Training Myths and realities

A very popular test! FTP (Functional Threshold Power) is a test to determine a person's pain tolerance. Although it is short and efficient to perform, it is not 100% reliable. Several external factors, such as fatigue, will have an impact on the result from one time to the next. The measurement is therefore not precise.

The FTP is one of many tests that must be combined with other measures to get a more complete assessment of a person. That said, it is easy to perform at home if you have a training base. It is therefore more accessible than many other tests.

2. The movements you use at the gym must be specific to your sport 

One of the most popular myths! A training program is built around the person, not the sport, in order for them to gain strength and thus progress. Practicing a specific sport creates muscular imbalances because the same movements are repeated several times a week. Training helps rebalance everything.

Two athletes from different disciplines might have a similar training program because they have common weaknesses. The priority is to strengthen these weaknesses and then work more specifically on certain muscle contractions related to the sport.

For example, let’s say you are only doing volume - so a lot of outings – on your bike, it will take much longer to see a progression than if you combine the sport with a training program.

3. You must train more to get better! 

In fact, the reality here is to be better, you must train more efficiently! Most people tend to overestimate what they can do in a week and underestimate what they can accomplish over many months, even years. But overtraining will cause body fatigue. Therefore, training more is not the solution to progress. Consistency and balance are key.

Training over four seasons is an excellent way to keep the rhythm. Each season has its own purpose. For a bike training, summer is for maintenance; fall is for rebalancing; winter is for development; and spring is for optimizing what was learned in the previous three seasons. Furthermore, training at different levels, surrounding yourself with people who will allow you to push your limits as well as to take a slower pace allows this balance.

4. No pain, no gain

The famous mantra heard over and over! Giving it all you’ve got at the gym and feel the pain is not the winning formula. Many people believe that always going all out gives more results. But when the body feels pain, the mind tends not to want to repeat the experience, which leads to a decrease in motivation.

Moreover, going all out with every workout has an impact on recovery time. So, if the body recovers poorly, it is difficult to progress. Yes, the effort must be put in, but without exhausting yourself every time you go to the gym! 

5. Cardio training is the best way to lose fat 

Of course, cardiovascular training helps burn calories and fat but it also makes your hungry! You burn calories, but then you need fuel to replenish your energy reserves.
The best way to lose body fat is through resistance training and be in a calorie deficit. This training develops muscle mass and increases metabolic expenditure, even at rest. Therefore, the more muscle mass you have, the more fat your metabolism will burn!  

6. You need a gym to get an optimal workout 

The past year has proven exactly the opposite! Many of the Smith Coaching’s members got great results, at home. With the right equipment in a suitable and motivating environment, everything is possible!

If you wish to continue your training or work on specific areas, visit Smith Coaching’s website. Enjoy! 
You’ll find Smith Coaching’s fitness series once a month on our blog!