6 Cycling Training Rules You Can Break

In a society where beliefs about exercise are either long-held or fleeting, you know, until something better comes along, it can be difficult to know if you're doing the right thing at the right time. And, while some rules of fitness are backed by studies and research, others aren't as grounded in science. These are the cycling rules that are OK to bend.

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Always Warm Up and Cool Down

The whole truth: While a proper warm-up is a must, especially prior to a race, a cool-down isn't always necessary. (Find out when you should cool down, in our list of pro-cyclist tips on The Right Way to Warm-Up.)

Nothing but the truth: Researchers at Aberystwyth University, in Wales, found that a warm-up that includes moderate to heavy efforts can improve high-intensity cycling performance by three percent. These efforts activate all available motor units so they're ready to jump into action at the start, and leave you less likely to go into the red 30 seconds in. For very hard efforts, a cool-down can help prevent blood from pooling in your legs, which causes dizziness, but there's no evidence that it clears lactic acid or helps prevent soreness.

More: 7 Recovery Strategies Used by Pro Cyclists

Drink Before You're Thirsty

The whole truth: Drink up, but don't drown yourself.

Nothing but the truth: A little dehydration doesn't hurt performance or put you at risk for heat stress. In a study from the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, researchers found that runners who drank according to thirst performed just as well as those who drank moderate or high amounts, and they didn't have any higher heat stress or core body temperature.

8 Foods That Keep You Hydrated

When Weight Training, Rest Between Sets

The whole truth: Keep moving.

Nothing But the truth: You're a cyclist, not a body builder. Sitting between sets reduces potential calorie burn. In a recent study from the University of Connecticut, researchers found that lifters who rested for one minute or less between sets experienced nearly double the metabolism boost of lifters who rested for three minutes.

More: How Cyclists Should Approach Strength Training

Crunches Strengthen Your Core

The whole truth: Crunches don't work.

Nothing but the truth: Do this instead: Lie back on a mat and lift your legs so your thighs are perpendicular to the floor and your knees are bent at 90 degrees. Extend your arms straight toward the ceiling. Contract your abs and lift your torso off the floor while simultaneously straightening your legs so your body forms a V. Hold for two seconds, then return to the starting position. Do three sets of 8 to 10 reps.

6 Core Moves For Cyclists

Never Do Intervals on Back-to-Back Days

The whole truth: Do intervals on back-to-back days—but only if you're training for something really hard.

Nothing but the truth: If you're training for a stage race or other multiday events, doing consecutive interval days, with ample rest afterward helps build top-end stamina and simulates what's ahead.

More: Power Up With Tempo Intervals

Aim for 90 rpm When Pedaling

The whole truth: There is no magical cadence.

Nothing but the truth: You can perform well spinning between 80 and 100 rpm. Choose according to your muscle-fiber makeup and recruitment as well as your fitness level and gear selection.

More: 3 Drills to Improve Cycling Efficiency and Pedal Cadence

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