weight lifting and cycling?
#1
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weight lifting and cycling?
It seems to me that upper body weight training is really looked down upon in the cycling world. I understand that broadening the shoulders and adding mass is not the best formula for being aerodynamic, but there has to be some positives, right?
I'm 21 years old, in college, and have been pretty athletic most of my life. I recently got into cycling (for tri's, but quit that idea to focus on cycling), and joined my college team, but I am really hesitant to give up my weight lifting.
Currently, I weigh close to 180 @ 5'9ish" with very low body fat. i want to race and be extremely competitive, so someone please tell me that having a powerful upper body can be an advantage!
...if it helps, im currently about a cat4 level, but am training very hard to be at a much higher level for the collegiate season in feb.
I'm 21 years old, in college, and have been pretty athletic most of my life. I recently got into cycling (for tri's, but quit that idea to focus on cycling), and joined my college team, but I am really hesitant to give up my weight lifting.
Currently, I weigh close to 180 @ 5'9ish" with very low body fat. i want to race and be extremely competitive, so someone please tell me that having a powerful upper body can be an advantage!
...if it helps, im currently about a cat4 level, but am training very hard to be at a much higher level for the collegiate season in feb.
#2
Making a kilometer blurry
If you can figure out how to pedal with your arms, you're all set. Other than that, bigger aero cross-section is bad, and extra weight on the climbs is bad. It's not that bad though, and shouldn't really matter in crit and general road racing until you get to Cat 2.
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thanks. what about different handlebar that might put me in a more aerodynamic stance?
problem is, my goal is cat 2 (at least be capable of competing at that level) by next summer sometime-- a little unrealistic, i know, but calendar goals are a great motivator for me.
problem is, my goal is cat 2 (at least be capable of competing at that level) by next summer sometime-- a little unrealistic, i know, but calendar goals are a great motivator for me.
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If you want to succeed at a high level, (other than perhaps as a sprinter/ crit specialist) you'll need to shed some upper body mass.
So if you want to advance in cycling rapidly, change your weight routine to core stregthening, and a very limited upper body work out a couple of times a week. Take the extra time and energy and devote it to training on the bike.
So if you want to advance in cycling rapidly, change your weight routine to core stregthening, and a very limited upper body work out a couple of times a week. Take the extra time and energy and devote it to training on the bike.
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sounds like it... i did cut 2 weight lifts a week for intense training on the bike. im done getting bigger, i just don't know if i am ready for me to slim down 20 pounds.
i do work my core the most, any recommendations as far as which section of the core to concentrate on? i concentrate on my back now when working core, especially since i began cycling...
i do work my core the most, any recommendations as far as which section of the core to concentrate on? i concentrate on my back now when working core, especially since i began cycling...
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So are you a Cat4? Are you getting close to your Cat3 upgrade? The reason I ask is because if you aren't, you really don't need to be too concerned about your weight training regime at this point in time.
Just as a frame of reference, I'm 6'2" 172lbs with ~8% body fat, and I'd be considered a larger rider. Unless you plan on being a Track Sprinter I think you're going to have to come to terms with the fact that you'll have to lean up a bit.
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#9
Making a kilometer blurry
I would concentrate on riding. Sprints and intervals.
If you need to get into the gym for your sanity, that's a different story, but it's not helping your cycling. Cut the weight in half and do more reps instead.
If your goal is to eventually get to Cat 2, then you need to completely refocus your life around cycling. Not that you should ride all the time or overtrain in any way, but you need to refrain from activities that could get in the way of your goal. Your exercise, recovery, sleep, and nutrition all need to be manhandled to reach your goal.
If you need to get into the gym for your sanity, that's a different story, but it's not helping your cycling. Cut the weight in half and do more reps instead.
If your goal is to eventually get to Cat 2, then you need to completely refocus your life around cycling. Not that you should ride all the time or overtrain in any way, but you need to refrain from activities that could get in the way of your goal. Your exercise, recovery, sleep, and nutrition all need to be manhandled to reach your goal.
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sounds like it... i did cut 2 weight lifts a week for intense training on the bike. im done getting bigger, i just don't know if i am ready for me to slim down 20 pounds.
i do work my core the most, any recommendations as far as which section of the core to concentrate on? i concentrate on my back now when working core, especially since i began cycling...
i do work my core the most, any recommendations as far as which section of the core to concentrate on? i concentrate on my back now when working core, especially since i began cycling...
#11
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not close to the upgrade, just riding at a cat4 level right now, and am confident i can improve a cat3 level (well speedwise anyway) by the new year hopefully.
in regards to my body mass, what would be an appropriate weight for a rider my size to be competitive in cat2? 160?
in regards to my body mass, what would be an appropriate weight for a rider my size to be competitive in cat2? 160?
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that is, assuming a fair amount of the weight is in the legs
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I just looked over at the Healthnet team roster. The average weight for the team should fall just above 150lbs. The heaviest guy was 182 at 6'1".
At Cat 2 those are the guys you will be racing.
At Cat 2 those are the guys you will be racing.
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thanks guys, you all are a lot more help than my riding buddies!
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#19
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Do weight training, but upper body weight training is a waste.
Especially for criteriums, leg weight training can really help. See this thread
https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycling-velodrome-racing-training-area/284182-weight-lifting-cycling.html
Especially for criteriums, leg weight training can really help. See this thread
https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycling-velodrome-racing-training-area/284182-weight-lifting-cycling.html
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not close to the upgrade, just riding at a cat4 level right now, and am confident i can improve a cat3 level (well speedwise anyway) by the new year hopefully.
in regards to my body mass, what would be an appropriate weight for a rider my size to be competitive in cat2? 160?
in regards to my body mass, what would be an appropriate weight for a rider my size to be competitive in cat2? 160?
On my former college team:
Me 5'7" 143 and dropping (Cat2 upgrade pending)
6'3" 170 Cat1
6'1" 170 Cat1
5'9" 150 Cat2 (should be a 1, has the points)
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Massive legs do not imply power, aside from the pure track sprinters. Take a look at any pro's legs and they are far skinnier than you would think.
Enlarged quads compared to the public, sure, but "big" legs...not really. You wouldn't know most elite riders are cyclists if you eliminated the tanlines and veins.
Enlarged quads compared to the public, sure, but "big" legs...not really. You wouldn't know most elite riders are cyclists if you eliminated the tanlines and veins.
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I see a lot about what one should look like ..
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