These days I do a modest number of situps and pushups a few times a week. Well, 3 times a week to be precise. I'm not trying to accomplish any great fitness program this way - I know that crunches are better than situps etc. and I have no illusion that this is of any particular use to my riding ability or anything else. It just feels good to use muscles that I don't usually condition and to make some progress with them. Maybe it's just winter boredom.

Anyway, the general program is that I do 5 sets of each, 3 days a week (Ssshhh. I actually do them on the carpet in my office, interspersed with work). The first 4 sets are the same number, and then I push my limits on the 5th set.

What is interesting is how easy it is to make progress and build strength. Early on, I could only do about 10 of each in the longest set, and I hurt for days afterwards. Now my first 4 sets are about 40 of each and the last set is 60-70, and I've only been doing this for a few months.

Now I know that this easy progress is because I'm just starting out - it's akin to how one easily adds miles and speed in the first season of riding. Also, this is not cardio. Still, what impresses me is that I can make such tangible progress with so many rest days. I would never think of sitting out cycling or some other substitute cardio 4 days a week. (well, that's also because I love riding, of course)

It just reinforces what we already know about building strength for anything - INCLUDING CYCLING - Your muscles need to be pushed to their limits AND THEY NEED PLENTY OF REST.