Training Core Muscles

[Red Zone]

Does anyone bother working out their core muscles? loads of training articles mention the need for a strong core for cycling. i have never bothered with core training and never seem to suffer in any way.

[Duathlete]

I have never done it till I picked up my back injury. Prevention is better then cure..... 

[Azonic]

Well...

 

I have spoken to Roland Green before, World MTB Champion 2001-2002. He told me that allot of people underestimate the importance of their core muscles, and that strengthening them should be seen as critical.

 

Actually, here is a bit of that e-mail:

 

"My advice to you is to make every training session count. base miles are good for maybe 1-2 rides a week but the rest must be quality with a focus on recovery. if you dont recover then dont attempt the next hard workout until you are. One thing you will probably find very helpful is to focus on your core/torso. If you know a cutting edge physiotherapist of personal trainor that is a good start. you can do amazingly hard and effective workouts at home with a swissball. the power and balance you gain around your core will pay tenfold on your pedal stroke. let me know what you think......."

 

 

[Barend de Arend]

 

Does anyone bother working out their core muscles? loads of training articles mention the need for a strong core for cycling. i have never bothered with core training and never seem to suffer in any way.

 

Well, your foot pushes down on the pedal.  At the same time, your thigh pushes your hips up, and away from the pedal.  You need to stabilise.  And your core is used for breathing too, and we all know what happens when you boost your oxygen.

 

This means you seriously use your abs when cycling.

 

You have to decide if you want to train them separately, or if on-the-bike training is enough.

 

What cramps first?  What burns first?  Legs or abs?  That might help you decide.  Is your back sore after a ride?  If yes, you might want to train your core too -- or look at your bike setup.

 

[Azonic]

I've got the complete CycloCore DVD set at home, just have to start using it.

[Barend de Arend]

 

Does anyone bother working out their core muscles? loads of training articles mention the need for a strong core for cycling. i have never bothered with core training and never seem to suffer in any way.

 

Well, your foot pushes down on the pedal.  At the same time, your thigh pushes your hips up, and away from the pedal.  You need to stabilise.  And your core is used for breathing too, and we all know what happens when you boost your oxygen.

 

This means you seriously use your abs when cycling.

 

You have to decide if you want to train them separately, or if on-the-bike training is enough.

 

What cramps first?  What burns first?  Legs or abs?  That might help you decide.  Is your back sore after a ride?  If yes, you might want to train your core too -- or look at your bike setup.

 

[Edition 507]

I'm a bit dof (no snide comments please), but what are core muscles exactly?

[IanJ]

Abs and back muscles - support your core (torso)

[Wonder Woman]

Carbonboy for more indepth details....you have your organs and then muscles running horizontal around your waist which are your core mucles. Over these lie your vertical abdominal muscles which are the ones that give you your six-pack (if you have one ) and your back muscles.

 

 

[Edition 507]

Ok, but by default, aren't they worked out when you train normally and therefore quite capable of sustaining you in a race? <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Or is it more for offroad riders who train on the road mostly and then race off road as this would make sense that supplemental training would be required for the core ?cos mountain biking is a killer on your upper body?

[Wonder Woman]

Actually if they are weak you will find that your seating position might not be correct, you will get back pain, especially after hills and you might get ITB problems!!!

They are worked a bit in training but not as much as they could / should be. I feel it is better to at least specifically target train them once a week.

 

If you really want to perform to your best, work those core muscles.

 

But I do find men naturally have better and stronger core muscles than females!!

 

 

[Edition 507]

Carbonboy for more indepth details....you have your organs and then muscles running horizontal around your waist which are your core mucles. Over these lie your vertical abdominal muscles which are the ones that give you your six-pack (if you have one ) and your back muscles.

 

 

 

The only six-pack of mine that I have seen in recent years are the ones in the fridge

[Wonder Woman]

Carbonboy for more indepth details....you have your organs and then muscles running horizontal around your waist which are your core mucles. Over these lie your vertical abdominal muscles which are the ones that give you your six-pack (if you have one ) and your back muscles.

 

 

 

The only six-pack of mine that I have seen in recent years are the ones in the fridge

 

 

 

[The Saint]

Not trying to be funny here but getting laid is an excellent way to work our your core muscles....amongst others

[Red Zone]

Actually if they are weak you will find that your seating position might not be correct' date=' you will get back pain, especially after hills and you might get ITB problems!!!

 [/quote']

 

Interesting that you say this, my physio said I was getting ITB when running due to weak obliques. which is the reason I am starting to work out my core muscles, targeting those obliques is a bit of a bugger though

[Edition 507]

Not trying to be funny here but getting laid is an excellent way to work our your core muscles....amongst others

 

What from? All that bending you do?

 

No seriously I have never had a core muscle fitness problem as I am continually ducking and diving my responsibilities, dodging work and carrying crates of beer from my car to the fridge! I actually need supplemental leg muscle training.