11/09/2026
Be honest... you think lifting will make you slower uphill.
Same story every year. Cyclist skips the gym because “lifting makes you bulky” or “heavy legs = slow climbing.”
Then wonders why they get dropped on every ramp over 8%.
Here’s what actually happens when you strength train properly:
→ You produce more force per pedal stroke, so you’re not relying purely on cardiovascular fitness to hold power
→ Tendons and connective tissue get more resilient — fewer overuse injuries, more consistent training blocks
→ Your body comp shifts favourably (more muscle, often less fat) — the opposite of “bulky”
→ Neuromuscular efficiency improves, which shows up as better sprint and punch power for attacks and climbs
The only thing lifting has ever made slower is your excuses.
I’m 95kg and hold 400W+ FTP. 14 years of professional rugby before I ever got serious about cycling. Strength didn’t slow me down — it’s the reason I can still produce power when the road tips up.
If you’re still avoiding the weights room because of a myth you picked up a decade ago, it’s time to actually test it instead of just believing it
DM me READY and I’ll show you how strength training fits into your cycling — without turning you into a bodybuilder!
