Best Exercises To Get Stronger Legs For Cycling

Powerful leg muscles play a pivotal role in cycling, benefitting both competitive racers and recreational riders. These muscles enable you to tackle short bursts of explosive energy as well as sustain endurance during longer rides.

Developing stronger leg muscles not only enhances your cycling performance but also bolsters your resistance to increased intensity and longer distances, reducing the risk of injuries. To complement your leg strength, incorporating flexibility-enhancing stretches into your routine is highly recommended.

While spending more time on the bike undoubtedly contributes to leg strength, professional cycling coaches advise integrating off-bike strength training exercises into your regimen. Although you might have seen pro cyclists hitting the weights in the gym, strength training for cyclists often centers around bodyweight exercises that you can conveniently perform at home.

Consider these exercises as valuable additions to your training routine for fortified leg strength, promising a swifter and more comfortable cycling experience.

How To Get Stronger Legs For Cycling

1. Squats

Incorporating squats into your training routine offers significant benefits to cyclists by providing a unique way to engage and balance the hamstrings, distinct from the pedaling motion.

For cyclists, it’s essential to execute squats with a focus on descending to a point where your thighs are approximately parallel to the ground – a posture akin to your legs’ familiarity during pedaling.

To perform a standard squat, commence in a standing position with your feet positioned slightly beyond shoulder-width apart.

Gradually inhale as you shift your weight backward and descend as though preparing to sit down.

Maintain the alignment of your back, exhale, and extend your legs, ensuring your knees remain in line with your feet without any inward or outward deviations.

Complete 10-20 repetitions or sustain the squat for 30-60 seconds per leg. Repeat this process for 2-3 sets, introducing 20 seconds of rest between each set.

Advance to single-leg squats by standing on one leg atop a block or step while the other leg hangs beneath.

Consciously engage your gluteal muscles as you bend the active leg – for balance assistance, you may need to hold onto an object.

 

2. Bulgarian Squats

Bulgarian squats are a fantastic exercise for cyclists as they activate the glutes, quads, and hamstrings, thereby enhancing lower body strength and flexibility.

To execute Bulgarian squats, you will require an elevated surface, such as a step, bench, or table, ideally positioned 15 to 30 centimeters above the floor.

With the elevated surface behind you, take a substantial step forward. Simultaneously, extend one leg behind you and rest your foot on the chosen platform.

Gradually lower your body, bending the front leg until your rear knee nearly touches the floor. Keep your front heel grounded and your shoulders upright.

To elevate yourself, straighten the front leg, and replicate this movement for 10-20 repetitions or sustain the position for 30-60 seconds on each leg.

Conduct 2-3 sets, allowing 15 seconds of rest between each set.

 

3. Yoga Squats

Yoga squats, akin to regular squats, target your glutes, hamstrings, and calves. However, they involve a deeper range of motion, reducing the risk of knee strain.

Initiate yoga squats from a standing position, bending your knees and hips as far as your flexibility allows without raising your heels from the ground.

While in the squat position, strive to keep your feet oriented straight ahead. However, it’s permissible to angle them outward slightly if this assists in reaching the lowest point.

When you’ve reached the deepest squat position possible, extend your fingertips along the floor in front of you. Subsequently, lower your head and raise your hips as far as possible while your fingers maintain contact with the ground.

Revert to the squat, lifting your head in the process, and draw your hands upward as you return to an upright stance.

Execute 2-3 sets, each comprising 10-20 repetitions.

 

4. Squat Jumps

Squat jumps, a plyometric exercise, are invaluable for enhancing a cyclist’s acceleration.

Commence in the squat position and explosively propel yourself upward, reaching for the highest point possible. During this dynamic movement, strive to maintain your hands as close to your hips as feasible, preventing the generation of artificial momentum.

Execute this exercise 15 times in sets of four, emphasizing speed and power to bolster your strength.

 

5. Romanian Deadlifts

Romanian deadlifts are particularly effective in targeting muscles that cycling often overlooks, such as the hips, glutes, and hamstrings. Additionally, they contribute to enhancing core stability.

Begin by assuming a stance with a slight bend in your knees, and ensure your shoulders are positioned lower and relaxed. Proceed to lean forward at the hips while pushing your buttocks backward.

