Things to improve performance (besides "just" riding)
12-22-08, 09:22 PM
#1
W.W.DZ.D?
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Things to improve performance (besides "just" riding)
What are some activities that improve cycling performance other than basic on-the-bike training (incl. intervals, hill repeats, etc.)? I've heard the basics like weightlifting, as well as things like jumping rope, yoga, plyometrics, and swimming. Do these work?
I'm looking for such things because I feel like I should be doing more than "just riding", even though I have a pretty dedicated training plan. Any ideas or links would be useful.
Thanks!
I'm looking for such things because I feel like I should be doing more than "just riding", even though I have a pretty dedicated training plan. Any ideas or links would be useful.
Thanks!
12-22-08, 09:41 PM
#3
Senior Member
I've found a lot of great nuggets in the racing forum under the "training status" thread.
Granted you need to cull through 30,000 post, but most of what you're looking for is in there.
Granted you need to cull through 30,000 post, but most of what you're looking for is in there.
12-22-08, 10:01 PM
#4
ride lots be safe
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Well, don't underestimate the value of structured, well-designed "on the bike" time. This is not the same as "just riding" but I think you get that.
After that in terms of importance is proper recovery. I think this is one of the great under-mentioned topics in internet dicussions. Many (most?) self-coached athletes are in a constant state of not-quite-recovered but not-quite-overtrained.
Diet comes next. And don't just blindly follow some plan - everybody has a different metabolism, different allergies and tolerances. You gotta find what works for you.
Next I'd put core work, calisthenics, yoga, plyometrics, flexibility.
After that in terms of importance is proper recovery. I think this is one of the great under-mentioned topics in internet dicussions. Many (most?) self-coached athletes are in a constant state of not-quite-recovered but not-quite-overtrained.
Diet comes next. And don't just blindly follow some plan - everybody has a different metabolism, different allergies and tolerances. You gotta find what works for you.
Next I'd put core work, calisthenics, yoga, plyometrics, flexibility.
12-22-08, 10:23 PM
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Well, don't underestimate the value of structured, well-designed "on the bike" time. This is not the same as "just riding" but I think you get that.
After that in terms of importance is proper recovery. I think this is one of the great under-mentioned topics in internet dicussions. Many (most?) self-coached athletes are in a constant state of not-quite-recovered but not-quite-overtrained.
Diet comes next. And don't just blindly follow some plan - everybody has a different metabolism, different allergies and tolerances. You gotta find what works for you.
Next I'd put core work, calisthenics, yoga, plyometrics, flexibility.
After that in terms of importance is proper recovery. I think this is one of the great under-mentioned topics in internet dicussions. Many (most?) self-coached athletes are in a constant state of not-quite-recovered but not-quite-overtrained.
Diet comes next. And don't just blindly follow some plan - everybody has a different metabolism, different allergies and tolerances. You gotta find what works for you.
Next I'd put core work, calisthenics, yoga, plyometrics, flexibility.
And don't forget studying strategy if you're racing. Several good books on that, including Roadie by Jamie Smith.
12-23-08, 09:46 AM
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if you want to ride faster you need to ride.
The only off the bike things that will really help your riding, IMHO are 1) rest, 2) proper nutrtion, and 3) some core stregthening exercises (and its questionable whether that will make you any faster.)
As for doing other exercises, they are not going to be as productive as time on the bike. And to the extent they take away from bike time, or recovery time may actually be counterproductive to making you a faster cyclist. ( however, they make you more balanced, both mentally and physically, just not faster.)
The only off the bike things that will really help your riding, IMHO are 1) rest, 2) proper nutrtion, and 3) some core stregthening exercises (and its questionable whether that will make you any faster.)
As for doing other exercises, they are not going to be as productive as time on the bike. And to the extent they take away from bike time, or recovery time may actually be counterproductive to making you a faster cyclist. ( however, they make you more balanced, both mentally and physically, just not faster.)
