3 Types of Cycling Habits You Need to Stop for Stronger Performance

Wellness, Wealth & Mindset Weekly (#066)

Are you striving to enhance your cycling prowess? Perhaps you're keen on pedalling towards stronger legs, better stamina, or faster speeds.

Whatever your goals, certain cycling habits might be holding you back. Let's delve into three common practices that could be hindering your progress and explore why it's time to bid them farewell.

1. Mimicking the Pros

Ah, the allure of emulating professional cyclists! The thought of spending endless hours in the saddle, dedicated solely to honing your craft, is undoubtedly appealing.

However, for most of us with jobs, families, and other commitments, this dream is far from reality.

Instead of trying to mirror the pros' rigorous training schedules, it's essential to focus on the quality of your sessions.

Identify your weaknesses and tailor your workouts to address them effectively. If you're aiming to boost your Functional Threshold Power (FTP), prioritize FTP-focused efforts.

Similarly, if conquering climbs is your aim, incorporate more hill repeats into your training regimen. By aligning your workouts with your specific goals, you'll make more significant strides towards improvement.

2. Zwift Racing Overload

Zwift racing has surged in popularity, offering cyclists an exhilarating virtual platform to test their mettle against competitors worldwide.

While these races can be thrilling, they may not always align with your training objectives.

Believing that frequent Zwift races will automatically translate to enhanced performance is a misconception that can lead to overtraining and burnout.

Before jumping into yet another Zwift race, pause and consider whether it complements your weekly goals. While substituting a race for a threshold session occasionally can be beneficial, prioritizing structured workouts tailored to your strengths is typically more advantageous.

Avoid the temptation to overexert yourself in the relentless pursuit of virtual victory and instead focus on strategic training that supports your long-term objectives.

3. Misinterpreting Recovery Rides

Ah, the humble recovery ride – often misunderstood as a day of rest on the bike. While the intensity may be dialled down compared to your usual rides, engaging in a recovery spin still entails physical and mental exertion.

Merely gearing up and hopping on the bike or turbo trainer primes your mind and body for activity.

Even though your heart rate may remain subdued during a recovery ride, your body is still in motion, albeit at a gentler pace.

Consequently, it's crucial to recognize that these sessions aren't synonymous with complete rest. To optimize recovery and promote muscle repair, embrace true rest days. Elevate your legs, hydrate adequately, nourish your body with nutritious foods, and prioritize quality sleep.

In conclusion, enhancing your cycling performance requires a thoughtful approach tailored to your individual aspirations and limitations.

Rather than blindly following trends or imitating elite athletes, focus on crafting a training regimen that aligns closely with your goals.

By breaking free from detrimental habits and embracing strategic training practices, you'll pedal closer towards achieving your cycling ambitions.

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