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Need to build up strength

  • 03-08-2009 2:10pm
    #1
    T Corolla
    Closed Accounts Posts: 611 ✭✭✭


    I am currently going to the gym and used the bike on each occasion. I just got up to L17 in the manual workout selection and wanted to know will this build up the strength in my legs or is it too severe. It is pretty tough going for the hour and I feel great after it but am I pushing too much or should I select another workout thanks for your help


Comments

  • #2
    EileenG
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,775 ✭✭✭EileenG


    To get stronger, you need to push your limits. That could be cycling up a steeper hill than usual, or lifting a heavier weight.

    Generally, weights plus cardio work best.

    It's only too severe if you are at risk of injury, or are so exhausted it interferes with your life. A lot of lifters take a certain amount of pride in working to the point where they want to throw up (but please don't, it's a great way to get barred from your gym).

    Change your workout occasionally so that your body doesn't get comfortable in it.


  • #3
    T Corolla
    Closed Accounts Posts: 611 ✭✭✭T Corolla


    Thank for that much appreciated


  • #4
    Transform
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,394 ✭✭✭Transform


    what are your goals - if its just to build strength in the legs your going about it the wrong way. Cycling is great but its main benefit is for aerobic fitness NOT strength - unless your doing an absolute shed loads of cycling.


  • #5
    BossArky
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 9,588 Mod ✭✭✭✭BossArky


    T Corolla wrote: »
    I just got up to L17 in the manual workout selection and wanted to know will this build up the strength in my legs or is it too severe

    Lengthy sessions grinding along in top gear are not great for your knees. Pedalling uses a more quad than hamstring. You risk pulling your knee cap out of place unless you have your toes snuggly fitted into clips which allow you to pull up as well as push down. Obviously you would have to be doing a lot of cycling to develop massive quads like this... but just be aware of it.

    You could try increasing the cadence (speed of pedal rotation) by cycling in an easier gear but pedalling a bit faster. This is the kind of thing Lance Armstrong used to do / does. This allows you to handle bumps in the road better too.

    If you want to gain strength in your legs then 30 minutes of squat/lunge would be more beneficial than the same time cycling.

    In summary cycling wouldn't give you massive legs unless you do hours of it per week.


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