Cyclo-Core...any users out there?

lisandom said:

i've been using the cyclo-core dvd training program for a few months.
i've been able to maintain decent conditioning and weight in the off season while working out only 2-3 times per week.
i know if i was more dedicated (5-7x/wk) i would improve my fitness and lose weight, but am not that motivated...

Has anyone out there used this program?
What do you think?

Happy New Year!

It's a recent addition to my fitness collection. To date rather embarressingly it is unopened although i have a colleague who brought it to my attention who swears by it!

I've also been looking at getting the Cyclo-Core stuff and have been wondering how they compare with the other DVDs out there. My wife told me not to buy them and spend my $$ on something else for my bike. I'm looking to upgrade many things.

I know that I need to work on my core training and fitness...any thoughts regarding the cyclo-core programs?

i've no idea what's in the programme: but given that core training and strength training is so unimportant towards endurance cycling performance it isn't going to do much for you.

You'd be much better off putting your money towards coaching and training that works your bike specific fitness. Yes, obviously, we sell that and could seem to be biased in our view, however, there's no evidence to show core work (etc) is of (much) use in trained endurance cyclists. see all the threads about gyming etc.

On the other hand if, for some reason, you can't work out on a bike then core training (or whatever) *would* be good for you. this falls under the premise that any training is better than no training.

ric

surely good core strength is important in cycling of any kind. indeed, core strength is important for all people of all ages and activity level... more so for athletes.

not only does it prevent any waste of energy through your torso (i.e your upper body wont twist and turn when pedalling hard), it helps prevent lower back pain/injury.

arbie said:

surely good core strength is important in cycling of any kind. indeed, core strength is important for all people of all ages and activity level... more so for athletes.

not only does it prevent any waste of energy through your torso (i.e your upper body wont twist and turn when pedalling hard), it helps prevent lower back pain/injury.

Cyclo-core does include a lot of cycling specific exercises, ric. i've been working out with it more in the last week and have felt it. (burn is good!) why would you think that core is unimportant???

Another big plus is the program's nutrition aspect. There are a lot (12) of good, practical points made and advice given on what how when to eat to optimize your off-season and prepare for your in-season training.

the program seemed kind of pricey ($90US for both cyclo-core and cyclo-zen) but is worth it for me since i dropped my gold's gym membership($600/yr). I'm working out more and harder in my living room and with my bike trainer than i ever did at that stinky place. And all working toward my passion--THE BIKE!!!

IMO
hmmm. any other questions?

almost springtime!!!

ric_stern/RST said:

i've no idea what's in the programme: but given that core training and strength training is so unimportant towards endurance cycling performance it isn't going to do much for you.

ric

Ric,

Surely you don't really mean to say that core balance, strength and endurance is unimportant to the endurance (or any) cyclist? Or did you?

There may be little benefit to those that have good core strength and balance in doing further work but would you reccomend to those that have poor core abilities now to ignore this aspect of their training? And, how does an athlete know if their core is defiicient unless they do some exercises to train it to see where they strand?

Frank

lisandom said:

Cyclo-core does include a lot of cycling specific exercises, ric.

it's only specific if it includes movements at the same joint angle and velocity and force as that, that occurs during cycling.

see the gymming thread for more.

ric

Fday said:

Ric,

Surely you don't really mean to say that core balance, strength and endurance is unimportant to the endurance (or any) cyclist? Or did you?

i only mentioned core and strength. see the gymming thread.

Quoted post said:

There may be little benefit to those that have good core strength and balance in doing further work but would you reccomend to those that have poor core abilities now to ignore this aspect of their training? And, how does an athlete know if their core is defiicient unless they do some exercises to train it to see where they strand?

Frank

how much force do you think it takes to sit on a bicycle?

ric

ric_stern/RST said:

how much force do you think it takes to sit on a bicycle?

ric

Not much - my 8 year old daughter can generate as more power as me over 5 secs from a standing start. 😄

ric_stern/RST said:

how much force do you think it takes to sit on a bicycle?

ric

It takes exactly zero muscular force to simply sit on a bicycle, although it does put the full force of the weight of the rider on the saddle, etc., unless one is in space, so I guess it depends upon what force you are talking about.