Allow your hands to descend along your legs until your knees are compelled to flex. Return to an upright position, initiating the movement through your heels and subsequently engaging the glutes and hips – it can be beneficial to thrust forward for this motion.

Perform this exercise 8-12 times for three sets. As you progress, consider integrating weights or resistance to further challenge yourself.

 

6. Lunges

Lunges are a comprehensive leg-strengthening exercise that engages the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calf muscles. They are particularly effective at rectifying minor imbalances in thigh strength.

Start by standing with one leg slightly positioned in front of the other. Proceed to step forward with your right leg, ensuring a 90-degree bend at the knee.

Concentrate the weight towards your heels as you return to a standing position, propelling yourself off the front leg. Repeat this maneuver with the opposite leg.

Execute 10-12 repetitions for each leg, followed by a 20-second rest interval. Proceed to complete another set or two.

 

7. Reverse Lunges

The reverse lunge variation may outshine the traditional lunge due to its capacity to replicate the upward pedal stroke movement on the bike, particularly when returning to a standing position.

Initiate this exercise by taking a substantial step backward from a standing posture and bending your front leg to reach a 90-degree angle while avoiding the knee from extending beyond the foot.

Lower your rear leg until your shin is nearly perpendicular to the floor, with minimal clearance between the two.

Elevate your rear leg forward and upward to return to the initial standing position.

Complete three sets of 8-12 repetitions on each leg.

 

8. Jumping Lunges

Consider progressing to jumping lunges only after mastering your lunge technique, as the dynamic nature of this exercise entails some risk of injury.

Initiate the exercise from a standing position, then propel yourself into a forward lunge. Immediately launch off the ground, simultaneously switching the position of your legs while in mid-air.

Bend your knees as you land to provide a cushioning effect. Ensure that both your feet and knees maintain a forward-facing orientation.

 

9. One-Legged Pedaling

Embark on this exercise by initiating regular pedaling, and then unclip your left foot, holding it clear of the pedal rotation. Continue pedaling for two minutes before transitioning to your other leg. Perform this routine for three sets.

Initially, your upstroke may exhibit some jerkiness, primarily due to the engagement of relatively weak hip flexors. However, as you persist with this exercise, your hip flexors will strengthen, allowing for a smoother and more effective upstroke.

Maintaining stability while pedaling with only one leg on a moving bike presents a significant challenge, and it is advisable to perform this drill on one of the top-rated smart trainers. Some indoor cycling applications, such as Zwift, incorporate one-legged pedaling into their winter training regimens.

 

10. Calf Raises

Calf raises mimic the constant flexion and abduction of your calf muscles during cycling. This exercise is beneficial for further enhancing calf strength on rest days.

Begin by standing on a flat surface with your feet positioned shoulder-width apart. Gradually raise your body onto your toes in a controlled and unhurried manner, then lower yourself back down with the same unhurried tempo.

Repeat this exercise 20 times, covering three sets. For those seeking a more intense workout, consider combining calf raises with squats, effectively targeting both your thighs and quadriceps simultaneously.

 

11. Glute Bridge

The glute bridge exercise effectively targets all three glute muscles – the medius, maximus, and minimus, in addition to engaging your lower back and core muscles.

While lying on your back, place your feet on the floor, positioning them near your glutes at hip-width apart.

Tilt your hips and press through your heels, elevating your body until your knees, hips, and shoulders are in alignment.

Sustain the bridge position for a few seconds before gradually lowering it just above the floor.

Complete three sets of 8-12 repetitions.

 

12. Single-Leg Glute Bridge

The single-leg glute bridge is a variant of the two-legged version, primarily targeting the same glute muscles but placing greater demands on your hamstrings and back.

Commence this exercise from the same initial position as the glute bridge. Elevate one leg until it reaches a horizontal orientation, maintaining a straight position.

Lift your pelvis by exerting force through the heel of your supporting foot.

Pause briefly at the pinnacle of the motion before gently lowering your pelvis back down. Single-leg glute bridges are demanding, so aim to complete two sets of 10 repetitions.

