Resistance training is an important aspect of a cyclist\’s training. We need it to develop the arms; upper body; and obliques.

Back when I was a tricycle rider, I didn\’t worry about such work; but after I was on two wheels, it was a different story.

I soon noticed that, after 15-20 minutes\’ riding, my arms started to feel like overcooked noodles; and that my abs sagged, which put strain on my lower back. By that time I had read a good bit about cyclist\’s training; and I realized that it was time to start off-bike exercises!

So I worked out a schedule that would give me five or six off-bike sessions per week. Some of the exercises were for the arms/upper body. Others were for legs/lower body; and some were for core strengthening.

My aim wasn\’t body-building, so I didn\’t do many reps of any one exercise; and I didn\’t push all that hard. This wasn\’t boot camp, after all! I merely wanted to develop enough strength so that long rides on two wheels would be more comfortable.

Thanks to my lackadaisical approach, my progress was very slow; and it was several years before I finally did gain a bit of strength. Over recent months, however, I miss those off-bike sessions too often. I\’m always busy blogging; or meal planning; or cooking; or cleaning up the kitchen.

That reminds me of another kind of resistance: fighting off the temptation to get take-out for supper. I have to think of all the food in the fridge that I need to use up! There\’s no sense in letting it go bad.

Oh, and grocery shopping. Tomorrow I work from home, and I want to make a run to the supermarket before clocking in. I miss hummus!