iBikeRide.com

We all want to get out and ride, that's why we keep checking out all the skills, thrills, tips and tricks on this site. But sometimes when we can't manage to get out on our wheels an alternative is required.

While running and weight training aid to give strength and stamina for cyclists, regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness. It can serve as a cross-training element to your regular workouts. Swimming with increasing effort to gradually increase your heart rate and stimulate your muscle activity is easily accomplished in the water.

Commonly cyclists have muscular thighs due to the shorten of these muscle groups caused by the cycling action. Swimming helps to relax, therefore re-lengthen the muscles to a more natural shape.

This doesn't mean you have to pound up and down for hours in a pool. But tight hamstrings will benefit from some water work. So even though it's winter and the thought of leaving a sub-tropical environment with wet hair doesn't appeal, think of the lovely hot-choc and bag of monster munch you'll get after;-P

You don't have to be the greatest of swimmer, but some confidence and ability will be less taxing on the lifeguard! Vary your strokes and alternate between swim, kick and pull sets. Set targets of time and/or distance. So all the while you're in the water deciding if your bum looks big in your speedos/costume and what stroke to swim/how long for/how fast/how slow, it will be time to get out! Job done!

In short, your heart will benefit, improve your flexabiltity, your legs and feet will be pleased they not holding you up for awhile and your muscles will have had time to relax!

It can even be fun...especially if you race your 10year old daughter...and you have a 10metre head start...and she still wins! ;-))