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Should cyclists do strength training? Should they lift heavy or light? Free
weights or machines? And what about Crossfit?
The answer depends on the rider and their targets. Chris Hoy, Victoria
Pendleton needed power for sprints – so the answer was “yes”. For Chris
Froome, probably less so, although core work is generally useful, across
disciplines. Carmichael Training Systems principal, Chris Carmichael. feels is
difficult to make a compelling case for elite and professional road cyclists
or even 30-something high-level Masters to spend significant periods of time
lifting weights but that it makes sense for the vast majority of his customers
(“35-65 years old, full-time jobs or are retired, and have athletic aspirations
that do not include National Championships or a pro contract”) to include
strength training year-round.
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