Why You Should Add a Conditioning Programme Into Your Running/Cycling Programme

So you have started a new running or cycling programme, however, what are the benefits that you are missing out on if you don't include a strength and conditioning programme.

Firstly lets have a look at what a strength and conditioning programme is and what it is not:

A strength and conditioning programme is not:

• Finishing a run and doing sit ups and press ups
• A random sequence of weight training exercises without a plan

The English Institute of Sport defines strength and conditioning as:

"...the entire development of an athlete and what is needed to improve their physical performance".

One of the major benefits of a strength and conditioning programme is that it will help with injury prevention. This is because as you follow a conditioning programme then the programme should reduce muscle imbalances, as well as strengthening tendons and ligaments, which will lead to fewer injuries.

Having a strength and conditioning programme will make you feel stronger, nearly every sport will involve the application of force. The best and quickest way to strengthen your legs is with squats and lunges, and this strengthening will in turn aid with leg endurance and stamina increasing the amount of force that you can apply.

You may feel that the only way to get faster is to just run and run or to just ride and ride. However, running and riding are both very technical skills which when broken down and looked at they can then be rebuilt and help you to run or ride in a more efficient way improving speed and energy usage. 

If you are wanting to improve at a sport then you should definitely be looking at including some sort of strength and conditioning programme that is specific to your sport. I have worked with people to help them with their running, cycling, swimming, triathlons, tennis, badminton and football, and they have all seen vast improvements in their reductions in injuries, increased flexibility, and general improvement in performance.

If you would like more information on getting a strength and conditioning programme from PB Fitness then please let me know or visit my website.

Many thanks for reading.

Pete