Originally Posted by
RollCNY
Just an opinion, but I have done many of the exercises on page 1, and have found them helpful for general quality of life / back soreness. All the plank varieties, body weight squats, and a modified pushup recommended from PT (holding plank position, and then raise and lower your body just at your shoulders) help resolve general lower back soreness when I get it.
After page 1, very little of this thread was about your initial question, IMO.
Edit: I forgot involute squats. I like those too.
The quality of life benefits tend to be overlooked in these arguments. I can also only write regarding my experience. I have been cycling a long time, and what training with weights and core exercises have done for me is making me a better athlete. Specifically, my neck does not get as sore as it used to after long (5/6 hour) rides because my core muscle holds me and my neck up much better than it used to, I can ride longer standing up on the pedals when climbing (and I am a clyde at 210Ibs), and my recovery is much better after longish rides. Nothing aches after long rides, just exhaustion (this is probably more fit than core).
The bottom line? I am a better overall athlete from working with weights and my core. And that includes other sports that I do, tennis and hiking up hills and mountains.
Cycling is an athletic activity, and if you work at becoming a better athlete, it is bound to help your cycling. Of course, you have to spend most of your time actually riding than weight training or working your core, but no doubt those things have helped me tremendously.YMMV!