Cross training is nothing new and it is gaining popularity
at high schools, colleges and even the pro level. For years you only did
workouts based on the sport you were training for but then it was discovered
that taking training tactics used for other sports may help an athlete to
improve in their own arena. MMA fighters
use cycling all the time to help improve their endurance without putting strain on their bodies, especially
their knees.
You already know that
riding a full carbon road bike down
A1A for an hour gives you all the cardio you need to improve endurance and
unlike running it doesn’t put a tremendous amount of pressure on your knees,
back and joints. What you may not know is there are multiple sports where
cycling, especially training on full carbon road bikes have actually become
part of the routine for pro athletes.
1.
MMA: Of course we will start with MMA because
they are the best example. These larger than life gladiators train to battle
each other in hand to hand combat. However, when it comes to getting their
cardio in they prefer the advantages that the bicycle allows them rather than
putting on their running shoes.
2.
Basketball: Now this one surprises people because
while playing basketball you have to run up and down the court hundreds of
times so it only makes sense that you would train by running. That’s old school
tactics that simply don’t work. Look at Lebron James, he rides his bike to and
from games because it helps him to improve his durance but also takes the
strain off of his knees. That’s the point athletes have found with cross
training with a bike, if you run during the game and run during practice the
last thing you want to do is run during training as well. You have to give your
body a break but still find a quality cardio to help you improve and get
stronger. Riding a bicycle does that.
3.
Hockey: This one doesn’t surprise anyone but
what few people know is when hockey players usually ride bikes, immediately
after a game. Yes, many players like to ride for at least 30 min directly after
a game because it stretches out their legs, helps them improve their endurance
but also spares their legs from anymore wear and tear.
4.
Football: Giant men pushing and hitting each
other for an hour a week so why not have them run to train? That’s asking for
trouble which is why many football gyms have an abundance of stationary bikes
to help their players get in a safe form of cardio. Have you ever watched a
game and noticed at least 1 bike on the sideline for the players to use when
they need to stretch out their legs? There’s a reason.
5.
Cycling: No seriously, how does a cyclist train
for a race, they ride a full carbon road bike. So if an MMA fighter, a
basketball start, a hockey player and a football giant are all riding a bike to
get into better shape why wouldn’t a cyclist do it? Here’s the catch, they ride
for 5 hours or more a day to prepare, not exactly something you should try on
your first trip but it gives you an idea of the commitment it takes to be able
to handle those major races like the Tour De France.
Why do we care about how athletes train if we aren’t playing
a sport? Science, sports teams have spent billions of dollars in research to
find new ways to make their athletes stronger, faster but also help them to
heal and get injured less often. If they have a secret we want to know about
it, not so we can go play in the Super Bowl but because we want to get healthier.
Cross training opened our minds to the idea that maybe other sports have
something to offer that we can incorporate in our routines and the one thing
nearly every sport seems to be on board with is hopping on a full carbon road
bike and taking it for a ride.
