.

Racing an open category (all ages) is daunting at my age. Lining up alongside women in their early 20s was intimidating—but also incredibly motivating. And wow, did I surprise myself.

Here’s how it went:

Stage 1 — Breakaway & Bounce Back

Found myself in the break early, got dropped on the descent, then chased by myself for a few kms and got back on before the Tawonga Gap climb. Finished 4th. I was buzzing.

Time Trial — Rain, Drama, Grit

Couldn’t clip in properly at the start and the rain was pouring. Had to stop to stash my visor in my pocket. Not ideal… but still managed 8th.

Stage 3 — Mt Buffalo Battle

Brutal climb. Broke away early with the same group of ladies and held on (barely!) until the last 5km. One sprinted; my legs said “nope.” Finished 5th—and felt proud.

5th overall isn't too bad for my first crack!

I left the weekend absolutely lit up by the experience—proof that stepping outside your comfort zone is where the good stuff lives. If you’re on the fence about trying something new, do it. You might just surprise yourself too.

Already counting down to next year’s Tour.






Cervélo
Effective Myotherapy


We’ve talked about the 'creaky' feeling and the power of short, consistent movement. So, what does this actually look li...
26/11/2025

We’ve talked about the 'creaky' feeling and the power of short, consistent movement. So, what does this actually look like for you?

It means targeting those key areas that riding can lock down for optimal performance and recovery.

Here's how I break it down:

Quads: Regularly releasing that tightness from the pedal stroke is essential. Incorporate dynamic stretches like leg swings or lunges to enhance flexibility and prepare your muscles for cycling.

Hips: Opening them up not only allows for better power output but also helps reduce strain during long rides. Try hip circles or dynamic hip flexor stretches to activate this crucial area.

Low Back: Gentle movements, such as cat-cow stretches or seated twists, can keep your lower back happy and pain-free. The goal is to maintain mobility and prevent stiffness that can come from prolonged sitting.

Shoulders/Neck: Releasing tension in these areas is vital, especially after long hours in the saddle. Incorporate neck rolls and shoulder shrugs before and after your ride to alleviate discomfort and enhance your posture.

Incorporate dynamic movements pre-ride or pre-gym to prime these muscle groups for the work ahead. After your session, engage in static stretching to promote recovery and maintain flexibility.

Remember, consistency is key! By dedicating just a few minutes to these practices, you’ll notice improved performance on the bike and reduced risk of injury. Let’s elevate our riding game together!

That moment you hop back on the bike after a few lazy days and everything feels... tight ? 😬 Yeah, the low back starts t...
25/11/2025

That moment you hop back on the bike after a few lazy days and everything feels... tight ? 😬 Yeah, the low back starts talking, the neck gets stiff, and suddenly your perfect pedal stroke feels a bit... 'off.' It's not a serious injury, just your body's way of sending up a little flare.

But here's the good news: you don't need a PhD in flexibility or an hour on the mat to fix it! The real secret? It's about smart, short bursts of movement. Consistency is king, and you can get HUGE benefits from just a little bit each day.

Stay tuned for my go to moves!

How are you moving your body today?

Strength training is not just for the gym!It directly translates to better cycling performance. Building specific streng...
24/11/2025

Strength training is not just for the gym!

It directly translates to better cycling performance. Building specific strength in your legs, core, and upper body will enhance your power on the bike.

Make your strength workout count by aligning it with your riding goals!

**

Ever feel like you're "fighting the bike" through every turn? You might be missing one crucial movement: the Cornering T...
19/11/2025

Ever feel like you're "fighting the bike" through every turn? You might be missing one crucial movement: the Cornering Technique.

Mastering your body movements not only improves your stability but also enhances your confidence while going downhill or through sharp bends.

Let us help you tackle those corners like a pro!

So, how do you actually put hydration into practice as it heats up?A few simple guidelines:1. Head out topped up, not al...
16/11/2025

So, how do you actually put hydration into practice as it heats up?

A few simple guidelines:

1. Head out topped up, not already behind.
2. For longer or hotter rides, use an electrolyte drink instead of just plain water – especially if you’re a heavy or salty sweater.
3. Drink small amounts regularly rather than smashing a whole bottle when you’re already thirsty.
4. After the ride, replace what you’ve lost – fluid and sodium are just as important as carbs and coffee (🤪) for recovery!

