If you're a cyclist who maintains a regular strength training regime at the gym, then you're probably missing your routine as fitness establishments stay closed during the coronavirus pandemic. The good news is that it's very possible to get a good workout at home, with limited equipment.
And if you're a rider who doesn't maintain a regular strength training regime? Well now is as good a time as any to start.
It's a good idea to follow a set routine - and if strength training is new to you, build up slowly as doing too much too soon could result in muscle fatigue and a drop off in riding performance - both indoor or outdoor.
We've produced a handy guide to devising a home core session here. Whilst the pictures were taken in a gym, nearly every exercise listed can be completed at home, with just a few pieces of basic equipment. If you'd like sessions to follow along with at home there are several apps offering this service, including cycling specific workouts within The Sufferfest's extensive training plans.
With each product is a ‘Buy Now’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.
If you're seeking the DOMS you miss from the gym, these will bring the memories flooding back.
Sliders can make almost any body weight movement a whole lot harder. You place them underneath your hands and feet and use them to 'slide' along the ground.
Cyclists, for example, could use them during a hamstring bridge - place one under each foot and then slide your feet away from you, and then back. The same concept can be applied to squats, lunges, mountain climbers and more.
*NB - be careful not to step on one accidentally - the results can be quite painful.
Resistance bands aren't only for the exercises you told the physiotherapist you would do that time you had knee pain one summer (though you should probably keep up with those, too).
Mini resistance bands can add a little extra power to squats, when placed just above the knee. They can also be used in the clam position, which can help to strengthen your glutes.
It's not all about the lower body, you can hook the long band around your feet, and use this to complete a 'row' exercise which will strengthen the mid-back muscles which can become weakened through extended sitting and are particularly helpful in supporting you both on long climbs and in an aero position.
Suspension training allows you to turn mundane drills you've seen and done a thousand times into challenging exercises which can reap serious rewards. We've got a detailed article discussing the benefits, and how to get started here.
The great thing about training with a suspension set up is that nearly every move is progressive, so you can make it as easy or as hard as you like. They're also great for adding in stretches, too.
Professional set ups take up a lot of space and aren't cheap - but systems like the Decathlon kit here can be clamped into the door frame for easy at home use.
If you simply don't feel like you're working hard enough without weights, then you can buy those too.
A set of adjustable dumbells will allow you to tailor the weight to the exercise you're completing, or you can go all out and get a barbell kit.
There's loads of ways that you can make lighter weights work harder for you, too. For example - swap front or back squats for overhead squats and you'll find a small weight might go a long way.
It's not all about logging the hard training hours. Keeping your body supple and mobile is important - especially if you're now alternating between the bike, home office and sofa.
Finish each session off with 10 minutes on the foam roller, this will help ease tight muscles and keep injury at bay - we've got a suggested routine for cyclists here.
Of course, there's plenty more home gym equipment you could invest in to create your perfect workout area, but we believe the kit above will provide you with a well rounded set-up that will keep you strong and entertained during the coming weeks and months.
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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.
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