Strength training for endurance athletes

Strength training for cyclists, runners, triathletes, endurance athletes.

It’s not about getting big and buff, it is simply about starting to build a routine, a thought, a new idea, and eventually  maybe a habit of adding in some strength and mobility work off the bike. 

I challenge every one of these athletes to learn basic movements and exercises like Squats, Bridges, Pushups.

I suggest every athlete explore, practice and learn these movements because they require no equipment, engage the entire body- upper, lower, core- and they should be easy enough that you can refer back to them in the future, you can refer to them if you’re somewhere with no bike or unable to do cardio, and want a good workout, or eventually use them to build a bigger strength program so that you are a strong athlete for many years to come.

Some goals to attain I would challenge every athlete of any sport: 

Can every athlete complete with good form a Squat, Plank, Bridge, Push-up, Pull-up? These are fundamental movements and all translate to strength on the bike, but also full body health.

Ideal would be to pencil in and commit to at least 2 sessions a week of 20-30 minute blocks, no more, no less.

Let me clarify, it doesn’t need to be MY workouts. Yoga, Pilates, Rock Climbing, Surfing, Crossfit, many other awesome options.

As endurance athletes, especially cyclists – if we don’t load our bones, we are at risk for osteoporosis, poor bone density, increased risk of injury, and a host of other issues later in life. Load those joints, that’s how they get nutrition.