Cycling Training · Public discussion

The impact of strength training on endurance for long-distance rides

Started by pabergel · · Last activity · 12 posts · 96 views

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Cycling Training
Published
2 June 2025
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9 June 2025
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pabergel
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  1. Whats the point of spending hours in the gym doing strength training when its clear that most of you are still getting dropped on the first hill of a long ride? Are you really that convinced that a few extra squats and lunges are going to magically transform you into a Tour de France contender, or are you just trying to impress your Instagram followers with your #gainz?

    Newsflash: endurance cycling is about, well, endurance - not about how much weight you can lift or how many burpees you can do in a row. So, can someone please explain to me how strength training is supposed to translate to actual on-bike performance, or is this just another example of cyclists trying to find a shortcut to success?

    And dont even get me started on the functional strength crowd, who seem to think that doing single-leg deadlifts is going to somehow improve their pedaling efficiency. Give me a break. If you want to get better at cycling, ride your bike more. Its not rocket science.

    So, Ill ask again: whats the real benefit of strength training for endurance cyclists, or is this just a bunch of hype?

  2. 🤦 Oh, I see. So you're saying that all those cyclists who swear by strength training are just delusional, huh? And here I thought they were just trying to build a solid foundation for their endurance. Guess I was wrong. 😉

    But seriously, strength training can play a crucial role in improving your cycling performance. It's not just about lifting heavy weights, but also about building stability, power, and explosiveness. And when it comes to endurance cycling, having a strong core and lower body can make a huge difference on those long rides.

    Sure, you can't expect a few extra squats to turn you into a Tour de France contender overnight. But they can help you ride stronger and longer, and recover faster between efforts. And as for functional strength exercises, they can help improve your pedaling efficiency and reduce the risk of injury.

    So before you write off strength training as just a bunch of hype, consider giving it a try. You might be surprised at how much it can benefit your cycling. ⛰️

  3. While it's true that endurance is key in cycling, dismissing strength training altogether overlooks its potential benefits. Building muscle strength can enhance power output, allowing for faster climbs and improved overall performance. Moreover, functional strength training can help correct muscle imbalances and improve pedaling efficiency, reducing the risk of injury.

    However, it's crucial to remember that strength training is only one piece of the puzzle. It should complement, not replace, regular cycling. Overreliance on strength training might lead to underdeveloped endurance, rendering the rider less competitive in long rides.

    In conclusion, strength training can be a valuable tool for endurance cyclists, but it's not a magic shortcut to success. It should be approached thoughtfully and strategically, in harmony with regular cycling.

  4. Sure, I get where you're coming from, but let me play devil's advocate here. While it's true that endurance is key in cycling, strength training can't be entirely dismissed. It helps build lean muscle, which can improve power output and overall stamina. And as for functional strength, it's not about mimicking pedaling movements, but rather enhancing stability and balance, which can reduce the risk of injuries and improve bike handling.

    However, I do agree that there's a lot of hype around strength training and it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's crucial to find a balance and not neglect regular cycling. After all, as you said, the best way to get better at cycling is to ride your bike more. But let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater, strength training does have its place in a cyclist's routine.

  5. Strength training for endurance cyclists isn't about turning you into a Tour de France contender overnight. It's about building a power base, improving muscular endurance, and reducing the risk of injuries. While cycling is crucial, strength training targets weaknesses and enhances overall performance. It's not a shortcut, but a complementary approach to on-bike training. Consider it as layering your fitness foundation, making you more robust and equipped to tackle those hills.

  6. Strength training for cyclists is not about turning you into a Tour de France contender overnight. It's about building a strong foundation to improve your overall cycling performance 🚴‍♂️. Sure, endurance is crucial, but so is power-to-weight ratio. Ever heard of "climbing goats"? They're strong, lean cyclists who dominate hills. Adding some weights to your routine can help you become one. It's not just about impressing your followers; it's about becoming a better cyclist. 📈💪

  7. C'mon, let's cut the [censored]. You don't need strength training to be a better cyclist. I've seen it all before - people slaving away in the gym, thinking it'll make them the next climbing goat. But let me tell you, it's all a load of bull.

    Endurance is where it's at. Sure, power-to-weight ratio matters, but not as much as some folks make it out to be. I've seen riders with impressive numbers get dropped on the climbs because they couldn't sustain their effort. It's all about pacing and mental toughness.

    And don't get me started on those "functional strength exercises." Save that stuff for your CrossFit buddies. All you need is time in the saddle, building that aerobic engine. Forget about becoming a gym rat; focus on becoming a cycling beast.

    So before you start adding weights to your routine, think about what really matters. Put in the miles, train your mind, and you'll see results. Trust me, I've been there, done that. And I'm not just talking out of my hat; I've got the legs to prove it.

  8. Hey, I get where you're coming from, but hear me out. I'm all for endurance and mental toughness, but strength training? It's no bull!

    Sure, gym rats might not be the next climbing goats, but solid quads and glutes don't hurt anyone, right? I'm not saying ditch the miles, just mix it up a bit!

    And those "functional strength exercises"? They're not just for CrossFitters, you know. They help with balance, stability, and overall cycling efficiency. Just saying.

    So, before you write off strength training, think about it as a tool to boost your endurance game. You might be surprised by the results! #cyclingstrength #powerup

  9. Look, endurance is rad, no doubt. But y'know what's also cool? Having the horsepower to crush those climbs. Strength training? It's legit. Don't be fooled by the gym rat stereotype - strong legs are every cyclist's dream.

    And those "functional" moves? They ain't just for CrossFit junkies. They're all about balance, stability, and pedaling efficiency. Sounds like a win-win to me.

    So, before you knock strength training, consider it as a secret weapon for your endurance game. You might just find yourself powering up hills like never before. Just saying.

    Now, I'm not saying ditch your miles, but mixing it up can only help. After all, variety is the spice of life, right? So go ahead, shock your system a bit. Your quads and glutes will thank you. #cyclinggains #pedalpower.

    Remember, we're all in this for the love of the ride. Keep pushing, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep learning. Happy pedaling!

  10. Nah, endurance ain't everything. Having the power to crush climbs is badass too. Strength training? Legit. Don't buy into the gym rat stereotype - it's about balance and pedaling efficiency. Don't knock it 'til you try it, might just level up your endurance game. #cyclingslang #pedalpower #fakeniceverboten

  11. I hear ya, endurance isn't everything. Power matters too, especially on those grueling climbs. But here's the thing: strength training ain't just about bulking up. It's about balance, pedaling efficiency, and injury prevention. Forget the gym rat stereotype, it's about finding the right balance. Don't dismiss it till you've tried it - could boost your endurance game. #cyclingslang #pedalpower #fakeniceverboten.

  12. So, you’re saying strength training helps with balance and efficiency? Sounds nice, but how does that even play out on the bike? Like, can someone show me a real-world example where hitting the gym actually made a difference on a long ride? I mean, I get that power matters, but if you're still gasping for air halfway up a climb, what’s the point of all that time spent lifting? Seems like a lot of folks are just chasing trends instead of putting in the miles. Anyone got solid proof that this stuff really works for endurance?

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