veghead

Has anybody tried this DVD core/cycling training program? Please let me know what you think, I would hate to blow $59!



https://www.cyclo-core.com/

Bruco

Watching DVD's doesn't make you fitter or faster, does it? I don't know this one, but I reckon that a good book and a (on-line) training schedule does a better and cheaper job.

BloomBikeShop

I was tempted to try it. I liked Graeme's sample workout, and I had never heard of Hindu squats before. I couldn't justify $50 though.

It looks good to me though.

https://bloombikeshop.com/articles/he...erworkouts.htm

Brownie

I am also looking into this as well.

Its a bit pricey, but looks like you get a fair amount for $60.

It would be nice if someone atleast owned it and could give us an opinion.

VenusdeVelo

I have Cyclo-Core and Cyclo-Zen, but not Cyclo-Speed (and I've not purchased his training programs). I like them, but to really get the benefits, you need to believe not only in the training on your bike piece (obvious) but also believe in the benefits of core strength for cyclists. He (Graeme Street) spends a good deal of DVD time on core workouts (using a fitness ball, power yoga) and flexibility and general strength (yoga). Georgena Terry (Terry Bicycles) has also touted his program on her blog (w/no affiliation claims).

Now as far as value, you get alot on the DVDs and CDs: 1.) indoor cycling routines (no, they're not as entertaining as Spinervals, but they accomplish the goals and are short and sweet so to speak...less than an hour I think most are), 2.) nutrition tips and discussions with other experts, 3.) power yoga routines, 4.) recovery yoga routines, etc. I have also found that his power yoga routines will challenge those of you who are, shall we say, a bit "testosterone-laden" with your strength training....try his 8 minute power yoga consecutive times and see how you feel (this is the one with hindu quats, which are similar to squats with more controlled arm movement and coming up on toes to work a great set of leg muscles). When you think about the fact that every Spinervals DVD is around $25-$30, they're not cheap either, and Street's programs give you the equivalent of a few DVDs. The key also is this is a more holistic program so you get the "whole thing". You pick and choose your workouts (based on a logical combination) but you get a good complete program for $60ish. I am not one who can sit on my trainer for an hour or more without a DVD, so that's my point of reference for my training. I do supplement Cycle-Core/-Zen with Spinervals as well because I like them as well for my aerobic or interval training.

So I give it an A- or B+, but again, I am a firm believer in yoga/core trainingfor cyclists so I believe in his philosophies. And again, it's not your typical mellow, relaxing yoga, it's power yoga, you'll get your heart moving and get the benefits of the flex and strength.

Has anyone out there tried or seen his new Training Programs?

BloomBikeShop

I've tried it now...

https://coachlevi.com/reviews/cyclocore.htm

CapeRoadie

Mine's on the way. I'm a strength and conditioning specialist, a chiropractic physician, a team physician for NCAA baseball, and a former pro soccer team physician. I've been an event physician for extreme sports and endurance sports. I've looked at a lot of core programs, most of them with some very good things to do.

I believe "core" training is the first thing everyone should do, along with easy cardiovascular exercise. For more advanced athletes, the core is also the best place to begin. That's because there IS NO HUMAN MOVEMENT without INITIAL contraction of the "core" muscles. Tranverse abdominus is perhaps one of the most, if not THE most important muscles in the core, the first to contract in the body. Yet how many of us even know where it is, how it moves, what it moves, or how to strengthen it.

So, IMHO, any "core" program is a good idea. I ordered this one because it is cycing-oriented, and I am new to cycling. I'm constantly looking for something new, anything new. I am very familiar with Stuart McGill, Gwen Jull, Juan Carlos Santana, Michael Boyle, Paul Chek, Al Vermeil, Gary Gray, Gray Cook, Vern Gambetta and others. I have received training from all of them. I imagine that Graeme Street is the cycling version of these trainers. The funny thing is that there really is no "sports specific" training, except for the sport itself. Everyone should be working the core and performing functional movements when training (i.e., functional training). So, I'll let you know how Mr. Street does when I get it.

bkennedype

A friend of mine bought the Cyclo-Core DVD. He's away and I've had it for 2 weeks. It's a great workout for abs, back, thighs, hip flexors...I'm a 44 year-old recreational cyclist who competes in club and charity races, but mostly I'm riding to regain the fitness I lost over the past 20 years. This DVD is a pretty decent workout that can be easily modified to suit your personal fitness level...75 hindu squats not enough, pause the DVD and do 50 more. Use 20lb instead of 10lb for some of the other exercises. You can work 10-20 minutes on the trainer in between sets - do 30 second intervals to push intensity level. No problem to get the heart rate up if you seriously work at your intensity level. I really enjoyed the DVD and will be giving it back this week. Maybe I'll get Cyclo-Speed and share with my cycling friend. You get a different workout than just riding the trainer. It definitely is something I'm considering as a year-round fitness activity...although it will be less often come spring.

