9 Strength Training Myths Busted

When it comes to resistance training, falsehoods abound; here's nine to let go of

Strength training can be S intimidating. It's often associated with big, muscle-bound dudes in multi-coloured spandex and vests, that look kinda fat compared to the typical mountain biker. So whether you are just dipping your toe into the world of mtb strength training for the first time, or even if you're already hitting the gym, there's a lot of information to absorb, most of which is conflicting. Given that no one wants to look like a newbie, we've put together the answers to nine of the most common questions that new lifters ask in order to get the most out of their training.

1 WILL LIFTING WEIGHTS MAKE ME BULKY?

This is a common concern among cyclists and especially women, but it's totally unjustified. Put simply, if getting jacked was as easy as going to the gym and lifting weights, everyone would look like Mr Olympia, and they don't. In fact building a lot of muscle is remarkably difficult. It requires a much bigger commitment than hitting the gym for two sessions a week. The style of training and diet also play a massive part in getting massive, so there's really no need to worry about getting too big as it simply won't happen by chance.

2 CAN STRENGTH TRAINING REDUCE MY ON-BIKE FITNESS?

It certainly can. And if you've seen a big, heavy powerlifter trying to climb a set of stairs, it's clear that you can have too much of a good thing. We're not concerned with powerlifting, though. Adding two strength training sessions into your weekly routine will have a positive impact on your riding. You don't want to replace riding sessions with strength training, however, otherwise your riding will suffer.