Other Types of Training

arrjay said:

Does anyone have any comments or experience on other types of training that is useful for building general stamina? Eg rowing machine? Experience/tips etc welcomed.

Running crosses over to cycling pretty well I find but not the other way around.

You get a hell of a lot of bang for the buck in running ....just be sure to rum mostly on trails or a treadmill re:injury issues

I nordic ski as well and it is super but not everyone has access to this.

I would choose something that works the legs, and the most muscle mass in the legs as possible, if cycling is your primary sport/exercise.

TiMan said:

...I nordic ski as well and it is super but not everyone has access to this...

I'll second the vote for some track skiing. Skating or high end classic is fantastic cardio with a lot of the same momentum - rythm and pace strategies of cycling. Our winters are long and cold here and I track ski including some 25 and 50k races but always keep some cycling (indoors or out if possible) in my weekly schedule for specificity. Long nordic races tend to develop a lot like road races with attacks, break aways, chases and sometimes a finishing sprint.

If you live in a warmer clime rollerblading can offer some similar benefits and can be a nice alternative to early season cycling.

-Dave

daveryanwyoming said:

I'll second the vote for some track skiing. Skating or high end classic is fantastic cardio with a lot of the same momentum - rythm and pace strategies of cycling. Our winters are long and cold here and I track ski including some 25 and 50k races but always keep some cycling (indoors or out if possible) in my weekly schedule for specificity. Long nordic races tend to develop a lot like road races with attacks, break aways, chases and sometimes a finishing sprint.

If you live in a warmer clime rollerblading can offer some similar benefits and can be a nice alternative to early season cycling.

-Dave

Ya I forgot to mention skating or rolling blading as a great cross sport for cyclists.

Can I have someone explain how rollerblading can help in cycling?

Cos I have been wanting to ask this. Since my accident 6 months ago, only recently I feel degradation in energy, everyday I feel tired and very low energy and as well as having depression. I haven't been riding for more than a month now. So far the only exercise I do is breeze walking with the dog. but rollerblade may be a good alternative for the moment.

mysrh said:

Can I have someone explain how rollerblading can help in cycling?

Well, In line skating (as well as many other activities) raises the heart rate, primarily stresses the legs, uses a rythmic-repetitive motion, requires balance, is performed at speed with its own cornering and braking skills is low impact (if you stay upright) and is fun.

Cross training is all about recruiting similar muscle groups and achieving similar cardiovascular loads (heart rates) in a non cycling way which can help develop overall balance and is a nice mental break from endless miles in the saddle.

Your walking is a great base and is a whole lot better than doing nothing but I suspect your HR stays fairly low and you aren't stressing much beyond your fat burning capabilities. Adding another higher level activity like skating, running or rowing can add some higher level endurance, lactic threshold, VO2 max and anaerobic capacity work which is a good idea if you want to cycle at a high level. Many folks just bike, which is great if your climate and psychology works with this but I like to cross train for the mental change and because our winters make riding a bit tough.

-Dave

Swimming is more of an upper body, but great for an aerobic session. Keeps your chest from atrophying away. Learn to pace yourself with your massive land based engine, since breathing can be difficult when your only allowed to do it for a certain amount of time.