When you’re finishing rides with headaches, heavy legs, or feeling cooked for longer than you should be, it might not just be your fitness – your hydration strategy could do with a tune-up.

If you’re not sure what to use or how much you need, drop into the shop and we can help you sort out a basic hydration and electrolyte plan that fits your riding and the conditions you’re in and find the right supplement for your individual hydration needs!

Why Movement Matters for Riders!Think about it—if you can’t perform basic movements like touching your toes or hinging a...
13/11/2025

Why Movement Matters for Riders!

Think about it—if you can’t perform basic movements like touching your toes or hinging at the hips, you’ll struggle with essential biking skills.

Your Attack Position, manuals, and jumps all rely on these core patterns. Get your movements right to ride better!

Are you training with purpose to improve your movement patterns?

Ready to take your riding to the next level? Comment below or reach out to learn how Bodycranks can help you improve your movement skills and enhance your biking experience!

Celebrating Women in Bike Racing!What an incredible weekend! Not only did I get to enjoy the rush of racing my MTB, but ...
11/11/2025

Celebrating Women in Bike Racing!

What an incredible weekend! Not only did I get to enjoy the rush of racing my MTB, but I was also thrilled to see so many amazing women participating in the event!

It was wonderful to experience an atmosphere that was welcoming and non-intimidating. Here’s why I love events like this:

The number of women who raced showcased our growing community and the support we offer each other. It’s inspiring to see so many women embracing the challenge!

Events like these are designed to make everyone feel comfortable, regardless of skill level. It’s all about fun and camaraderie, not just competition.

Being around fellow female riders brought a sense of joy and solidarity. We cheered each other on throughout the course, making the experience even more memorable.

Let’s continue to lift each other up and encourage more women to join the sport!

How do you feel about the growth of women in cycling? Have you participated in any events that made you feel included?









Hey riders! One key breakthrough to improve your biking is this: movement is the foundation of your skills.  Many riders...
11/11/2025

Hey riders! One key breakthrough to improve your biking is this: movement is the foundation of your skills.

Many riders often overlook this simple concept, but it can truly change the game. If you’re struggling with your bike handling, your movement skills might be what’s holding you back! Think about it—it's challenging to execute advanced techniques when your body isn't moving efficiently.

At Bodycranks, we focus on building these essential movement patterns to help you feel more comfortable and confident on your bike.

Wow, what a weekend! I finally raced my MTB for the first time since March and loved the different pace and flow of this...
10/11/2025

Wow, what a weekend! I finally raced my MTB for the first time since March and loved the different pace and flow of this style of racing—so much fun, and so very different to road racing. It really reminded me how much I enjoy switching things up and challenging my body in new ways. If only the climbs were included in the timing 😆

Now comes the tricky part… recovery. I’ll be honest—I always struggle with this part of programming. My instinct is just to keep moving, but after a hard race, giving your body proper rest is key to really benefiting from all the effort you put in. Even a few easy spins, stretching, or complete rest can make a huge difference in how you feel for the next session.

How do you handle recovery after a big race? Do you love getting back on the bike straight away, or do you take a proper rest day?





Hydration is one of those basics that’s easy to overlook – until it goes wrong.As we head into the warmer months, it bec...
09/11/2025

Hydration is one of those basics that’s easy to overlook – until it goes wrong.

As we head into the warmer months, it becomes even more important for not only athletes, but also everyday riders to think about not just water, but electrolytes as well.

When you sweat, you’re not only losing fluid – you’re also losing sodium and other electrolytes that help regulate blood volume, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Studies show that as little as ~3% body mass loss from dehydration can impair endurance performance, increase perceived effort, and affect thermoregulation.

If you only replace water, you can still end up feeling flat, crampy, and off your game, even if you’ve “drunk plenty.”

Why electrolytes matter:

They help maintain blood volume so your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to deliver oxygen in the heat.

They support normal muscle function and can help reduce the risk of cramping and premature fatigue, especially when sodium losses in sweat are high.

They help keep your brain sharp – dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can affect cognition, reaction time, and decision-making.

Goulet, E. (2012). Dehydration and endurance performance in competitive athletes. Nutrition Reviews, 70, S132-S136.

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