Jeff Dayss
[Note: This article is a reprint. Because it fits well for the season of the year we're in right now, we're
reviving it.]
Well, I haven’t seen very many of you at the gym lately.
I don’t suppose you’ve been slacking off
(have you?), waiting for the holidays to
get over with? Well, if you have, it’s time
to get back in the saddle again. I know it’s
tough, but just twice a week on the wind
trainer or rollers makes a world of difference
come spring. So draaaagggggg that equipment
out of the closet or basement and start spinning!
Start with just twenty minutes on the trainer;
you’ll feel great when you step off. On the
odd days, work in some cross training. Why
not try some snowshoeing? How about running,
swimming, walking or just plain shoveling
snow? Anything! (as long as it’s not channel
surfing)
You must try to maintain your fitness over
winter. Each day you put off exercise, the
harder it will be in spring. I’ve seen many
a rider fail to improve from year to year,
simply because the fitness level drops each
winter.
Winter is a great time of year to work on
your faults. I always try to work on leg
strength and leg speed. These are things
that I rarely have time to work on during
racing season. I also try to work on upper
body strength and power. I do most of this
workout in the weight room. It has always
amazed me how tired I can get after a half
hour of lifting weights! If you hate weights
and the gym, get an aerobics tape (or two).
You can get an excellent workout, building
all-over fitness, which many cyclists lack.
Most aerobics tapes work both strength and
cardiovascular fitness.
Hope to see ya riding soon!!
