Question: If I watch a sports show on TV and get tight muscles and a high heart rate from the excitement, does that count as time spent doing mental training like visualization? — Ann S. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Interesting question! Watching TV doesn’t count for physical training no matter how hot and bothered the…
Question: Could you settle an argument? I don’t have a trainer, so I walk on a treadmill for an hour. It’s set for a 12-degree incline. My friend says this workout won’t help my cycling, but it maxes my heart rate and I believe I can tell the difference when I ride. Who’s right? —…
Question: I want to do step-ups this winter for added leg strength, but don’t know how tall the box should be. I am 5-foot-3 and ride a 50-cm frame. — Patty G. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: The box should be high enough so that when you face it and put one foot on top, the…
Question: I travel for my job. Do you have recommendations for exercises that don’t require weights? — Lloyd G. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: It’s hard to beat good ol’ pushups for conditioning the arms/shoulders/chest. In addition, do core work like planks and/or yoga. Both are great and require no equipment. Chair dips are a good…
Question: This winter I’m training at a health club that has a leg-press machine and spinning bikes.What’s the correct way to combine these two activities? — Max P. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Leg weight training for road cyclists is controversial. Some coaches recommend it, at least in winter, while others tell their riders never to…
