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Opinions on running and cycling fitness?

Continuing from the comments here and posts on other blogs [ Uphill Battle, Langkjøring ] about running and core strength and their effects on cycling fitness, I would love to hear peoples opinions on the following.

The majority of my exercise is done on the bike and I understand that core strength is a significant factor in technique and position yet cycling itself does not contribute greatly to improving core strength. Now, I do a bit of running and I was wondering if this is enough to build up an acceptable level of core strength? I hate doing static exercises in the gym and anything more active that achieves the same results would be much more favourable.

I should point out that this is more about general cycling fitness to me, ie. good position/technique, than specifically increasing performance.

Comments:

Iain,

Great topic. Here are my thoughts - running will not improve core strength (stabalizing strength). As much as it sucks, for a lack of a better word, specific strength sessions for lower back and abdominals are vital.

And core strength is not only important for performance in cycling, but very important for overall health.

mags
By  mags
 

Mags

Thanks for this. Not the lazy man's answer that I was digging for but great advice as always.

Is this something you concentrate on off-season only or do you continue the gym work throughout the season?
By  iain
 

Iain,

I run 3 core strength sessions a week, year round. I don't have to go to a gym to do them though, so it's less of a hassle.

I believe this is very important, especially for riders.

mags
By  mags
 

Pilates is great for core strengthening. Pontius Pilate was the best at this technique. Jesus [a spanish cyclist] turned the 'water into wine' if you know what I mean, but Pontius washed his hands of the whole affair Puerto..

to be honest, Pilates originated from ballerina dance practice and they are certainly fit.

ps: tutu is optional.

R
By  Anonymous
 

Hi,

I think you should consider to do free weight squats because that will improve both core strength and leg strength. It is often forgotten that when you do heavy squats there is a big workload for you abs and lower back to stabilize the core. That workload is so much bigger than you can ever get with exercises without external weights. Also it is very useful because it let the muscles work in a very functional way (compare that to other core exercises)

If you or other people start to do squats, remember to learn the technique properly.

Jesper
By  Jesper Therkildsen
 

Thanks all. Now the nights are closing in I'll be visiting the gym more frequently so that should make it more bearable. I'll ask my better half for tips on the pilates, but I'll pass on the tutu!
By  iain
 

I just purchased the Cylo-core ZEN and Cylo- CORE programs, which incorporate power yoga with cyling training. I did the first (or attempted to do) workout. I could not believe how difficult it was and how sore I still am two days later. I have biked almost exclusively for the last several months and not done any weihgt training. I also used to do a great deal of powerlifting. Squats, deadlifts, clean and jerk, etc. I was shocked at how weak (in strength terms) that I had become in a few short months. So core and strength work is absolutely necessary year round.
By  uncadan8
 

Great post. I agree that running doesnt help with core strength and i dont do much of it myself just cycling i also do some climbing and other outdoor activities i have found this really helpful and great fun but cycling is my favourite way to get exercise.
By  James
 

Squats are also good for bone density. Load-bearing exercise is supposed to do what cycling (or swimming) doesn't--give density to your bone structure
By  Caloi-Rider
 

I used to be a runner and everything was so much easier when my core muscles were in shape. I also hated going to the gym but found the medicine ball to be the most fun, or at least something I could deal with. If you have a partner, catch when upright and slowly go down, keeping the ball as far away from your head as possible. Throw back to partner as you come up. It sucks, but it helps.
By  Matt
 

I used to be a runner and everything was so much easier when my core muscles were in shape. I also hated going to the gym but found the medicine ball to be the most fun, or at least something I could deal with. If you have a partner, catch when upright and slowly go down, keeping the ball as far away from your head as possible. Throw back to partner as you come up. It sucks, but it helps.
By  Matt
 

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