 

The Importance of Strong Legs in Cycling

Strong leg muscles play a pivotal role in enhancing your cycling performance and overall well-being. Here’s why you need robust leg muscles for cycling:

1. Increased Power Output: Strong legs allow you to generate more power while cycling. This power is a result of the force (or torque) you apply to the pedals combined with your pedaling cadence. When you can output more watts, your average speed on flat terrain and climbs can significantly improve, provided your power-to-weight ratio remains favorable.

2. Enhanced Endurance: Stronger leg muscles tend to fatigue at a slower rate, making them crucial for cyclists aiming to cover longer distances. Whether your goal is to complete a century ride or delve into ultra-endurance cycling, leg strength can help you sustain your performance and ride farther.

3. Injury Prevention: Cycling primarily engages your quadriceps, which can lead to overdevelopment of these muscles relative to your hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Such an imbalance can adversely affect your pedaling efficiency and cause overworking and shortening of these stronger muscles. This imbalance may result in various issues, including knee pain, back pain, and tight hip flexors, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to more severe injuries as the discomfort escalates.

So, even if you’re not aspiring to become a sprinting or climbing champion or an ultra-endurance athlete, developing strong leg muscles is essential for maintaining your cycling performance and preventing potential issues or injuries.

 

Why Do Cyclists Develop Different Leg Sizes?

The world of cycling features a diverse range of riders, each with distinct leg sizes. But why do cyclists have varying leg sizes? Here’s a breakdown of what contributes to these differences:

1. Pedal Stroke and Riding Time: Cyclists spend an extensive amount of time in the saddle, engaging in a highly repetitive pedal stroke. This constant leg movement powers the bike and naturally contributes to leg development. However, it’s important to note that cycling’s low-intensity, aerobic nature typically enhances the cardiovascular system more than it bulks up leg muscles. Significant leg size gains usually require dedicated weightlifting in the gym and a high-protein diet.

2. Pro Rider Legs: Most professional riders have lean and sculpted legs due to the endurance-focused nature of road cycling. They prioritize cardiovascular efficiency, which doesn’t necessarily result in big leg muscles. While track sprinters and some road sprinters may have larger legs due to the power required to turn big gears at high speeds, the primary focus for road sprinters, who are also endurance athletes, is on enduring long distances and tackling various terrains.

3. Speed and Endurance: Road sprinters face the challenge of balancing speed and endurance. They need to preserve their energy for the long distances and mountainous terrain often encountered during Grand Tours. As such, overly hefty leg muscles may hinder their ability to meet time limits or contest sprints when fatigued.

4. Specialized Riders: Different types of riders, such as time trialists and puncheurs, may develop strong, well-defined legs that can appear substantial relative to their overall physique.

5. Climbers: Climbers, often the smallest riders, prioritize minimizing muscle mass. When scaling steep mountains, producing high power (e.g., 400 watts) doesn’t necessarily require larger leg muscles. Instead, they focus on achieving a lean and efficient physique.

In essence, cyclists’ leg sizes vary due to their specific cycling disciplines, training regimens, and the balance they seek between power and endurance. While all cyclists need strong legs, the emphasis on size versus efficiency depends on their respective roles in the sport.

 

Final Words – Best Exercises To Get Stronger Legs For Cycling

In conclusion, strong legs are the foundation of successful cycling, whether you’re a competitive racer or a recreational rider. They empower you to handle both short bursts of explosive energy and long rides with endurance. Developing stronger leg muscles not only boosts your cycling performance but also reduces the risk of injuries by enhancing your resistance to increased intensity and longer distances. To complement your leg strength, including flexibility-enhancing stretches in your routine is essential.

While time spent on the bike certainly contributes to leg strength, cycling coaches recommend incorporating off-bike strength training exercises into your regimen. Professional cyclists may be seen lifting weights in the gym, but strength training for cyclists often centers around bodyweight exercises that can be conveniently done at home.

By incorporating these exercises into your training routine, you can fortify your leg strength, leading to a more efficient and enjoyable cycling experience. Whether you’re an aspiring sprinter, climber, or endurance cyclist, or you simply want to stay injury-free, strong legs are your key to success on the road. So, get pedaling and start strengthening those legs for a brighter cycling future!