How can we manage when time is short?

Being a cyclist isn\’t only about riding. Off-bike exercises are important, too; and that means making the time to do them.

Many sources that I\’ve read state that riding a bicycle is not only about the legs. You need strength and stability in the core; and in the arms and upper body. Example: if you find that you can\’t ride up even a mild incline without wavering like crazy, you need to work on those muscles. I sure did!

Such work doesn\’t have to take gobs of time; at least, not when you\’re essentially a recreational cyclist. Especially when you have a regular job! But what happens when you\’ve gotten in something else; and can\’t fit in even a 15-minute workout?

I would say, pick out the moves that need the most work. If the exercise routine that you had planned includes both core and leg moves; and you believe that your core needs more work; go for the core moves.

Of course there are the days when time is short for a ride. Some say, unless you had an easy/recovery ride scheduled, make your short ride an intense one. I should take that advice more to heart. I\’ve never done well when it comes to pushing myself beyond what is called \”comfortably painful\”. Or at any rate, I haven\’t done nearly enough of it.

In the end, when time is short, it comes down to using your time wisely. No matter how much time we seem to have, it always goes fast.