Non-bike training to supplement my cycling

Alex_Simmons/RST

le_grimpeur wrote:

if that is the case, why do professional cyclists work on their core strength, do cross-training, running and nordic ski-ing as part of their training regime?

Because they can. If you were going as hard as they do for 25-30,000km/year, you'd probably want some time off doing something fun/different.

le_grimpeur wrote:

Alex_Simmons/RST wrote:

Show me the evidence that such training (Cross-training) has any great affect on reducing the likelyhood of sustaining an injury while riding a bike

Whilst I cannot provide evidence in support of Cross training,

Enough said.

Time riding a bike improving skills would more likely reduce the risk of sustaining an injury in the first place, since you'll become a better, safer rider.

SpinningJenny

I'm totally comfortable with the feeding and drinking side of things and TBH I'm not overly concerned about doing it in a particular time. I just want to be in one piece at the end and to have enjoyed it!

There'll be around 2,000 other people on the ride, so it won't be anywhere nearly as crowded as the London to Brighton (hurrah!).

Rev\'d Gatlin

I was on Dadcab duties and had an evening to kill whilst the young'uns were somewhere in a moshpit. I blagged a guest pass at gym and took part in a spinning class. The Scandinavian instructor would definitely be in the top three, good looking girls on the lycra forum. Pride is a fine motivator. I would recommend it. It was good to see how hard I could push myself and not blow up and not be miles from home/help. As a result I now put more effort into hill repeat sessions and have a bit more confidence that I'm not going to pass out and keel over. And I don't reach for the easiest gear quite as quickly. I would go spinning again.

The tunes were a bit too Ayia Napa though. Wouldn't mind spinning to Bluegrass.

SpinningJenny

I avoid spin classes like the plague - all the ladies (apart from me) put make-up on before entering the studio, in order to pull the instructor

Whereas I turn up to the gym in whatever is clean - and it ain't necessarily going to match.

Strictly functional - that's me!

But I still look fab

PeteinSQ

On very good reason to do running and a bit of weight training if your main (or only) excercise is cycling is to improve bone density. Professional cyclists have been shown to have much reduced bone densities which can lead to osteoporosis. Running and weight training increase bone density and running will of course help with your cardio fitness too.

teagar

vision267 wrote:

rowing is a very good supplement

Only if you know how to use a rowing machine/ how to row properly. Everyone seems to think they know untill they end up at the physio with a busted back.

Not cool.

Unless you've had a rowing coach tell you how to use/do it, you probably are using it incorrectly.

Chaz.Harding

Can't say I'm an awesome cyclist, mainly because I'm not.. :oops:

I do alot of gym work, and I've found that I can throw my bike about ALOT more than alot of guys who I see at races etc. Not that it's ALWAYS a good thing, because it's not, but if I sprint up hills, or any sprint really, that fact that I am all-over strong HAS to play at least a small part.

Yes, I do weigh more due to having more upper body muscle mass, but I'm a power-guy, not a skinny race whippet. Just depends on how you as an individual feels on what is beneficial for you.

Try it for a season - row, run, do some weights, swim, whatever you feel will work on whatever is a weak area.

It works for me, thats all I'm saying. Totally un-scientific Alex_Simmons/RST, I know, so try not to take massive offense and cyber-hang me!

mclarent

Joe Friel recommends cross training in the winter (when you can't get outside), and also recommends weights to supplement cycling training, based on improvement in power / force that can be gained from improved leg strength. However, he's writing for people who want to race / achieve, not those who want to enjoy taking part in endurance based events. Also IIRC, he classifies anyone with < 3 years experience as a novice and says they should focus on building their endurance / cycling physiology.

Bottom line, IMHO, I go along with that - if all you do is cycling 12 months of the year you might find it hard to keep the motivation up there, change being as good as a rest. However, most novices don't have the cycling skills (endurance and efficiency being two key aspects) and should certainly concentrate on developing those areas without the "distraction" of cross training.