Training & Nutrition - Stretching/Core vs. Training

Ok in a perfect world where I don't work and can do whatever I want all day, I should do core exercises and stretch regularly. This helps my comfort, helps me stay stable, use less energy blah blah blah.

In the real world I have a limited amount of time to train/ride and if my #1 goal is to be faster/win races, isn't my time better spent riding my bike than stretching?

Just staying...

You can do a basic abs routine that will have you see results in 6 weeks, plus a few stretches, that will take no more than about 15 minutes a day.

Do you spend 15 minutes a day watching TV? If so, do your abs and stretching then.

Ok in a perfect world where I don't work and can do whatever I want all day, I should do core exercises and stretch regularly. This helps my comfort, helps me stay stable, use less energy blah blah blah.

In the real world I have a limited amount of time to train/ride and if my #1 goal is to be faster/win races, isn't my time better spent riding my bike than stretching?

Just staying...

stretching and core IS part of getting faster and winning races. why? it'll help with your endurance and stamina.

I am sure I'll get flamed for it (I have read the comments here about Bicycling Magazine) but, the latest issue of Bicycling has a short (15 min) core workout that seems pretty good. I have added this to my routine. Of course, I am a newbie so it is challenging to me.

Ok in a perfect world where I don't work and can do whatever I want all day, I should do core exercises and stretch regularly. This helps my comfort, helps me stay stable, use less energy blah blah blah.

In the real world I have a limited amount of time to train/ride and if my #1 goal is to be faster/win races, isn't my time better spent riding my bike than stretching?

Just staying...

Uh...no. To train your core takes (literally) 5 minutes max. Stretching also would take 5-15 min. You're not going to get much training in 10-20 min (since it'd include putting on the shorts, shoes, getting the bike outside and later putting it back, leaving you maybe 2-12 min). If you really only have the time to stretch/core train, then you don't have time to train on a bike.

Could somebody post these core exercises?

I do crunches and something called a "Bicycle maneuver" ... that's about it!

And I do a very basic weights routine as well.

Ok in a perfect world where I don't work and can do whatever I want all day, I should do core exercises and stretch regularly. This helps my comfort, helps me stay stable, use less energy blah blah blah.

In the real world I have a limited amount of time to train/ride and if my #1 goal is to be faster/win races, isn't my time better spent riding my bike than stretching?

Just staying...

Don't you think having increased comfort and using less energy (and using more muscles and significantly reducing your chance of injury) helps you be faster or win races?

I've started stretching during big group meetings.

Sit on an exercise ball at the office instead of a chair. Ab workout complete.

Could somebody post these core exercises?

sorry about this site; but these exercises are good one's
http://www.askmen.com/sports/fitness_top_ten/36_fitness_list.html

like the others have said, it should be and must be part of your routine if you want to go faster. mine takes 30 minutes max, which really is not that much time. later.

I'm totally the stiff man. For the last month, I've been trying to stretch once a day, and its helping me be more comfortable riding in the drops, and adapting to a pretty aggressive setup.

I do a simple routine from Eddy B's Bicycle Road Racing book. ( I know a lot of the books dated, but the stretching part is pretty simple to follow and is bike oriented). Takes 10 minutes or so, and I do it while watching TV with the family.

I am sure I'll get flamed for it (I have read the comments here about Bicycling Magazine) but, the latest issue of Bicycling has a short (15 min) core workout that seems pretty good. I have added this to my routine. Of course, I am a newbie so it is challenging to me.
Someone gave me a gift subscription to Bicycling Magazine - the article on core workout is pretty good. I just added that to my routine & can feel it....