Cyclo-Core Cycle Training DVD Review

The Cyclo-Core training program is an instructional DVD for cyclists. Author Graeme Street demonstrates a variety of different exercises designed to address common weaknesses that cyclists have, including poor core strength and weak or tight hamstrings.

The exercises range from common ones such as crunches and lunges through to the slightly more unusual (and hard) Hindu squats and a few exercises that I haven't really seen anywhere else. It pays not to rush into these workouts as they can leave you feeling very sore if you're not used to this type of thing.

Graeme demonstrates the workouts in full so you can follow along, but it may take a while before you're up to doing the same number of reps as him. It actually works quite well because you can just watch him for the first few reps and then have a go yourself. There are a variety of exercises for your abdominals and lower back which makes it a lot more interesting.

Really one of the best things about the program is the variety that it adds variety to your training. Also you don't have to spend a lot of time to get results many of the workouts can be done in less than 15 minutes. Especially when you're starting out as it doesn't take long to wake up those under used muscles.

After about a month of using the workouts 2-3 times per week I found that at the end of a long ride I wasn't feeling as much like slumping down on the handle bars. Previously I would feel really weak in my upper body even if my legs were still going OK. After using cyclo-core I felt much stronger in the upper body. I also noticed that my pedal stroke felt more fluid and stronger particularly on steep hills where I was forced to use a slower cadence, others also commented on this so it wasn't just all in my head.

There are also three audio cd's included with the DVD that provide information on nutrition and planning your off season training. These were interesting to listen to but the real value of the program lies in the DVD. So if you're looking to imrove your cycling and overall fitness while adding some much needed variety to you training the cyclo-core program a great choice. You can get it and other products from Graeme Street at cyclo-core.com.