Training & Nutrition - Single leg training technique

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kdgrills
01-05-09, 08:26 PM
Hi,

I've been adding some single leg training to my regimen
and am not sure of the correct technique.

I've been letting one leg "float" for 30 - 60 seconds, switching legs,
and then spinning with both legs for 2 minutes prior to repeating.
It takes some effort not to cheat with with the floating leg.

Should I be taking one foot off the peddle completely, or is that
effort not to cheat part of the mental training?

Your thoughts appreciated.

DanteB
01-05-09, 08:48 PM
Take the foot off the pedal. The idea is to do nice perfect circles. With the other foot off the pedal you'll findout quick how good your circles are. They should be nice and smooth, no jerking.
Carbonfiberboy
01-05-09, 10:53 PM
Wedge the "lazy foot" in the frame triangle. 2 minutes one leg, 2 minutes other leg, 2 minutes legs together. It should hurt. Best done on trainer or rollers.

kdgrills
01-06-09, 03:58 AM
OK, off the pedal it is. I understood the goal (better form), but the couple articles I read weren't clear about the other foot.

I am on the trainer. Currently doing 30 - 60 seconds per leg (focusing on correct form), planning to increase interval and cadence as I improve. Or would I be better off toughing out a longer interval and maintaining cadence, assuming improvement will come along with that?
Carbonfiberboy
01-07-09, 09:16 PM
I am on the trainer. Currently doing 30 - 60 seconds per leg (focusing on correct form), planning to increase interval and cadence as I improve. Or would I be better off toughing out a longer interval and maintaining cadence, assuming improvement will come along with that?Better off toughing it out IMO. Try doing one interval at about 50 cadence, next interval at about 85 cadence. Much bigger gear for the slow one. Go back and forth like that. Focus on form on the slow one, pain on the fast one. Moving the leg more slowly helps you focus on what's happening. Keep a taut chain the whole stroke, esp. during the fast one. You do that, you're doing fine.
kdgrills
01-10-09, 12:55 PM
Better off toughing it out IMO. Try doing one interval at about 50 cadence, next interval at about 85 cadence. Much bigger gear for the slow one. Go back and forth like that. Focus on form on the slow one, pain on the fast one. Moving the leg more slowly helps you focus on what's happening. Keep a taut chain the whole stroke, esp. during the fast one. You do that, you're doing fine.

OK, I'll give that a go this coming Monday.

Thanks for helping with my self torture. :D