Ironman Chattanooga competitor Marsha Goldberg gives instruction to her spin class at the downtown YMCA in August. Indoor training is just one way to keep in shape during colder months.Winter is coming, and despite living south of the Mason-Dixon Line, adverse weather conditions will keep many cyclists from riding consistently through colder months. However, that doesn’t mean cyclists should sit inside, helplessly peering out the window waiting for spring.
Many of the area’s best rides come in early spring, and cyclists who don’t keep in shape will miss out or have to sludge through arguably the best riding time of the year. To make sure you aren’t one of them, here are five steps to help you stay in shape during colder months.
1. Work on core strength.
Cycling power comes primarily from the legs, but core strength is an often-neglected area for weekend warriors – one that allows riders to be more controlled and well-rounded on the bike. Luckily for cyclists, winter is a good time to tighten that core and improve power-to-weight ratio.
Core workouts can truly be done in 30 minutes or less and don’t require leaving the house. Plenty of core workouts involve only bodyweight, and for those looking for more, dozens of workouts can be added with just an exercise ball and dumbbells.