Weight training + Cycling

[black'n'yellow]

in these circuit races i started the year (my first go) in the clubman class and got dropped after 20 mins. now i'm helping to pull this class along and when the scratch guys are passing us i'm able to ride on their tails for a few miles @ +5mph and then drop off, but still finish in amoung a4/a3 riders. so i have a lot of improvement in a few months but a way to go yet, and about 5lbs to lose

i understand that cycling isnt about doing 15-20 reps then resting, but is being able to turn and hold the next larger gear all about aerobic function?

thanks for that reply btw!

Where are you from - doesn't sound like you are in the UK..? To answer your question though - turning the next gear is entirely about improved aerobic function/output.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

An alternative point of view: Weight Training For Cyclists.

 

[black'n'yellow]

An alternative point of view: Weight Training For Cyclists.

most of that is about core training though - a bit different to what we're talking about here.

 

[poynedexter]

Where are you from - doesn't sound like you are in the UK..? To answer your question though - turning the next gear is entirely about improved aerobic function/output.

northern ireland chum, co down.

i've been doing spin classes as my only off bike training for the past 12 months, cause mon- fri bike time is difficult. i certainly dont want to cause any negative progress by using weights!

 

[black'n'yellow]

northern ireland chum, co down.

i've been doing spin classes as my only off bike training for the past 12 months, cause mon- fri bike time is difficult. i certainly dont want to cause any negative progress by using weights!

ok - I didn't recognise the A4/A3 category thing, but NI runs under a different system. In all honesty, I woldn't bother with weights if you are intent on improving your cycling fitness. Do you have a turbo? If so, I would ditch the spin classes in favour of some proper turbo workouts...

 

[Sittingduck]

Do you have a turbo? If so, I would ditch the spin classes in favour of some proper turbo workouts...

Out of interest, what's wrong with spinning?

 

[Rob3rt]

The guy shouting loads of bollocks at you and "wasting" your time doing non-cycling specific things. Spin classes are quite good, but the drills are generally more aimed at the "keep fit" or "lose weight" crowd, rather than cyclists (unless you go to a cycling specific class, such as at the Velodrome) so while you will gain fitness and shed pounds and maybe get your max cadence up, you could probably make better use of the time.

 

[Sittingduck]

Interesting thoughts. I always really enjoyed spin, when I was going to the gym. I felt it had it's benefits that transferred to the bike, too. Turbo work, on the other hand, I never took to.

 

[Rob3rt]

It will have benefits, just depends on what you want to get out of it I suppose. For cycling specific improvement's chances are you will get more out of doing cycling specific workouts, that's not to say you won't benefit from non-cycling specific training, just a case of weighing up time spent for that gained. I don't mind the turbo.

My experience of spin was that I would have been okay with it as a general fitness class, but I wanted to train my cycling which meant riding in the position I do on my bike, so when the guy kept telling me not to ride in a position that was closest to my actual road position I kind of gave up on it.

 

[black'n'yellow]

Out of interest, what's wrong with spinning?

In principle, nothing. But as Rob3rt says, if you are 'sports' cyclist targeting performance improvements, then specific cycle-based training makes a lot more sense and will be a lot more productive.

 

[poynedexter]

i have a turbo, but it breaks my heart. when i do spin i work bloody hard, use plenty of resistance and a high heart rate. it gets a mixture of positions and cadence. it usually lasts 20 mins before class and a 45 min class. its not a road cycle but in winter week nights its good fun. i'll keep it in my tool box. if thats not cycling specific i dunno what is. i work till 5.15 and am on a spin bike at 5.40 twice or thrice a week.

 

[black'n'yellow]

if it's 'good fun' - then it probably isn't giving you much training benefit...

 

[poynedexter]

well i get to watch girls rear ends while puffing and panting, so it has its benefits the term fun is used loosely!

 

[RAYMOND]

Squats....its the best way to build muscle,strengthen your leg muscles and glutes.
Either a dumbell in each hand ,squatting one leg at a time,ie i step forwards. Or barbell squats with weights on your
shoulders.
I do light training as i'm into keep fit,can't for the life of me get big thigh muscles though,youv'e either got
big legs to start with or you just strengthen them.

 

[black'n'yellow]

Squats....its the best way to build muscle,strengthen your leg muscles and glutes.
Either a dumbell in each hand ,squatting one leg at a time,ie i step forwards. Or barbell squats with weights on your
shoulders.
I do light training as i'm into keep fit,can't for the life of me get big thigh muscles though,youv'e either got
big legs to start with or you just strengthen them.

wahey..!!

Here we go again....