Subtitle: Major surgery does not have to mean retirement. For one Enduroco athlete, hip replacement became the start of a new season.
Athletes often fear major injury or surgery as the end of identity. For cyclists, the bike can also be a rehab tool.
An Enduroco discussion around Raghav, a 42-year-old rider preparing for total hip replacement, asked a simple question: “Can I return to training after this?”
Community response: yes, often stronger than expected, if progression is patient.
The prehab advantage
Raghav entered surgery fit.
As Gaurav, who had the same procedure, noted: fitness before surgery often improves recovery trajectory.
If surgery is planned, build durability without aggravating the injury. A stronger base can improve postoperative resilience.
Return to the trainer
Cycling is uniquely useful because it is low impact.
A typical progression shared by the community:
- Weeks 2-3: back-pedaling and zero-resistance mobility spins.
- Around week 6: higher Zone 1 spinning for circulation.
- Around week 12: gradual return to structure if medically cleared.
The mental challenge
The hardest part is patience, not motivation.
Recovery is nonlinear. Some days feel excellent, others feel flat. Early on, focus less on pre-injury numbers and more on consistent movement quality.
Conclusion
The bike supports load, restores range, and rebuilds confidence. If you are facing a setback, treat cycling as part of your rehab system, not just your performance system.