Training for a triathlon? Try spinning classes to work on your cycling strength!

When training for a triathlon it is crucially important that you are equally prepared for each leg of the race. There is little point having a super time for your run when you have just finished badly in the cycle due to a lack of preparation. A lot of competitors are not naturally gifted in all three areas of the triathlon, but solid training in the weaker areas will help give you a more balanced approach.

Beginner tri-athletes often make the mistake of not preparing sufficiently for the cycle. Virtually everyone can ride a bike, and it’s the sitting down part of the race, so what’s the big deal? Everything! Firstly by the time you get to the cycle leg, you have just finished the swim and have gotten out of possibly freezing cold water. Your legs are not going to be at their peak and also as you are wet all over your body temperature will be a bit chaotic. With the wet jelly legs, you are then going to put yourself on a bicycle for a very long duration. Maybe then the realization will hit you that perhaps you are under-prepared for the cycle, and your normal ability to make it through this duration is definitely compromised by all the other circumstances.

So how do you avoid the panic? Make sure you have done sufficient training. This does not mean a sufficient level just to be able to complete the allotted distance, but training at a sufficient level to help overcome the tricky situation you will face on the day of the race. Practice getting on a bike when you are tired, and then develop your stamina for completing a grueling cycle under less than ideal circumstances.

Practicing for the cycle leg is often a logistical problem as we don’t all live in suitable locations. If you are city-based it is clearly going to be difficult to find a decent stretch of road without any traffic lights, and it is not always practical to take off into the country just to practice on your bike. A far better way of building up those cycle legs is to regularly attend spinning classes. Although you won’t be moving anywhere on a fixed spinning bike, you will be working the correct muscles and learning how posture and good positioning on the bike will influence the pressure you place on different muscles. Spinning classes take you on a journey, mixing fast sprints on a flat surface with slow, intense climbs on hills, meaning you get to prepare your legs for both speed and inclines. Once you have built up a reasonable ability after a few regular sessions, then try to combine this class with other classes at your gym. If you do a different class beforehand you can then see how you fair on a bike when you start off a bit tired. Many gyms also have a swimming pool. So if you could begin to complete the required swim duration right before the spinning class your legs will really get used to the move from water to bike.

If you are then feeling super-fit, head for the treadmill and try your run. Just be sure to have the refreshments ready and waiting when you finally collapse in a heap!

HelenElizabeth is an Irish writer available for proofreading, editing, and general writing work.