Cross training to improve your trials ability

[dave33]

I'm a novice but the only thing I use the smiths machine for is to hang my coat.

So no one try any clean jerk moves ?

[J.KYDD]

I do alot of core work, squats and powerlifts. I also have a dedicated plyometric session i do 1-2 times a week.

Cardio specific session once a week and a couple of super-set sessions.

I tend to go the the gym 3-5 nights a week

[isitafox]

Using a smith machine is the worst idea for any sort of muscle growth or balance. it halves the muscle activation, and gives you a false sense of strength as well as f**king up your balancing muscles, so if you can bench 70 kg on the smith even 40 kg is difficult off it. Free weights are the best. If you use the smith on its own you're setting yourself up for failure.

You what?! That is a complete load of b******s. If anything I find it easier lifting free weights, on a smith machine your movement is restricted which makes it harder to press the bar at times.

The smith machine is a very useful bit of kit though, especially when you haven't got anyone to spot you (assuming it's a decent one, the one at our local gym is crap as each side can still slide up and down independently)

[Ash-Kennard]

You what?! That is a complete load of b******s. If anything I find it easier lifting free weights, on a smith machine your movement is restricted which makes it harder to press the bar at times.

The smith machine is a very useful bit of kit though, especially when you haven't got anyone to spot you (assuming it's a decent one, the one at our local gym is crap as each side can still slide up and down independently)

its not all bullshit, it does depend on what your doing, bench press for example is better for you as you have to balance the weights and use your core a lot more. whereas the machine will just really be working your arms.

ideally the best thing to do is to either make a heavier bike with similar/identical geo. or add weights to your bike. but obviously this can be quite expensive for the first option.

[ghostrider88]

its not all bullshit, it does depend on what your doing, bench press for example is better for you as you have to balance the weights and use your core a lot more. whereas the machine will just really be working your arms.

ideally the best thing to do is to either make a heavier bike with similar/identical geo. or add weights to your bike. but obviously this can be quite expensive for the first option.

Please explain how benching on smith would work your arms.

Also, heavy bike feels different so it would change your technique too,if anything you should be heavier, not the bike. I haven´t seen a single pro riding heavy bike for training, a lot of them do some heavy lifting though...

[Ash-Kennard]

Please explain how benching on smith would work your arms.

Also, heavy bike feels different so it would change your technique too,if anything you should be heavier, not the bike. I haven´t seen a single pro riding heavy bike for training, a lot of them do some heavy lifting though...

fine, not just arms, pecs too.

but a few world riders do. have a normal bike and a super lightweight one for comps

[thinkdougie]

The best way to get better at trials is ride your trials bike.

[ghostrider88]

Well yeah 8kg is deffo heavier than 7,5kg comp bike lol, still something I would classify as superlight. Gilles for example uses carbon forks on his training bike too...Back to the smith vs free weights question, It is harder for someone who doesn´t use this machine very often to use the same amount of weight he uses with freeweights, no two ways about it. As isitafox said, bar moves in straight line and that isn´t optimal for pretty much every exercise, maybe behing the neck shoulder presses. If you always use it, of course you will accustom to it.

[dave33]

Please explain how benching on smith would work your arms.

Also, heavy bike feels different so it would change your technique too,if anything you should be heavier, not the bike. I haven´t seen a single pro riding heavy bike for training, a lot of them do some heavy lifting though...

Hannes herman has 2. Atleast 1kg difference when I picked them up

If I got gym 3-5 times a week I can't ride properly because I'm sore

[ghostrider88]

Learn to ride while you are sore

[dave33]

The best way to get better at trials is ride your trials bike.

Surly you will only get so far

[thinkdougie]

Surly you will only get so far

I think that trials is 90% technique and in the mind, strength does help but when you look at riders like Jamie Williams he's not exactly a gym addict but is a top rider.

[ghostrider88]

I think that trials is 90% technique and in the mind, strength does help but when you look at riders like Jamie Williams he's not exactly a gym addict but is a top rider.

Compared to real pro riders he doesn´t go big really. +There are differences from person to person in muscle fibers types, so someone can get away with no gym training at all and still go relatively big, someone can´t. But gym can help both of them.

[thinkdougie]

Compared to real pro riders he doesn´t go big really. +There are differences from person to person in muscle fibers types, so someone can get away with no gym training at all and still go relatively big, someone can´t. But gym can help both of them.

I found going to the gym made me worse, my body would feel like jelly after a good session and I wasn't able to ride. Once I got on the bike I felt like I had rode in months because my body felt very tired.

[Azarathal]

Improve your diet whilst training and cut out caffeine on rides

Improve your diet whilst training and cut out caffeine on rides

[ChrisTrials2012]

You what?! That is a complete load of b******s. If anything I find it easier lifting free weights, on a smith machine your movement is restricted which makes it harder to press the bar at times.

The smith machine is a very useful bit of kit though, especially when you haven't got anyone to spot you (assuming it's a decent one, the one at our local gym is crap as each side can still slide up and down independently)

Yeah I can easily bench 70 but im giving an example. Edited January 28, 2013 by ChrisTrials2012

[isitafox]

I understand that I mean its no more difficult to bench free, I actually find it easier than with a smith

[Ali C]

I could bench more free than on a smith. I spent about 4 months going to the gym about 2-3 times a week a few years back and I can't say I noticed much improvement in my riding.

I think riding is simply the best thing that can be done, perhaps riding with a weighted vest could work (would look a little gay though).

awaits Dave to slag me off

[ghostrider88]

To be honest Ali,4months is very short period of time.

[Ali C]

I stopped because I decided that I ride because it's fun and the gym is not fun. Plus it cost money I could use on travelling to interesting places rather than sitting in a sweaty room.