My friend and triathlon coach Vicky begg has been reviewing the book, Strength and Conditioning for Cyclists: Off the Bike Conditioning for Performance and Life. The book is written by Phil Burt and Martin Evans and published by Bloomsbury Sport.
Burt and Evans have worked with some of the world’s best cyclists, including the Great Britain Cycling Team, devising and implementing effective off-the-bike training plans.
In Strength and Conditioning for Cyclists, they share their knowledge and experience so that you can aim to become a stronger, faster and more robust cyclist.
The book includes information about a self-assessment plan, inspired by the Functional Movement Screening used by the GB Cycling Team, to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
There are tips and recommendations for mobility and strengthening movements that are most applicable to cyclists’ needs and which can help to maximise effectiveness and avoid wasted time.
Review: Strength and Conditioning for Cyclists book
Vicky gave me her thoughts: The book is totally grounded. It demonstrates good practice, applied use of practical techniques and enables athletes and coaches to follow a system of careful checking against their own parameters as to where their current limits are.
While references are made to well-known athletes, the athletes are described in realistic terms and not idolised.
The pictorial guidelines and demonstrations illustrate real people (not glamorised, buffed up models) carrying out movements that are so clearly executed and well-photographed that you can be in no doubt as to whether you (and the athletes you are working with) are heading down the right path.
None of the movements are complicated, but the process followed and checkpoints required to achieve the movement correctly ought to keep everyone who follows them safe – and allow them to progress at the appropriate rate.
I think it’s a great book. Totally on my wavelength. I have recommended it to several athletes that I coach and I will continue to do so. I would also recommend to triathlon and cycling coaches.
Buy the book on-line in a range of stores, including at Amazon for £15.25.
Also see Bloomsbury Sport.