Upper Body Strength for Cycling

But, it turns out, that isn't the whole story. You will make it easier on yourself if you have a good, strong core. 

The core is where the arms and legs work from. Having a strong foundation will take some of the pressure off your limbs, and conversely, you will add unneeded stress if you don't have a strong core. If you can't lean forward for the length of time the other riders can, or at the end of a spin class your back is sore, work your core!

When you are riding uphill you need pulling muscles which are your back and shoulders. To avoid losing power from the triceps and shoulders you might consider pushups, dips or bench presses. Trainers in New York City will guide against going as far bodybuilding though. Their goal will be to get you towards strength but not bulk. 

When it comes to distance cycling the thing that is going to hurt the most will not be your legs. That might be counter-intuitive for most of us, but it is true. After eight hours in the saddle, you will be thankful for every fiber of padding in your shorts. But personal training for distance cycling NYC will want you to work on getting everything else strong not your legs. It is as if your legs will come along by themselves as you put the miles in.

Amazingly, the body likes to be balanced and this drive is so strong, that if you fall too far out of balance, your progress will slow. If you need any motivation for upper body work, maybe that it is enough. The sort of exercise you should be doing is not the heavy lifting, but you will be using the balance ball, steps and light weights.

If nothing so far has moved you to believe in the need for upper body strength here is one last argument. Upper body strength is essential for balance, meaning balance on the bike, not the equilibrium above. It's balance that will get you out of a tight spot - and you know it is worth it.

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