MTB Marathon Training – Gym? – Chat Forum – Singletrack World Magazine Forum

aidso

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I guess it's subjective and most would say there is no substitution to getting the hours-in on the bike - but is it worth going to a gym for weights or would that be unnecessary?

Looking at training for 100KM marathons with a fair bit of climbing. I'm thinking a few weeks of long hill repeats is more important than hours spinning along the trails? Is there anything I'd get in a gym that I couldn't get from just riding the bike? I've a turbo trainer for focused high intensity sessions if needed but am reluctant to spend hours on one in one session - would prefer to be outside.

Posted : 22/03/2018 11:32 am

plyphon

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If you look at any professional/high level athlete they all balance time on discipline with gym/weight lifting routine.

From world cup downhillers to ping pong to sprinters, building muscle helps you perform.

Posted : 22/03/2018 11:35 am

Nobeerinthefridge

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No need to spend hours, I'd be amazed if 15-20 minutes HIIT sessions didn't improve your fitness. I do a few kettlebell sessions week, core strength has definitely improved as a result.

Have a look at the Bodycoach HIIT workouts on youtube/faceboak/insta.

Posted : 22/03/2018 12:30 pm

Caher

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I would have thought additional muscle for marathon running would add too much bulk. Pounding the streets and yoga?

Posted : 22/03/2018 12:56 pm

RoterStern

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All pro riders have a gym session where they concentrate on core strength as it now well known having a strong core helps you pedal faster and for longer. GCN have a few videos which show you what work outs are good for cycling.

Posted : 22/03/2018 1:10 pm

aidso

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I was looking at more Core classes too. Did a 6-week Pilates course in the past and thought it really helped but these days it seems to be geared more towards women...and the mens class is at 11am in the morning booo.

Posted : 22/03/2018 1:28 pm

molgrips

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I did Stronglifts 5x5. It made it much easier to pedal hard. I felt more comfortable at max effort, and it seemed more sustainable.

However I couldn't lose weight whilst doing it.

Posted : 22/03/2018 1:45 pm

Kryton57

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Have been doing 2 x per week core workouts for 5 months now. You need time on the bike for specifity and bike specific muscle memory ultimately matching the length of the race, but intervals will be good for fitness and strength.

Posted : 22/03/2018 1:50 pm

paton

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