How Strength Training Helps You as a Cyclist
Whether you ride to compete or for pleasure, or even a bit of both, cycling is a tough sport. It requires strength and endurance. Therefore, it stands to reason that strength training can really help you reach your goals and go further. A personal trainer can help you get there by showing you what to do.
Trainer or not though, if you’re on the fence about why you need strength training to improve your cycling ability, keep reading.
You’re not getting any younger
When you’re not riding, working on your strength is important. Strength training keeps bones and muscles strong, which is exactly what you need. Most cyclists fall in the 35 to 65 age bracket. You’re only getting older from here so keep your body strong to get the most out of cycling.
It preserves muscle mass
Particularly if you’re “over the hill,” people in their 40s have a slower metabolism. A more sedentary lifestyle, like that of an office worker, can really take a toll on that. So to counter it, build your muscle mass with strength training.
It improves balance and coordination
When you’re young, you have it all. But the older you get, you start to notice how balance and coordination come into play. If you neglect to enhance these aspects as you age, you wind up placing unnecessary stress on weak muscles which result in soreness. If you’re in those tender middle age years, then you’re more likely to sustain a serious injury, like a broken bone. A broken hip is a real concern as you get older, one that will put you out of commission and shorten your life span. Work on these areas and you’ll find better cycling performance and a better quality of life.
It makes you a well-rounded athlete
Want to know the key to success for some of the best athletes in the world? They use a variety of exercises to help them stay at their peak. It’s not uncommon to see legendary football players taking yoga or even ballet. Broadening your fitness horizons, particularly with strength training, is going to help you in more ways than you can imagine.
Whether you’re training for a race, or you just want to keep up with the pack in your cycling group, adding strength training to your weekly fitness routine can open up new paths for you and improve your overall health and wellness. You don’t need to spend hours in a gym to do it either. There are bodyweight exercises you can do in your own home. You can always get a personal trainer to come and show you how to maximize your muscle groups to improve your cycling ability.
Young Woman With Pain In Knee When Fallen Down From Bicycle
