Des of Anerley BC
Regular
Frost bite was not on my New Year resolution list, so can some winter weight training replace lost miles on my bike? Perhaps, so I am giving it a try. See http://anerleybc.org/how-to-keep-fit-this-winter/
The rationale for Strength Training is that whilst cycling is an endurance sport it also requires strength to power the pedals. It has been shown that resistance training builds strength and that increased strength also helps to build endurance.
Now Mo is one of the lightest skiniest blokes around and he can fly. So if he is doing strength work with weights with a significant load for his build. I think there is something in this for cyclists too.
Distance running and endurance cycling might sound similar - but they're not.
You are overgeared - if you use a low enough gear then strength doesn't come into it! Top pro climber Contador doesn't have massive legs - he uses low gears on the steep stuff.I reckon I could do with a bit more pure strength in my legs (which weights would give me but I haven't got time). Reason: I'm OK on average hills but struggle on the really brutal stuff so could do with a bit more leg power.
I reckon I could do with a bit more pure strength in my legs (which weights would give me but I haven't got time). Reason: I'm OK on average hills but struggle on the really brutal stuff so could do with a bit more leg power. However, I'd doubt whether weights would help a great deal with endurance, for which miles on the bike seem to be the only answer. I do a bit of running when I'm not riding and it doesn't seem to make much difference.
Weights can help quite markedly with endurance, but without miles in the saddle as well its not really going to come to much. The former can complement the latter but not really replace it.I reckon I could do with a bit more pure strength in my legs (which weights would give me but I haven't got time). Reason: I'm OK on average hills but struggle on the really brutal stuff so could do with a bit more leg power. However, I'd doubt whether weights would help a great deal with endurance, for which miles on the bike seem to be the only answer. I do a bit of running when I'm not riding and it doesn't seem to make much difference.