As cyclists we have very strong legs.  With all of the time we spend pushing and pulling on the pedals it is the logical outcome.  However, many of us spend all of our time pedaling, and not enough of it doing other beneficial training.  One area that is often neglected is the core.  The core is very important to us as riders as it helps hold us stable while we pedal – easy or full force. There are many exercises that you can do to train the core, but I will start with one that you can do just about anytime or place – the plank.  I have actually included the standard front plank, and the side plank as options to complete.  And I would recommend doing both of them.  These are the guidelines that you should follow while planking:

• Start by completing 1 -2 sets of front and side planks
• As a beginner aim for 30 seconds on the front plank, and 15 seconds on the side planks
• As you get stronger you can increase the sets and duration of each exercise
• Maintain a tight core, and keep your hips in line with your trunk
• Keep your head / neck in a neutral position, and in line with your trunk