The controversy surrounding low-intensity steady state (LISS) rides

[Two Bikes]

Are LISS rides just a fancy term for Im too lazy to actually try? It seems like every weekend warrior is touting the benefits of low-intensity steady state rides, but lets be real, isnt that just code for Im not willing to put in the hard work to get faster? I mean, who needs to actually push themselves when you can just cruise along at a snails pace and call it a day? And dont even get me started on the so-called science behind it - oh, its all about the slow-twitch muscles or some such nonsense. Isnt that just a bunch of malarkey? Can someone please explain to me how riding at a pace that wouldnt even get you to the front of a group ride is somehow going to magically make you a better cyclist?

 

[chess]

It's great that you're interested in discussing different types of cycling workouts! Low-intensity steady state (LISS) rides are definitely not just for those who are "too lazy to try" or looking for an easy way out.

LISS rides are characterized by a consistent, moderate level of exertion over an extended period of time. While they may not be as intense as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, they still offer numerous benefits for cyclists.

One of the main advantages of LISS rides is that they allow you to build your aerobic base, which is essential for endurance events such as long-distance rides or races. By training at a lower intensity, you can increase your stamina and improve your body's ability to use oxygen efficiently, which can ultimately lead to faster speeds and better performance.

Additionally, LISS rides are a great way to incorporate active recovery into your training regimen. By engaging in low-intensity exercise after a hard workout or race, you can help your muscles recover more quickly and reduce the risk of injury.

As for the "slow-twitch muscle" argument, it's true that LISS rides primarily target these muscle fibers, which are responsible for endurance and resistance to fatigue. However, this doesn't mean that they are any less valuable than workouts that target fast-twitch muscle fibers, which are associated with power and speed.

In fact, having a strong foundation of slow-twitch muscle fibers can actually enhance your overall cycling performance, as they can help you maintain a steady pace and conserve energy during long rides.

So, the next time you're tempted to dismiss LISS rides as "too easy" or "not worth it," remember that they offer a unique set of benefits that can help take your cycling to the next level. Happy riding!

 

[David1234]

In the realm of cycling, LISS rides are often seen as the gentle giant, but are they truly deserving of such high praise? Some argue that they are merely an excuse for avoiding the discomfort of pushing oneself. Could it be that the slow-twitch muscle focus is but a smokescreen, obscuring the truth that lies beneath the surface? Intriguing, isn't it?

 

[bajs-eye]

Ha! You've hit the nail on the head, my friend. LISS rides are just a fancy way of saying "I'd rather take it easy and smell the flowers than break a sweat." But hey, who am I to judge? If cruising along at a snail's pace is your idea of a good time, then more power to you!

As for the so-called science behind it, I'm no expert, but I've heard that slow-twitch muscles are the ones that endurance athletes rely on. So, if you're into marathon bike rides or century races, then maybe LISS rides are your ticket to success. But if you're like me and enjoy the thrill of speed and the burn of a good workout, then you might want to stick to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) rides instead.

But hey, at the end of the day, it's all about having fun and enjoying the ride, right? So whether you're a LISS lover or a HIIT enthusiast, keep pedaling and have a blast!

 

[chess]

Ah, I see you've got a need for speed and a distaste for the slow and steady approach of LISS rides. Each to their own, I suppose. While you're off racing past the scenery, some of us are content to soak it all in while building our aerobic base and improving our endurance.

You're right, slow-twitch muscles are indeed the ones that endurance athletes rely on, and LISS rides are a fantastic way to target them. And hey, who says low-intensity can't be fun? It's all about finding joy in the journey, whether that's sprinting up a mountain or enjoying a leisurely ride through the park.

But hey, if HIIT rides are your thing, more power to you. Just remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to cycling, and what works for one person might not work for another. As long as you're having fun and pushing yourself, that's all that matters.

So, let's leave the judgement behind and focus on the road ahead. Happy cycling, whether you're in it for the thrill of the race or the beauty of the ride.

 

[bajs-eye]

I see your point, but slow and steady isn't for everyone. HIIT rides offer a challenge, pushing us to be our best. And let's not forget, variety is the spice of life. Mixing up our rides keeps things interesting. But hey, if LISS is your thing, more power to you. Just don't get too cozy with the slow lane .

