Endurance training plan

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

like this

Lost me

 

[black'n'yellow]

I even recall Wiggo himself saying that he hit the gym after the vuelta to increase upper body strength following his broken collar bone - didn't do him too much harm.

important bit highlighted in bold.

I'd be willing to be that somebody training 6 hours a week that also does weights would have a slight advantage over somebody just doing the 6 hours a week - all other things being equal.

because..?

It's not the theory that cyclists shouldn't do weights that is annoying (infact I can fully see all the arguments behind it), its the "weights are for idiots - are you an idiot?" tone that is coming across as a bit pompous - not by everyone I might add

Maybe I'm too insensitive - but I can't see any such tone here.

 

[vorsprung]

This constant "weights are useless" theme that seems to have come about these board is starting to get on my pecs.

Weights are useless because leg strength has nothing to do with an endurance discipline like cycling. I have heard of a one legged time trialist. He put in similar times before and after loosing his leg. Because the limiting factor wasn't his leg strength it was his cardiovascular efficiency. By this I mean that the limit of his performance was how much Oxygen per second he could get into his body not how hard he could push the pedals

Weights are important to cycling because a key element of performance is balancing or stability on the bike. Steve Hogg in this article http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/the-anatomy-of-bike-position claims that after aerodynamics and aerobic fitness this is the most important factor. So improving it will give performance gains. It is certainly the case that putting in big miles on a bike will lead to better core strength. However, certainly for beginners, a short cut to greater core strength is to do exercises, pilates or yoga.

To summarise, any weights that give better core strength are, in moderation, a good idea
Increasing leg strength isn't necessary and is a waste of time

As the specific aim being discussed here is endurance cycling, the most effective form of training will be ( uncontroversially ) endurance cycling. This form of training will probably be more useful than gym work

 

[ayceejay]

If the OP has not ridden a bike for twenty years he needs to build his CV fitness especially if endurance is the aim. Standing between him and his ambition will be the inevitable pain that his upper body suffers, shoulders back etc and the muscular stiffness that comes from the cycling, an exercise plan to deal with this would be a wise move.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

If the OP has not ridden a bike for twenty years he needs to build his CV fitness especially if endurance is the aim. Standing between him and his ambition will be the inevitable pain that his upper body suffers, shoulders back etc and the muscular stiffness that comes from the cycling, an exercise plan to deal with this would be a wise move.

OP was a runner. Fair to assume that there is some base fitness already.

Upper body pain/discomfort( shoulders/back) can also be related to bike position and fit thereof.

What would you recommend to cure this problem? (the OP isn't aware he has it yet of course) Bench press? Military press? Deadlift? Squat? Barbel curl? Farmers walks?


Another fine example of prescribing before knowing symptoms.

 

[ayceejay]

The OP said he "used to do a fair amount of running" but realizes that he needs to build up his "basic fitness" which is why the thread has taken the trajectory it has and while I realize the importance of proper bike fit, stretching (exercise plan)as a routine will help him over the INEVITABLE discomfort that comes with training.
I have no idea why you have taken such a combative tone.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

The OP said he "used to do a fair amount of running" but realizes that he needs to build up his "basic fitness" which is why the thread has taken the trajectory it has and while I realize the importance of proper bike fit, stretching (exercise plan)as a routine will help him over the INEVITABLE discomfort that comes with training.
I have no idea why you have taken such a combative tone.

And has been cycling for a few weeks. So I would love to know.

What the inevitable discomfort is? And how you know he is going to be uncomfortable? It's impossible that you could know the answer to either of those questions with enough clarity to recommend below.

an exercise plan to deal with this would be a wise move.

So he needs an exercise plan to combat pain he may have from training,but that isn't always caused by training (ie:fit)?

You know nothing really - yet have prescribed treatment for an imaginary symptom (please refer to my huge post above)

 

[black'n'yellow]

Got to agree with TMHNET here - there's no reason why riding a bike should give you any particular discomfort. It might - but if it does, that is probably down to poor position/fit - and as such any 'gym exercises' prescribed would probably be addressing the symptoms, rather than the cause...

 

[ayceejay]

What I find odd is that on another thread "stretches" TMHNET is saying almost exactly what I am saying here.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

What I find odd is that on another thread "stretches" TMHNET is saying almost exactly what I am saying here.

Eh nope. Entirely different subject

 

[RAYMOND]

All exercise is good no matter what.Afterall none of us are going for the olympics?
Its all about loving cycling which involves some level of fitness however its come by.
Personally i have always been fit through general exercise but still found running hard after a long absence.Same as cycling, i was only used to recreational 3-5 mile trips so when i got my road bike and tried 10 plus miles it was tough to start,its about practise practise practise,it becomes a bit easier as your body adjusts and gets used to it.

 

[Brahan]

Just get out on your bike and have fun. Ride your nuts off, then ride some more.

 

[JoeyB]

Do footballers just play football when training ?

No, but ultimately if your pressed for time then football is the best training for football. Or something lol

Naturally, if time is on your side then knock yourself out and go running, swimming, do weights etc.