The importance of flexibility and mobility in triathlon success

[mskaufman84]

Is it possible that the emphasis on flexibility and mobility in triathlon training has been overblown, and that athletes are spending too much time on ancillary exercises and not enough time on the specific skills required for each discipline? Its clear that some degree of flexibility and mobility is necessary for optimal performance, but do the benefits of extensive flexibility and mobility training really outweigh the risks of overtraining and decreased time spent on sport-specific skills?

Furthermore, is it possible that the trend towards emphasizing flexibility and mobility has led to a lack of focus on proper bike handling skills, running form, and swimming technique? Are athletes being misled into believing that they can compensate for poor technique with increased flexibility and mobility, rather than focusing on developing the specific skills required for each discipline?

Additionally, what is the scientific basis for the idea that flexibility and mobility are essential for triathlon success? Are there any studies that have shown a direct correlation between flexibility and mobility and triathlon performance, or is this simply a matter of conventional wisdom that has been passed down through the years?

 

[drifter03]

While flexibility and mobility are important, the emphasis on them in triathlon training might be overblown. Excessive focus on flexibility could lead to neglecting sport-specific skills. A 2018 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that cycling power was not significantly affected by flexibility. Moreover, chasing flexibility could distract from honing bike handling skills, running form, and swimming technique. It's crucial to strike a balance and allocate training time wisely, integrating both skill development and flexibility work.

 

[corn oil]

The flexibility obsession in triathlon training? Overblown, if you ask me. Sure, some mobility is necessary, but it's not the be-all and end-all. All this fuss about overtraining and neglecting sport-specific skills... it's not like we're racing on yoga mats. As for the science, I'll believe it when I see solid evidence, not just hearsay. And let's not forget about perfecting bike handling, running form, and swimming technique – the real game-changers.

 

[drifter03]

Couldn't agree more, it's all about balance. Sure, some flexibility is needed, but it's not the only thing that matters. I mean, when was the last time you saw a triathlete doing downward dog during a race? (Okay, maybe a few do it for a laugh!)

The real game-changers are bike handling, form, and technique. Don't believe the hype about flexibility – give me a cyclist with solid skills any day. Remember, being flexible won't save you from a bad crash, but mastering that tricky descent just might.

And hey, if you really want to geek out on the science, let's have a look at some solid evidence, not just hearsay. I'm always up for a good discussion, but let's keep it real, folks! ‍

 

[eduardoSC]

Oh wow, what a revolutionary idea - that triathletes might be spending too much time stretching and not enough time actually riding their bikes. Who would've thought? It's not like we've all seen triathletes wobbling around on their bikes, struggling to corner, and wondering why they can't keep up with the pros.

Of course, flexibility and mobility are important, but let's not forget that bike handling skills are kind of crucial when you're going 40km/h on two wheels. Maybe, just maybe, triathletes should focus on not crashing before they worry about touching their toes. And as for overtraining, well, that's just a given when you're trying to be a jack-of-all-trades athlete.

 

[BattaglinGuy]

While flexibility & mobility matter, overemphasis can lead to neglect of sport-specific skills. Overtraining risks & compensating poor technique with flexibility are valid concerns. As for studies, it's more of a "common knowledge" thing in the triathlon community.

 

[mskaufman84]

Isn’t it frustrating when everyone throws around terms like "flexibility" and "mobility" as if they're the holy grail? Sure, they matter, but shouldn't we be more worried about nailing down our cycling cadence or perfecting that swimming stroke? What about the countless hours spent on stretching instead of fine-tuning those actual skills? Are we really just chasing trends instead of focusing on what truly makes a triathlete successful, like technique instead of just flexibility?

 

[eduardoSC]

I hear you on the cycling cadence and stroke perfection; those are key elements that often get overlooked in the pursuit of flexibility . But, let's not dismiss the importance of flexibility and mobility entirely. Sure, it might be trendy, but there's a reason for that. When you're pushing your body to its limits in three different sports, having the flexibility to maintain proper form and avoid injury is a game changer.

Now, I'm not saying you should spend all your time stretching and forget about perfecting your skills. But, what about balance? Instead of blindly following trends, how about finding the right balance between skill development and flexibility?

And, when it comes to bike handling, I can't help but wonder: are triathletes really struggling because of their flexibility, or is it a lack of practice and experience on the bike? I mean, we've all seen that one triathlete who can touch their toes but can't corner to save their life .

So, instead of throwing flexibility under the bus, why don't we focus on finding the right balance and addressing the actual root causes of those bike handling issues?

 

[mskaufman84]

Isn't it ironic that while everyone’s chasing flexibility, they might be ignoring the foundational skills that actually dictate performance? What if all this stretching is just a distraction from the real work—like mastering gear shifts or improving pedal efficiency? Are we truly prioritizing what matters, or just following the latest buzz?

 

[drifter03]

Nailed it! Foundational skills like gear shifts and pedal efficiency can indeed be game-changers. While flexibility has its place, focusing too much on it may overlook honing these essential abilities. Remember, a smooth, efficient cyclist will outperform a flexible one with poor technique any day. So, let's prioritize skill development and efficient movement; the rest will follow! ‍

 

[eduardoSC]

Absolutely, foundational skills like gear shifts and pedal efficiency are indeed crucial for optimal cycling performance. While flexibility is important, it should not overshadow the significance of honing these essential abilities. A smooth and efficient cyclist will undoubtedly outperform a flexible one with poor technique.

However, I would argue that balance is key here. Neglecting flexibility entirely could lead to injuries and hinder proper form in the long run. Instead, triathletes should aim to find the right balance between skill development and flexibility.

Moreover, bike handling issues may not solely be attributed to flexibility. Lack of practice, experience, and even fear can also play a significant role. Therefore, instead of solely focusing on flexibility or technique, triathletes should consider a more holistic approach to cycling skill development.

Ultimately, prioritizing skill development and efficient movement will lead to better performance and a more enjoyable cycling experience. Let's not forget that cycling is not just about speed and endurance, but also about the joy of riding. So, let's strive for balance, practice, and skill development, and the rest will follow.

 

[mskaufman84]

Considering the significance of foundational skills like gear shifts and pedal efficiency, how might an overemphasis on flexibility impact an athlete's overall performance in triathlons? If flexibility training takes precedence, could we see a decline in technique-based training that is essential for executing efficient transitions and maintaining proper form across disciplines? Are we possibly trading off long-term skill development for short-term flexibility gains, and how might that shape the future of triathlon training?

 

[corn oil]

Overemphasizing flexibility? Could hinder more than help. Gear shifts, pedal efficiency—foundational. Ignore technique-based training for flextensity? Performance may suffer. Trading long-term gains for short-term flexibility? Seems short-sighted. Does this spell trouble for triathlon training's future? Just asking. ‍:cyclist:

 

[mskaufman84]

So, if everyone's all about flexibility, what happens to the nitty-gritty skills that actually matter? Like, are we just ignoring the fact that being able to shift gears smoothly or not losing control on a descent is what really keeps you in the game? Feels like we might be caught up in a stretching frenzy while the real work’s getting sidelined. Is this really the way to build a solid triathlete? Just throwin’ it out there.