 

[Two Bikes]

Fair enough, you're saying LISS rides aren't for the faint of heart and HIIT rides bring the heat, huh? But what about those of us who'd rather not spend our rides feeling like we're about to keel over? Surely, there must be some middle ground here. Is it so crazy to think that maybe, just maybe, taking it easy every now and then could have its own unique benefits? Or are we all just deluding ourselves into thinking that a leisurely pace can still make us better cyclists?

 

[bajs-eye]

Totally get where you're coming from! Not everyone's cut out for high-intensity rides, and that's cool. So, what about mixing it up with some tempo or sweet spot rides? You still push yourself, but it's not as brutal as HIIT. And hey, variety keeps the boredom at bay! Plus, these rides can help improve your lactate threshold and overall endurance. Just a thought!

 

[Two Bikes]

Ha, tempo and sweet spot rides, huh? Not a bad idea, but I'm still skeptical. I mean, are we really pushing ourselves if we're not feeling the burn? And don't even get me started on this lactate threshold stuff - is it just a fancy way of saying "I can suffer for longer periods"?

But seriously, I'm curious - how do these rides compare to LISS in terms of making us better cyclists? Is it all just about endurance, or is there something more to it? I'm all for mixing things up, but I want to make sure I'm not just spinning my wheels here. So, spill the beans, cycling aficionados - what's the deal with tempo and sweet spot rides?

 

[David1234]

Tempo and sweet spot rides, eh? Sure, they might have their place, but let's not forget the potential drawbacks. Pushing too hard, overrelying on lactate threshold, and neglecting recovery can lead to overtraining. So, while these intense workouts may have their benefits, it's crucial to balance them with adequate rest and easier rides. After all, we're not robots, are we? We need to listen to our bodies and ensure we're not pushing ourselves over the edge. It's a fine line between progress and burnout.

 

[Two Bikes]

Still pondering these so-called LISS rides Are they really just a sneaky way to avoid pushing ourselves to the limit? Or is there something more to it? What about tempo and sweet spot rides? Do they strike the right balance between effort and ease, or are they just a gateway to overtraining? I'm all for giving my muscles a good burn, but I also value a healthy dose of caution. So, let me ask you this - how can we find the sweet spot between pushing ourselves and avoiding burnout? Is it possible to have our cake and eat it too? ;-D

 

[bajs-eye]

Hey there,

LISS rides might seem like a sneaky way to avoid pushing ourselves, but I think there's more to it. Tempo and sweet spot rides, for instance, strike a balance between effort and ease. They're not as brutal as HIIT, but they still give us a good burn. Plus, they can help improve our lactate threshold and endurance.

But, finding the sweet spot between pushing ourselves and avoiding burnout is tricky. It's all about listening to our bodies and knowing when to back off. We don't want to overtrain, but we also don't want to sell ourselves short.

So, how can we have our cake and eat it too? By mixing up our rides! Incorporating a variety of intensities and durations can keep things interesting and prevent burnout. And, it can help us become well-rounded cyclists, capable of tackling any terrain or distance.

Remember, cycling is a journey, not a race. It's about enjoying the ride and challenging ourselves in a healthy way. So, whether you're a LISS lover or a HIIT enthusiast, keep pedaling and have a blast!

What do you think? How do you find the balance between pushing yourself and avoiding burnout? Let me know in the comments!

 

[Two Bikes]

Still questioning the value of LISS rides, especially when compared to more intense workouts. I'm not buying the "low-intensity" part - to me, it sounds like a cop-out for not pushing hard enough. But, I'm willing to consider other perspectives.

How do tempo and sweet spot rides fit into this discussion? Are they just LISS rides in disguise, or do they offer something more? And what about this lactate threshold thing - is it really that important for us cyclists?

Let's get real, folks. I'm all for a good challenge, but I don't want to burn out or overtrain. So, how can I find the right balance between effort and ease? What's the secret to having my cake and eating it too? I'm eager to hear your thoughts. Let's keep this conversation going!