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Cycling Fitness


hairylittlehobbit's picture

By hairylittlehobbit - Posted on 23 March 2010

What are some good exercises to keep fit for cycling other than the obvious running? Thinking some sprinting, squats, squat jumps.

I’m going on holidays and can’t take the bike but want to keep my fitness up for the DW 50.

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Rob's picture

Swimming is good for the upper body & core, which you need for MTB. Also good for cardio. Will you be near the beach or a pool?

Why can't you take your bike on holiday? Priorities! Sticking out tongue Eye-wink

Lach's picture

If you practice a lot of running uphill with a weight on your shoulders, it'll be ideal training for the first (and only real) hill in the DW 50. The rest is a doddle....

hairylittlehobbit's picture

I'll be on Fraser island, too sandy. Ill be near plenty of beach and plenty of sand.

Lach's picture

Try googling Percy Cerutty.

Rob's picture

Don't swim offshore on Fraser, head to the inland lakes. Couple laps of Lake McKenzie for example... it's rather large:

Eye-wink

MarkkyMarkk's picture

The inland lakes are refreshingly freshwater, too.
Its quite a weird sensation swimming along & being able to drink at the same time!!

Matt P's picture

How long are you away for?
What has your training been like up to this point?
How long to go before DW?

I’m wondering if you actually do need to train?

If you’re only away for a few days (week max), then having a break from all exercise can allow a great deal of recovery which you might not normally get. Don’t go thinking that you’ll lose fitness (however you wish to determine “fitness”). In most situations, your body will actually improve as the neurological and muscular systems in particular will have adequate opportunity to recover.

If you’ve been training hard 5+ days per week, for a while, then a break will do you good.

If you feel that you MUST do something, I’d say focus on the areas that may get less focus during other times such as core work and flexibility.

hairylittlehobbit's picture

Im away for 11 days, leaving 31st and getting back on April 11.
Running once or twice a week, cyclying twice a week and doing upper body & core weights twice a week.
Dirt works is the 2nd of may

Does drinking beer improve neurological and musclar systems? i hope so.

Hasbeen Racing's picture

Drinking beer improves everything!

Matt P's picture

You staying at Kingfisher Resort?

If so, just have a casual splash in the pool, a kayak into the mangroves and a walk along the beach (or pier - nice to have a beer at the kiosk at sunset).

Otherwise just have a relaxing time ready to get back hard into the training when you get back.

If you really feel you have to do something hard, there is a track to the top of a large dune near the resort. Maybe a few runs up and down there might keep you sane!

hawkeye's picture

Nothing better to get the legs strong and the heart in condition. Combined with some swimming and floor exercises like "military press" pushups, medicine ball situps, chinups, back extensions, 'the plank', and kayaking for upper body and core strength and you'll not only be fine but I reckon you might be better off. Smiling

A moderate amount of cross training is a good thing.

hairylittlehobbit's picture

Nah no resort, we're just camping.

I think some runs up the beach and dunes should take care of the legs and find other stuff to do for the core and upper body.

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