EVOQ.BIKE Cycling Podcast 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Lifting for Cycling
Nov 10, 2025
Discover crucial tips on how strength training can boost your cycling performance. Learn why it's vital to avoid lifting to failure and focus on proper form over heavy weights. Explore the benefits of incorporating upper-body workouts and maintaining strength year-round. Get insights on starting winter lifts with higher volume and how unilateral exercises can enhance your power on the bike. Uncover common mistakes cyclists make and how to optimize gym routines for better riding results.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Avoid Lifting To Failure
- Do not lift to failure; stop with one to two reps left in reserve on heavy sets.
- If you must scream to finish a rep, you are going too heavy and will hurt your cycling performance.
How Heavy Lifting Tanked My Spring Form
- Landry overdid heavy lifting one winter and found his legs couldn't hit VO2 max efforts in spring.
- He took time off the bike and had to shift to lighter kettlebell work after chronic heavy lifting fatigue.
Prioritize Performance Over Suffering
- Don't suffer unnecessarily in the gym; prioritize cycling performance over bodybuilding-style pain.
- Lift hard enough to be challenged but not so much that your bike training suffers or you feel destroyed.