Originally Posted by
Doge
Pretty much. Except it is not an imbalance unless you are a body builder or spending time in the weight room. The focus is in developing the cycling muscles - the go forward ones - vs. the keep the bar bell from falling over (think 140# kid under 300#). Squats require a level of coordination and supporting muscles that cycling alone will not give you, and cyclists don't need to have. As I posted - the football guys do squats.
The title of this thread had the word discussion in it. So I thought this was discussion worthy.
Trainer was a would champion body builder in the 70s and is a well known masters cyclist. He knows how to do a squat. I found his reasoning interesting.
You will find video of lots of track riders doing squats. I have not seen video of tour pros doing them. I do see video of tour pros using machines. Kittle does upper body work, and while not a climber has 2 UCI world championships in the (junior) TT.
A squat uses a lot.of other muscles to complete this is correct, but those not being relative to a cyclist is very much incorrect. A standard squat is a staple exercise. It targets many legs muscles which cyclists use everyday. It also requires the engagement of the core and back. Both of which are equally important as your legs. Developing a strong core directly affects your cycling and allows you to transfer more power to the pedals same with lower back. The balance require for the squat activates these muscles...a leg press does not. I'd question your trainer.