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Winter Is Here; Time To Cross-Train
By spokesman | December 21, 2009
Winter arrived early in the form of a big snow storm. Due to the large amount of snow (about 15-20 inches) and the predicted cold weather, I won’t be riding. However this is a good time to focus on getting into a winter training routine. I have found that when I maintain a better level of physical fitness in the winter, I ride faster in the Spring. Some exercises can be especially beneficial for cyclists. My goals this winter are to improve my core strength and to increase my flexibility.
Core strength is important for all sports and is often overlooked. I have found an excellent series of exercises for core strength that uses a medicine ball. I have been doing the routine for a few weeks. I already see and feel a difference. I know that it will help my biking as well as my swimming and running when I do my first triathlon next Fall.
Robbie McEwen, the great sprinter, once said that “If you can’t touch your toes, you can’t sprint”. Flexibility is extremely important for cyclists. If you are fighting you own muscles as you pedal, you are wasting energy. Most cyclists tend to use their quadriceps more than their hamstrings. The quadriceps become overdeveloped and the hamstrings become tight. Exercises for the hamstrings and flexibility training can help to overcome this imbalance. Here is a yoga routine that can improve your flexibility. Don’t become frustrated is you can’t do the complete movements. Focus on the form and over a period of several weeks you will become more flexible. This should make a big difference when you begin cycling again in the Spring.
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Topics: Training |