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7 Exercises to Injury-Proof Your Body

With a bit of time until your next race, it's the perfect opportunity to work on your problem areas away from the bike. It's likely absolute strength is your weakness, and for good reason—you don't train for it.

Strength training is a great way to improve performance and, more importantly, reduce your chance of injuries. Endurance training gives you a strong heart and lungs but doesn't protect you from injury the way strength training can.

For most cyclists, strength training is like another language, and it can be intimidating to venture into foreign territory at the gym. It doesn't have to be that hard or complicated, though. Adding strength training to your routine one or two days a week can make your body more resilient to injuries, improve body composition and it can increase your confidence.

About the Author

Erik Taylor

Erik Taylor is the premiere NASM-certified trainer for runners, cyclist, triathletes and fitness enthusiasts in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. A CrossFit Level 1 instructor, corrective exercise expert and performance enhancement specialist, Erik focuses on functional training. A former competitive cross country and track athlete, Erik understands the commitment involved in being an endurance athlete. Find him at Taylor's Fitness, on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter @Eriktaylorsfit.
Erik Taylor is the premiere NASM-certified trainer for runners, cyclist, triathletes and fitness enthusiasts in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. A CrossFit Level 1 instructor, corrective exercise expert and performance enhancement specialist, Erik focuses on functional training. A former competitive cross country and track athlete, Erik understands the commitment involved in being an endurance athlete. Find him at Taylor's Fitness, on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter @Eriktaylorsfit.

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