Benefits of strength training for an endurance cyclist

Jan 24 | ( 0 ) Comments

Strength training is an essential component of an endurance cyclist’s training regimen. Not only does it improve muscle power and endurance, but it also reduces the risk of injury and improves overall fitness. In this essay, we will discuss the benefits of strength training for endurance cyclists in detail, including its impact on muscle power, endurance, injury prevention, and overall fitness.

One of the most obvious benefits of strength training for endurance cyclists is its impact on muscle power. Strength training improves the ability of muscles to generate force, which is crucial for cycling. The ability to generate force is necessary for climbing hills and accelerating out of corners. Additionally, strength training can also improve muscle endurance. By strengthening the muscles, they are better able to withstand the demands of long-distance cycling. This is particularly important for endurance cyclists, who need to maintain a consistent pace for extended periods of time.

In addition to improving muscle power and endurance, strength training also helps to reduce the risk of injury. Strong muscles are better able to support the joints and bones, reducing the likelihood of injury. This is particularly important for endurance cyclists, who are at a higher risk of injuries due to the repetitive nature of their sport. Strength training can also help to improve the balance and stability of the body, which is crucial for maintaining proper form and preventing injuries.

Another benefit of strength training for endurance cyclists is its impact on overall fitness. Strength training improves cardiovascular fitness by increasing the efficiency of the heart and lungs. This is important for endurance cycling, as it allows the cyclist to maintain a consistent pace for longer periods of time. Additionally, strength training can also improve flexibility and balance, which are important for maintaining proper form and preventing injuries.

Some examples of exercises that endurance cyclists can include in their strength training regimen include:

• Squats
  • Squats are a great exercise for building leg strength and power. They can be performed with a barbell, dumbbells, or bodyweight.
• Deadlifts
  • Deadlifts are another great exercise for building leg strength and power. They can be performed with a barbell, dumbbells, or kettlebells.
• Lunges
  • Lunges are a great exercise for building leg strength and power. They can be performed with a barbell, dumbbells, or bodyweight.
• Pull-ups
  • Pull-ups are a great exercise for building upper body strength. They can be performed with a pull-up bar or resistance bands.
• Push-ups
  • Push-ups are a great exercise for building upper body strength. They can be performed with bodyweight or added resistance.
• Core exercises
  • Core exercises such as planks, Russian twists, and side bridges can help to improve stability and balance.
• Plyometrics
  • Plyometrics such as box jumps, jump squats, and jumping lunges can help to improve power and explosiveness.
• Yoga
  • Yoga can help to improve flexibility, balance, and core strength.

It is important to note that the specific exercises that are best for an endurance cyclist will depend on their individual needs and goals. It is recommended to consult with a professional coach or personal trainer to design a strength training program that is specific to the cyclist’s needs. Additionally, it is important for the cyclist to focus on proper form and technique to prevent injuries.

In conclusion, strength training is an essential component of an endurance cyclist’s training regimen. It improves muscle power and endurance, reduces the risk of injury, and improves overall fitness. By incorporating strength training into their training regimen, endurance cyclists can improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury. It is important to consult with a professional coach or personal trainer to design a strength training program that is specific to the needs of the cyclist.

Concurrent Training

Concurrent training refers to the combination of strength training and endurance training in the same training program. This type of training is popular among athletes in sports that require both endurance and strength, such as cycling, running, and swimming.

Concurrent training can take many forms, depending on the individual’s goals and needs. For example, a cyclist might perform strength training exercises for the legs and core in the morning and endurance training in the form of cycling in the afternoon. Alternatively, a cyclist might perform strength training exercises for the legs and core on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and endurance training in the form of cycling on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The main benefit of concurrent training is that it can improve both strength and endurance at the same time. This can lead to improved performance in the sport, as well as increased overall fitness. Additionally, concurrent training can also help to reduce the risk of injury by strengthening the muscles and improving the balance and stability of the body.

Concurrent training can potentially improve FTP (Functional Threshold Power), VO2 max (maximal oxygen uptake), and endurance for an endurance cyclist.

FTP is a measure of the highest power that a cyclist can sustain for an hour, and it is considered a key indicator of endurance cycling performance. Concurrent training can improve FTP by increasing muscle power and endurance, which can lead to improved performance on the bike.

VO2 max is a measure of the body’s ability to transport and use oxygen during exercise. It is considered a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness. Concurrent training can improve VO2 max by increasing the efficiency of the heart and lungs, which can lead to improved endurance and performance on the bike.

Endurance refers to the ability of the cyclist to sustain a consistent pace for extended periods of time. Concurrent training can improve endurance by increasing muscle endurance and cardiovascular fitness, which can lead to improved performance on the bike.

However, it’s important to note that the specific effects of concurrent training on FTP, VO2 max, and endurance will depend on the individual cyclist and the specific training program that is used. It is important to monitor the body’s response to the training program and make adjustments as needed to optimize performance. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that concurrent training can be challenging, especially for the endurance athletes, as it can lead to overtraining if not done correctly. Therefore, it’s important to carefully plan the training program and monitor the body’s response to it.

In conclusion, concurrent training is a combination of strength and endurance training, which can be beneficial for athletes in sports that require both strength and endurance, such as cycling. It can improve performance, increase overall fitness, and reduce the risk of injury. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential for overtraining and to plan the training program carefully.

Thank you for reading!

Gilberto Cortez - USA Cycling & TrainingPeaks Certified Coach