Strength Training Among Male Master Cyclists-Practices, Challenges, and Rationales
1Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Faculty of Teacher Education and Arts, Nord University, 7600 Levanger, Norway.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
|November 25, 2024
Summary
Male master cyclists use strength training for performance and health, focusing on core and lower body. Fatigue and time constraints are key challenges, indicating a need for optimized training programs.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging cyclists experience declines in aerobic capacity, muscle mass, and bone density.
- Strength training is a potential countermeasure to age-related performance and health decrements in cyclists.
- Understanding master cyclists' strength training habits is crucial for optimizing aging performance and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the strength training practices of male master cyclists.
- To identify the primary challenges and decision-making rationale behind their strength training.
- To inform strategies for enhancing performance and health in aging cyclists.
Main Methods:
- An online questionnaire was administered to 555 male master cyclists (aged 35+).
- Participants were categorized into age groups (35-49 and ≥50 years).
- Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, comparative tests (Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U), chi-square, and qualitative content analysis.
Main Results:
- Strength training was more prevalent in the off-/pre-season, decreasing during the race season.
- Training focused on core and lower body, utilizing hypertrophy and maximal strength methods.
- Primary challenges were fatigue and time limitations; rationales included performance enhancement, injury reduction, and general health, with bone health being key for older cyclists.
Conclusions:
- Strength training provides significant performance and health benefits for aging male cyclists.
- Fatigue and time constraints are major barriers to consistent strength training adherence.
- Tailored strength training programs are needed to improve adherence and effectiveness in this demographic.
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