I'm something of a believer in strength training but something of a skeptic about weight training. I've seen discussion of several studies, often on this forum. The studies all seem to have the same basic structure: take a group of (cyclists/runners) at (whatever general level of fitness / seriousness); have half add weight training; have half keep doing whatever they were doing; measure outcomes. What I am wondering is, have there been any studies in which the second group didn't keep doing what they were doing, but added in a comparable amount of sport-specific strength training? For cyclists this might mean, for example, standing-start "sprints," in the saddle and big ring; or a rolling start version up a significant grade, etc. Basically, I'm curious to know if the effectiveness of that type of strength training has been tested against weights (or, for that matter, against no strength training).
As an a aside, when I say I'm a believer in the benefits of strength training its more in the context of bike racing than in triathlons, although I suspect it has it least some benefit in triathlon as well.
Any info responsive to the question greatly appreciated, a general renewal of the gym / no gym debate completely unintended and apologized for in advance.
As an a aside, when I say I'm a believer in the benefits of strength training its more in the context of bike racing than in triathlons, although I suspect it has it least some benefit in triathlon as well.
Any info responsive to the question greatly appreciated, a general renewal of the gym / no gym debate completely unintended and apologized for in advance.