However, I thought we were talking about pedaling. When one pushes down on the pedals there is a reactive force tending to push the same side hip up. Without some core response counter balancing this force the hips would be rocking all over the place when we rode. I have never heard anyone contend that such rocking is good form. Do you?

whatever ric 🙄

everyone else:
if you want a good workout that prepares and motivates you for biking, as opposed to spending gobs of cash on a know-it-all cycling coach, look into cyclo-core. it's on the web.

lisandom said:

whatever ric 🙄

everyone else:
if you want a good workout that prepares and motivates you for biking, as opposed to spending gobs of cash on a know-it-all cycling coach, look into cyclo-core. it's on the web.

You can ask me (here and other locations) for free, "gobs of cash" not required.

You can also purchase coaching that *is* cycling specific from RST. We have a variety of coaching packages that cover a wide range of prices depending on what sort of coaching you require.

Or, you can purchase Cyclo-Core. It's unlikely to do what it says (unless you happen to do no cycling or very little) but it's your money and you can spend it how you like. Again, i refer you to the gymming thread.

Ric

Cycling itself does develop core strength so if you spend time on core strength instead of cycling you will be detraining yourself and in a sense wasting your time. I'm not a bike racer so it wouldn't be a great loss to me but if I were I would be just as cycling specific as Ric.

I don't know much about the "Cyclo-Core" program, but I did start doing Yoga and Pilates last winter. While I won't make any claims that it improved my cycling performance (it probably didn't), I do think it has improved my comfort on the bike. My lower back no longer gets sore on long rides (3-6 hrs) and I've recognized benefits in other activities and facets of my life.

For me Yoga and Pilates are in addition to, my cycling training, so they're not taking away from riding time. I do them because I like their benefits, even if those benefits don't improve my FTP. I find Yoga particularly enjoyable and relaxing.

ric_stern/RST said:

You can ask me (here and other locations) for free, "gobs of cash" not required.

You can also purchase coaching that *is* cycling specific from RST. We have a variety of coaching packages that cover a wide range of prices depending on what sort of coaching you require.

Or, you can purchase Cyclo-Core. It's unlikely to do what it says (unless you happen to do no cycling or very little) but it's your money and you can spend it how you like. Again, i refer you to the gymming thread.

Ric

ric/rst (sounds like spam!)
answer this for free.
are you as big an ass as you sound?

you admitted you know nothing about c-c way back and now you postulate that "It's unlikely to do what it says"...

get over yourself, "coach", or at least learn not to be so condescending.
it's a real turn off, baby.

sorry for the hostility, everyone, but am i wrong? :o

wow-

i just checked the gymming thread.

you make friends wherever you go, huh ric?

enjoy the ride.

lisandom said:

ric/rst (sounds like spam!)

not at all, as i sponsor the forum.

Quoted post said:

answer this for free.
are you as big an ass as you sound?

perhaps, but clearly not as big an ass as you.

Quoted post said:

you admitted you know nothing about c-c way back and now you postulate that "It's unlikely to do what it says"...

i've read the advertisement/website now.

Quoted post said:

get over yourself, "coach", or at least learn not to be so condescending.
it's a real turn off, baby.

sorry for the hostility, everyone, but am i wrong? :o

Not being condesceding at all. And since you clearly don't believe me, or are interested in what i have to say, you can, in the gymming thread see responses from others who will say exactly the same. That is, there is no scientific evidence to support e.g., strength training to help improve performance in trained, well trained, or elite cyclists who perform in endurance trained events. So, yes, you're wrong.

Ric

perhaps, but clearly not as big an ass as you.

good one! i guess now i should say
i know you are but what am i?

So, yes, you're wrong.

not wrong about your nasty know it all tone in your posts.
get a life (outside of biking,) coach.
maybe take a class on interpersonal skills or big head reduction.
maybe it's a giant inferiority complex that causes your need to demonstrate your vast knowledge in your field...any shrinks out there?
maybe your mama didn't hold you as a baby...

seriously though, when was the last time you actually rode a bike for fun?
live it up a little, mr stern.

jah bless