Training tip #6: Weight lifting

We still have limited science evidence supporting or against weight lifting for cyclists.

The benefits included:
1) Working weaker groups of muscles in isolation
2) Improving lactose acid theahold (and thus power output)
3) Put more weight bearings on bones, which experience reduced gravity stress on bicycles.
4) Possibly making muscles more efficient when they recruit muscle fibres for a contraction.

The disadvantages included:
1) Increased body mass (cyclists want to be as light as possible) (This is not a significant problem for elite women as it is for men.)
2) Using training time effectivity--doing high resistance workouts on a bicycle is seen as an "effective" use of time.

Some cyclists look at weight lifting as a mini cross-training activity during cycling season because while it is taking time, it does make a difference. Even for highly-trained cyclists. See more of Sara Bean's photography!