xcrossclimber

I am fortunate enough to have purchased both Matt Brindles Power-Up DVD and Cyclo-core training program. Grameme’s Cyclo-core training program is a good core strengthen program. Matt Brindles Power-Up DVD goes a step further and truly addresses tri-planer movement and functional strength for cyclists. Grameme’s program mainly focuses on one plan of movement. Cycling involves moving in all three planes of movement especially when you are standing up in a sprint or hill climbing. Matt’s DVD addresses this comprehensively. Matt’s DVD also has a lot more exercises that Cyclo-core training program. I did the Cyclo-core training program and got bored after a few weeks with all the Hindu squats that Graham seems to pop up in all his exercises. The menu systems is well thought out with Matt’s DVD as you can go directly to the exercise within the program. Graham’s program has a high component of aerobic exercises where as Matt’s DVD is mainly focused in strength, which is what I was wanting from a strength program. Graham has parts of the program where he gets to ride a bike. Well I can ride a bike anytime. I was disappointed with Grahams program for this as I was paying for a strength program. Matt also introduces Mobilises which is a new way of stretching that produces better results than conventional static stretching. Graham’s stretches are all static.

Matt’s DVD is tough too. You only have to watch Matt actually struggle through some of the advanced exercises, and he does them all the time!

I will however give Graham some credit. His video production is better than Matt’s DVD but saying that Matt’s DVD is still of a good standard and it doesn’t distract from the content being presented. Also Graham’s DVD is in plan English where as Matt’s DVD uses a lot of new terminology which he introduces in one of the menu options. You have to watch it a few times to get the understanding right. Again, you can bypass this and get straight to the exercises if you just don’t want to know about the theory behind them.

I was a bit apprehensive purchasing a product from Australia (it’s only available in PAL). But I took the risk seeing as the Australian’s are doing so well on the Track and the Road (Robie McEwan - three times TDF green jersey winner, Stuart O'Grady - Winner to the Paris Roubaix this year, Baden Cooke, Cadel Evans, Matt Wilson etc). I was surprised to find out that Australia has one the best cycling development programs in the world which is heavily Government funded through a programme run by Cycling Australia. Australians are sports crazy! I glad I did as it seems Matt’s material comes directly from such a well developed sports program.

Another thing is that Matt's DVD is on special in pre-release mode whatever that is for $59.00 Australian Dollars. The product I got was comprehensive and complete. I don’t know how long the special is for as on the website (www.cycling-inform.com) it quotes the RRP as $79.00. This is cheaper than Graham’s DVD even at full price.

And the results, I’ve has this knee problem for a while on the bike. This disappeared after a few weeks on Matt’s program. I thing it might have something to do with the tri-planer movement he gets you to do. I’m also riding a grade higher. It’s fantastic to be able to ride with the big boys. The most recent tours I’ve been doing I’m just amazed that I look over an there beside me is the tour leader in his jersey. Matt’s DVD has somehow given me an edge on the hills and the sprints so I can now stay with the leader. I’m not winning races yet but I’m certainly much closer now.

All in all I like Matt’s DVD is much better. It’s cheaper. I think that it is well though out. Progresses much better from beginner to advance levels of Tri-Planer functional strength and is actually a true functional strength program specifically targeted for cyclists. Graham’s DVD seemed to be based on content that he has cobbled together from some yoga class. Also the material is getting rather dated now....

ericgu

I have core and zen (bought together), and speed (bought recently).

Because of some other issues I've had, I wasn't able to spend a lot of time with core, but I have spent a lot of time on the Zen "fix the back, stay in the drops" strength and stretching. I went through two sets of PT to try to get through the back problems I had with only minimal issues, and while I can still overstress the muscles if I try, for the most part I have no problems on the bike any more and I'm so much more flexible.

I am planning on spending a lot more time on both core and zen this off season.

ginsu

Is there any sort of mechanism by which we can trade DVDs with other mambers. I am not talking copies of DVDs, the real dvds. Not into piracy here, just switching it up a bit. All I have is the DVD that came with my cycleops (CTS Time Trial) and I am getting bored of it. Maybe borrow for a few weeks them return?

any thoughts?

jeffremer

+1 I've got Cyclo-core and Zen. While doing both somewhat regularly (once or twice a week on top of normal training) has certainly made me feel a lot more stable I don't necessarily have a glowing recommendation mostly because I'm not a workout DVD kind of guy. I'd rather be out riding, but come off season I'm going to try it 3x a week on top of rides/trainer work.

If you got some extra cash go for it - it seems pricey but as others have said you get a lot for your money.