Who's started training for next year?

[Enigma2008]

Weight training!! Everyone to their own, some say it works though there is a body of evidence that indicates weight training doesn't help cycling. Hunter Allen's book raises this and puts a strong argument against using weights for the legs. I think developing the upper body (core) is a good thing but (for a road cyclist) there ain't much to be gained from squats (other than sore legs or a bad back) unless you're a track sprinter who wants legs like Sir Chris.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Weight training!! Everyone to their own, some say it works though there is a body of evidence that indicates weight training doesn't help cycling. Hunter Allen's book raises this and puts a strong argument against using weights for the legs. I think developing the upper body (core) is a good thing but (for a road cyclist) there ain't much to be gained from squats (other than sore legs or a bad back) unless you're a track sprinter who wants legs like Sir Chris.

I used to weight train in the 1980's, before I had a turbo trainer, it didn't seem to do much for my cycling, the turbo, brought second hand from a club mate about 1992 for 20 quid , made a noticeable difference very quickly.

 

[cyberknight]

Does this mean we are supposed to stop training at some point in the year ?

EDIT , of to bed as i am on nights so i cant post coherently atm ........

 

[ColinJ]

I used to weight train in the 1980's, before I had a turbo trainer, it didn't seem to do much for my cycling, the turbo, brought second hand from a club mate about 1992 for 20 quid , made a noticeable difference very quickly.

My fittest ever summer followed a winter in which I didn't ride my bike at all for over 3 months, but during that time I did 4 or 5 hard turbo sessions a week (1-2 hours at a time).

I lost more than 2 stone in weight and for the rest of that year I didn't use the granny ring on my road bike or MTB. I found riding up 20% climbs in a 39/26 gear easier than I would now in my 30/28 grovelling gear.

 

[007fair]

I've starter swimming training if that counts as my aim next year is my first Tri

 

[gary in derby]

ive started training to train

 

[Fiona N]

I've had a lot of the summer off - since June - due to a lingering injury so yes, I guess you could say I've started training for next year

I never bother with New Year resolutions as I always seem to make them about this time of the year as one season ends and I'm looking forwards to next year and some new goals.

I'm always astonished at the idiocy of the 'weights don't do anything for cycling' brigade

Weights are like any other training tool - it depends on how you use them. Weights can be used to develop strength to improve performance directly (probably most applicable to people who want a sprint) or to improve muscle balance, as cycling is not an ideal exercise with respect to conditioning all muscles appropriately to maintain good function, and this improves performance indirectly by reducing fatigue and improving efficiency. This is key for folk who want to spend reasonable lengths of time on their bike, possibly over hilly terrain, and maintaining a reasonable speed throughout. Of course, if you reckon 30miles on a Sunday is enough of a ride for you, then very probably spending time in the gym won't do you much good and you'd be better spending the time on your bike. But if you're aiming for 100 miles+ sportives and want a decent time, then a bit of application in the gym will pay dividends - if you get the right exercises, of course

 

[Enigma2008]

I try to refrain from using emotive/insulting terms like 'idiocy' when referring to other people's points of view as they are entitled to it whether it fit with another's viewpoint or not.

Anyway, as I said there is a body of evidence that says weight training isn't the best thing for cycling. The argument presented in Hunter Allen's book 'Training and Racing with a Powermeter' is quite compelling. Additionally, I think it was Andrew Coggan that said "it's an endurance sport dammit" and that "specificity, specificity, specificity" is the key.

For me, that means if someone wishes to ride for an hour at 25mph then squatting for big strong legs won't do it but training to ride at 25mph for an hour might just help.

It's just my idiotic opinion of course.

 

[DiddlyDodds]

Ive started training for Christmas .. just had a drink and mince pie

 

[tom7]

Next year is when I start training, for next year! Now its called going for a ride.

 

[yello]

I don't train as such either, I just ride, though the do miles taper off this time of year through to around March time. I ride primarily because I enjoy it, having any kind of goal or training target is secondary.

 

[Fiona N]

I try to refrain from using emotive/insulting terms like 'idiocy' when referring to other people's points of view as they are entitled to it whether it fit with another's viewpoint or not.

Anyway, as I said there is a body of evidence that says weight training isn't the best thing for cycling. The argument presented in Hunter Allen's book 'Training and Racing with a Powermeter' is quite compelling. Additionally, I think it was Andrew Coggan that said "it's an endurance sport dammit" and that "specificity, specificity, specificity" is the key.

For me, that means if someone wishes to ride for an hour at 25mph then squatting for big strong legs won't do it but training to ride at 25mph for an hour might just help.

It's just my idiotic opinion of course.

I'd agree with squats not being of all that much benefit for some cyclists BUT that's not all there is to weights.

You (and the authors you quote) take 'weights' to mean shifting great masses of metal, I think. Whereas I'm referring to scientific application of targeted muscular development to fulfil specific objectives (yes, I am a scientist). By 'weights' I also mean resistance, and many exercises don't require great weights but progressive resistance.

Very very few athletes are so biomechanically perfect that they have no muscle imbalances nor a tendency to develop imbalances under prolonged conditioning for a specific sport - especially one like cycling where you are limited by the 'boundary conditions' of having to sit on the bike. For example, knee and ankle problems can arise due to imbalanced development of the various quad muscles which affects the correct functioning and alignment of the knee which can in turn affect the ankle or foot. In this case, specific squats (particularly one leg version) and other exercises targeted at individual muscles can remediate the situation far better than just cranking out more miles on the bike making the problem worse. The right programme of strength training can adapt the body in preparation for a step up in CV training. After all you don't get faster over your 25 mile TT just by increasing CV capacity but also by increasing the muscle strength and endurance.

I guess you're influenced by the stuff you've read (but I've yet to see any actual 'body of evidence' as opposed to anecdotes in such training manuals) while I'm influenced by my experience at the Australian Institute of Sport and seeing how much more effective muscle development can be in the gym than on the bike. CV training is of course not greatly affected so you still have to get out on the bike


P.S. If you get a bad back from squats you need to get someone to sort your technique

 

[Enigma2008]

Why didn't you say so before? Easier to just dismiss the earlier post with abuse I suppose. On the subject of 'anecdotes in training manuals'; I suppose it's also easier to dismiss these than to provide the evidence to support your influenced veiwpoint. I'm surprised as there is plenty out there though most of it is now considered 'old hat'.

Remedial weight training eh? Who said anything about that? That's moving off topic a little to say the least!

You may be influenced by your AIS but a little research will also enlighten you that it's not just this 'training manual' that indicates weight training is of little use to cycling. But note, I do support core training for the upper body, which will help in cycling.

Your final barbed comment is wasted, I don't do squats as they're pointless for cycling.

 

[oldfatfool]

I lost more than 2 stone in weight and for the rest of that year I didn't use the granny ring on my road bike or MTB. I found riding up 20% climbs in a 39/26 gear easier than I would now walking up and pushing.

Fixed that for you Col

Haven't done much since SOM

Really must knuckle down ready for touring next year, probably the turbo, rowing m/c and as many miles as the weather allows.

 

[ColinJ]

Fixed that for you Col

Haven't done much since SOM

Really must knuckle down ready for touring next year, probably the turbo, rowing m/c and as many miles as the weather allows.

I can handle (shortish) 20% climbs with the help of my trusty 30/28 grovelling gear, but 25% currently usually sees me off the bike and walking. (Both of which should be demonstrated on Sunday's forum ride!)