How to Pick a Good Cycle Training Program
A good training program can really make a difference. In analyzing many different cycle training programs we have come up with some components that we feel must be in place for it to be 1. effective, 2. fun, 3. safe, 4. Useful for the long run.
Designed by Professional Cyclists and Physical Trainers:
You wouldn't buy a used car from a guy in a dark alley (I hope), and you shouldn't use a cycle training program put together by people who don't know the sport. So it goes without saying that avid cyclists, or better yet professional cyclists should have designed, used, and even created the components of the program. Coaches should have used it or even endorsed it. Notice in the paragraph title I used the phrase "and physical trainers". This is because I believe that when it comes to pushing the human body and making it better there are only a few that know how to do this safely and someone with a degree in physical training, kenisiology, and bio-mechanics should be involved. So look for these people when you are shopping for a good training program.
Can you chart your progress:
Any good training program will in some way or fashion help you track your progression through the program and measure your improvement. This does not need to be super high tech. As a matter of fact simple is sometimes better. There are a few of us who need to be able to figure watt output and fuel usage, but not many. Most of us simply want to know if we are getting faster, stronger, and can ride further.
Does the program offer new elements as you progress:
A newb cyclist won't be able to do the things that a veteran of several years can. They also have very different training needs. So we recommend a program that allows you to grow with it. No matter where you start out, you should be able to alter the training to meet your expanding physical condition and riding skills. Good programs meet the needs of a few cyclists. Great programs can be used by all cyclist.
Is the program tested:
Who has used it and what are they saying about it. Professional endorsement is good, but you really want to hear from cyclist like yourself. What are they getting out of it? Do they feel challenged and are they having fun with it? Better yet, are coaches using it train their athletes.
Is the program safe:
Programs put together by armatures are sometimes not very safe. They can look good on paper but don't allow for recovery days or are too focused on one type of training and don't offer the rounded exercise needed to be healthy as you grow. Again, endorsement can be the ticket here, but look for a physical trainer or physical therapist name attached to the program. Usually these folks consider the safety factor and will insist on it being an important part of the program.
Is the program fun:
Remember how I started this article talking about the lack of fun in my personal training regimen? Don't forget that road cycling should be fun. Training should be fun too. A good training program will have built in elements that help to keep the enjoyment there while you go through it. Some critical elements are that the program changes regularly and that there is some room for creativity in how you accomplish the segments of the training program. Also, there should be some flexibility to allow you to choose different sessions on the same day to give you a choice once in a while on what you will be doing. Variation in terrain, speed, distance, and goals are all going to help you become a better rider, but also keep it interesting as you go on into the year.
We recognize that no one road cycling training program or system has it all, but if you look for the ones that have these components in them you are sure to be more successful, have more fun, and be safer as you progress. We encourage you to contact program writers and ask them to fill the blanks in their information about a training program before you decide to buy or join one. Thanks for reading, and ride for life.
Designed by Professional Cyclists and Physical Trainers:
You wouldn't buy a used car from a guy in a dark alley (I hope), and you shouldn't use a cycle training program put together by people who don't know the sport. So it goes without saying that avid cyclists, or better yet professional cyclists should have designed, used, and even created the components of the program. Coaches should have used it or even endorsed it. Notice in the paragraph title I used the phrase "and physical trainers". This is because I believe that when it comes to pushing the human body and making it better there are only a few that know how to do this safely and someone with a degree in physical training, kenisiology, and bio-mechanics should be involved. So look for these people when you are shopping for a good training program.
Can you chart your progress:
Any good training program will in some way or fashion help you track your progression through the program and measure your improvement. This does not need to be super high tech. As a matter of fact simple is sometimes better. There are a few of us who need to be able to figure watt output and fuel usage, but not many. Most of us simply want to know if we are getting faster, stronger, and can ride further.
Does the program offer new elements as you progress:
A newb cyclist won't be able to do the things that a veteran of several years can. They also have very different training needs. So we recommend a program that allows you to grow with it. No matter where you start out, you should be able to alter the training to meet your expanding physical condition and riding skills. Good programs meet the needs of a few cyclists. Great programs can be used by all cyclist.
Is the program tested:
Who has used it and what are they saying about it. Professional endorsement is good, but you really want to hear from cyclist like yourself. What are they getting out of it? Do they feel challenged and are they having fun with it? Better yet, are coaches using it train their athletes.
Is the program safe:
Programs put together by armatures are sometimes not very safe. They can look good on paper but don't allow for recovery days or are too focused on one type of training and don't offer the rounded exercise needed to be healthy as you grow. Again, endorsement can be the ticket here, but look for a physical trainer or physical therapist name attached to the program. Usually these folks consider the safety factor and will insist on it being an important part of the program.
Is the program fun:
Remember how I started this article talking about the lack of fun in my personal training regimen? Don't forget that road cycling should be fun. Training should be fun too. A good training program will have built in elements that help to keep the enjoyment there while you go through it. Some critical elements are that the program changes regularly and that there is some room for creativity in how you accomplish the segments of the training program. Also, there should be some flexibility to allow you to choose different sessions on the same day to give you a choice once in a while on what you will be doing. Variation in terrain, speed, distance, and goals are all going to help you become a better rider, but also keep it interesting as you go on into the year.
We recognize that no one road cycling training program or system has it all, but if you look for the ones that have these components in them you are sure to be more successful, have more fun, and be safer as you progress. We encourage you to contact program writers and ask them to fill the blanks in their information about a training program before you decide to buy or join one. Thanks for reading, and ride for life.
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