Not Strictly a Cycling Related Post but it is Fitness

[ianrauk]

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.

Dont be sorry. It's a valid question you asked and I gave you a very valid answer.

Anyway your real question was where to get a tractor tyre. Have you any farms close by you could go ask?

 

[Dave the Smeghead]

Dont be sorry. It's a valid question you asked and I gave you a very valid answer.

Anyway your real question was where to get a tractor tyre. Have you any farms close by you could go ask?

That is something I will try, just a little worried about being shot at and told to "get off my land!"

 

[TheJDog]

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.

I think, for scientific purposes, we need a picture of you in your underwear, oiled-up.

 

[Spinney]

I think, for scientific purposes, we need a picture of you in your underwear, oiled-up.

 

[ianrauk]

I think, for scientific purposes, we need a picture of you in your underwear, oiled-up.

*blimey*

 

[ayceejay]

If it is your intention to work with tractor tyres and thick rope you will need to build up your strength first otherwise you are likely to injure yourself.

 

[young 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.

fair enough. not trying to frame you or put you in a bad light, i guess i am just backing up @ianrauk who is living proof that pure riding and plenty of it can and does build all parts of the body.
i too am pretty strong for my age (15) and that is compared to my year group of which many/most go to the gym several times a week where as i simply ride

if you are set on getting a tractor tyre than find your local claas or john deere or so workshop or just a general agricultural vehicle workshop and see what they can do for you. i have had a fair bit of experience with the farming world my self and find most farmers are happy and kind enough rather than the age old stereotype!
Cheers Ed

 

[Stu Plows]

Tractor Tyre - Farm (worth a try or they will point you in the direction of somewhere to get one they have had replaced)
Rope - Try a gym see if they have any spares, worth a try. Otherwise that stuff is gonna cost a lot!

 

[4F]

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.

e bay, there are plenty of both on there, I use both weekly at regular gym sessions. Agreed that it won't help bike fitness / strength but as part of an overall fitness plan then very good.

 

[Dave the Smeghead]

If it is your intention to work with tractor tyres and thick rope you will need to build up your strength first otherwise you are likely to injure yourself.

Thanks for the advice, but as I said I have been being advised by a PTI from the Royal Engineers, and been working out on base with him.

The work with the RE will be coming to an end in a couple of months, so I want to carry on the exercises when I am back at home.

 

[mcshroom]

The tyre will be there for resistance. Would a running parachute do the same job? Something like this: -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009OH7G4I

 

[stephec]

How about getting a chin up bar you can hook to a door frame, and doing some press ups as well if it's upper body work you want?

 

[Shut Up Legs]

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.

Same here, and for the same reason. No six-pack, but I really don't see any purpose for one. Oh, and none of you are getting any dirty pictures of me all oiled-up, so don't even ask!

 

[nickyboy]

It's interesting that in practically every physical sport, the pros do specific training that isn't just "doing" the sport. Cycling, being the old-fashioned stuck in the past sport that it is, has been slow to adopt this. Until comparatively recently, pro cyclists used to think that the best way to be fastest on their bike was to ride their bike a lot. Then the physiologists and the bio mechanics guys got involved. And they found that wasn't the case. To achieve best results pro cyclists need to do other things. Especially exercises relating to core strength. You get better results for your core strength doing specific core strength exercises rather than by cycling.

I understand that pro cyclists these days spend about an hour per day doing "off the bike" exercises. What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. If this is what a pro needs to be the best cyclist he can be, same applies for an amateur.

So this idea that all you need to do is ride your bike to be the best cyclist you can be seems to be nonsense.

 

[Dave the Smeghead]

It's interesting that in practically every physical sport, the pros do specific training that isn't just "doing" the sport. Cycling, being the old-fashioned stuck in the past sport that it is, has been slow to adopt this. Until comparatively recently, pro cyclists used to think that the best way to be fastest on their bike was to ride their bike a lot. Then the physiologists and the bio mechanics guys got involved. And they found that wasn't the case. To achieve best results pro cyclists need to do other things. Especially exercises relating to core strength. You get better results for your core strength doing specific core strength exercises rather than by cycling.

I understand that pro cyclists these days spend about an hour per day doing "off the bike" exercises. What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. If this is what a pro needs to be the best cyclist he can be, same applies for an amateur.

So this idea that all you need to do is ride your bike to be the best cyclist you can be seems to be nonsense.

I had read something similar to this and have spoken to the PTI at work who says the current thinking is exactly that - strengthen the core using core specific exercises and it will improve whatever other sport you are engaged in.

I appreciate all the advice and opinions given. Thank you.