Not Strictly a Cycling Related Post but it is Fitness

[Dave the Smeghead]

As a cyclist I am keen to build up my muscle tone (and lose some flab) in my upper body.

I have been shown some stuff by a PTI from work (currently working with the Royal Engineers) using tractor tyres (have you ever felt how heavy they are?) and "battleropes" (basically the sort of rope used in tug 'o' war).

What I need to know is where can I pick up a tractor tyre and a battlerope for not a fortune? I have never tried to buy this sort of thing before.

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[ianrauk]

Forget all that.
Just get on your bike and ride. The more riding you do the fitter and more toned you become.

 

[Dave the Smeghead]

Forget all that.
Just get on your bike and ride. The more riding you do the fitter and more toned you become.

But cycling doesn't really work on building muscle tone in your arms, shoulders and back, plus not improving your core strength - which will benefit my on bike strength

 

[ianrauk]

But cycling doesn't really work on building muscle tone in your arms, shoulders and back, plus not improving your core strength - which will benefit my on bike strength

You really believe that?

I'm as fit as a butchers dog, with a very good core strength and a good muscle tone. It's down to one thing and one thing only. Regular cycling.

 

[screenman]

You really believe that?

I'm as fit as a butchers dog, with a very good core strength and a good muscle tone. It's down to one thing and one thing only. Regular cycling.

That is what you think. I would disagree.

 

[Dave the Smeghead]

You really believe that?

I'm as fit as a butchers dog, with a very good core strength and a good muscle tone. It's down to one thing and one thing only. Regular cycling.

Thats as maybe; for me I want to do some decent core and upper body strengthening which I know will improve my on bike strength, spped and endurance.
I cycle as many days as I can, and usually between 15 and 30 miles. However, if I can only manage 5 miles due to time - thats what I will do.

 

[ianrauk]

That is what you think. I would disagree.

really? How can you disagree when you don't know me or what exercise I have or have not done?

There are more then enough people on this forum who know me and cycle with me that I think would agree with my statement.

 

[Dave the Smeghead]

Thats as maybe; for me I want to do some decent core and upper body strengthening which I know will improve my on bike strength, spped and endurance.
I cycle as many days as I can, and usually between 15 and 30 miles. However, if I can only manage 5 miles due to time - thats what I will do.

I meant speed!

 

[ianrauk]

Thats as maybe; for me I want to do some decent core and upper body strengthening which I know will improve my on bike strength, spped and endurance.
I cycle as many days as I can, and usually between 15 and 30 miles. However, if I can only manage 5 miles due to time - thats what I will do.

Cycling can do that for you.
But if you haven't the time or are not willing to put in the effort then perhaps pulling a tyre around on a bit of rope will help you

 

[Rob3rt]

If you want to work your upper body, feel free, but don't expect to reap on bike gains because unless you are beyond puny there won't be any resulting on bike gains.

 

[screenman]

really? How can you disagree when you don't know me or what exercise I have or have not done?

There are more then enough people on this forum who know me and cycle with me that I think would agree with my statement.

I would say that to have some of the things you claim then the cycling alone would not bring very strong core or arms. I would may be suggest that there are other factors you may not have thought of.

I am yet to meet a cyclist who got a good 6 pack just by riding a bike.

I am not suggesting that you are not a supreme athlete, how could I as I have never met you.

 

[ianrauk]

I would say that to have some of the things you claim then the cycling alone would not bring very strong core or arms. I would may be suggest that there are other factors you may not have thought of.

I am yet to meet a cyclist who got a good 6 pack just by riding a bike.

I am not suggesting that you are not a supreme athlete, how could I as I have never met you.

Well there you, I do have a good core (not saying I have a 6 pack tho) and do have strong arms.
And it's all through cycling, of which I do a lot.
Unfortunately I'm a desk jockey so have no time for other forms of exercise.

 

[screenman]

Well there you, I do have a good core (not saying I have a 6 pack tho) and do have strong arms.
And it's all through cycling, of which I do a lot.
Unfortunately I'm a desk jockey so have no time for other forms of exercise.

You might have good genes, just watching Tour of Turkey as I type, no muscular arms going on there to talk about.

 

[young Ed]

@Dave the Smeghead and @ianrauk i can confirm having had the pleasure of riding with @ianrauk he has great strength all over his body and is very nippy indeed on 2 wheels and has the muscles of someone you don't want to get on the wrong side of but i haven't tested this one yet! (basically i am saying ian is strong)
Cheers Ed

 

[Dave the Smeghead]

@Dave the Smeghead and @ianrauk i can confirm having had the pleasure of riding with @ianrauk he has great strength all over his body and is very nippy indeed on 2 wheels and has the muscles of someone you don't want to get on the wrong side of but i haven't tested this one yet! (basically i am saying ian is strong)
Cheers Ed

Young Ed - I have not, would not, and am no where near as presumptuous as to question anyones strength or speed.
All I want to do is work on my core and upper body strength, and was seeking to tap in to knowledge that you guys on this forum might have that I do not.
I know that probably every cyclist on here could out sprint, out pace and out endure (if there is such a thing but it goes with the theme) me on my bikes at any time, everytime. I am in no place to question or doubt anybody.
I am sorry I even posed the question now.