Cyclist Australia

Strong for the saddle

Nothing beats time in the saddle for improving your cycling, but with recent research highlighting the benefits of strength training for cyclists (see page 41), there has never been a better time to embrace off-the-bike training.

Strength training is a crucial part of every pro’s arsenal, but this hasn’t always been the case. Despite their status as elite endurance athletes, previous generations had a higher propensity for osteoporosis later in life, having never done the load-bearing work required to increase their bone density.

‘People think strength training is all about building muscle to ride faster, but it’s also crucial for correcting imbalances and preventing injury,’ says strength-and-conditioning coach Richard Lord.

‘A total-body strength training program will challenge your neuromuscular system and make you more economical on the bike. It will also help improve your handling skills, keep fatigue at bay, minimise aches and pains and boost recovery.’

You don’t need to spend endless hours in the gym lifting heavy weights to see the benefits either.

‘Circuit training is a great way to incorporate strength sessions into your

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