Abdominal muscles?
10-12-08, 03:33 AM
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Abdominal muscles?
I didn't think that cycling really targeted the abs, but today I did about a 30-miler and I tried to keep the intensity up. It was probably my most intense training yet, because I'm trying to prepare for a 150km (about 93 miles) in January, my Road Cycling debut. But don't worry, I'm planning to increase my training distance in case you're worried.
Anyway, after my ride I noticed my abs (well, I don't really have abs, just a flat stomach), felt used. You know, that feeling after you've done situps or whatever. Not sore, just used. I didn't think that cycling was meant to target that area...
My technique can't be THAT off can it?
Anyway, after my ride I noticed my abs (well, I don't really have abs, just a flat stomach), felt used. You know, that feeling after you've done situps or whatever. Not sore, just used. I didn't think that cycling was meant to target that area...
My technique can't be THAT off can it?
10-12-08, 08:56 AM
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Sounds to me that if you had a sore core/abs then I'd suggest your technique is good.
Cycling back pain is usually due to a weak core. Also, the more circular your pedal stroke is the less reliant your upper body is on using the pedals as a stabilising platform .
If you get a chance to demo some PowerCranks I think you'd be quite suprised at how much your core muscles and lower back become involved. That is, once you stop resting on the pedals and instead apply driving force for the full pedal cycle.
Long story short, keep doing what you're doing. Extra core strength exercises (swiss ball, plank, etc.) can't hurt too.
edit: climbing hills will enhance the effect as you tend to pull up more especially at lower cadences.
Cycling back pain is usually due to a weak core. Also, the more circular your pedal stroke is the less reliant your upper body is on using the pedals as a stabilising platform .
If you get a chance to demo some PowerCranks I think you'd be quite suprised at how much your core muscles and lower back become involved. That is, once you stop resting on the pedals and instead apply driving force for the full pedal cycle.
Long story short, keep doing what you're doing. Extra core strength exercises (swiss ball, plank, etc.) can't hurt too.
edit: climbing hills will enhance the effect as you tend to pull up more especially at lower cadences.
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Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
Last edited by markhr; 10-12-08 at 08:59 AM. Reason: hills
10-12-08, 10:16 AM
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To bring your abs into the game you need a recumbent bicycle. Then you'll get a good workout!
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
10-12-08, 05:41 PM
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Sounds to me that if you had a sore core/abs then I'd suggest your technique is good.
Cycling back pain is usually due to a weak core. Also, the more circular your pedal stroke is the less reliant your upper body is on using the pedals as a stabilising platform .
If you get a chance to demo some PowerCranks I think you'd be quite suprised at how much your core muscles and lower back become involved. That is, once you stop resting on the pedals and instead apply driving force for the full pedal cycle.
Long story short, keep doing what you're doing. Extra core strength exercises (swiss ball, plank, etc.) can't hurt too.
edit: climbing hills will enhance the effect as you tend to pull up more especially at lower cadences.
Cycling back pain is usually due to a weak core. Also, the more circular your pedal stroke is the less reliant your upper body is on using the pedals as a stabilising platform .
If you get a chance to demo some PowerCranks I think you'd be quite suprised at how much your core muscles and lower back become involved. That is, once you stop resting on the pedals and instead apply driving force for the full pedal cycle.
Long story short, keep doing what you're doing. Extra core strength exercises (swiss ball, plank, etc.) can't hurt too.
edit: climbing hills will enhance the effect as you tend to pull up more especially at lower cadences.
10-12-08, 06:13 PM
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Possibly - the whole core strength thing is often overlooked, especially in cycling (push harder to go faster
).If it doesn't go away as you get fitter then check that you're not too stretched out, i.e., need a shorter stem.
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shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
