Cycling and the Minor
Components of Physical Fitness

Cycling incorporates the minor components of physical fitness such as balance, coordination, agility, power, and reaction time. Riding a bicycle is so much more than simply pumping your legs up and down. Let’s take a look at each component...

Balance is the first of the minor components of physical fitness and is obviously quite important when it comes to cycling. It takes some level of balance just to stay upright on the bike. It can come in handy on that technical section of the trail where you’re rolling slowly and negotiating many obstacles. It can also be a life saver when the rider beside you in the pack leans a bit too much into your bike. Good balance can keep you upright and safe in many situations. Riding on rollers is a great way to improve balance on the bike.

Coordination is the harmonious functioning of muscles in the execution of movements. Bike fit is a key component in assuring correct muscle coordination and avoiding injury. With a properly adjusted bike your muscles and joints work in a synchronized fashion. Slight maladjustments can cause muscle imbalances that lead to overuse injuries. Hand-eye coordination is also key to steering the bike and keeping it on a safe path.

Cycling requires both physical and mental agility. Agility is the ability to move or think quickly and nimbly. Moving through the pack or negotiating tight single track requires physical agility. Taking in the surroundings, traffic, road conditions, trail conditions, and picking the right line all require incredible mental agility. Just imagine how many split-second decisions you are making subconsciously while on the bike.

Power is the rate of work completed over a period of time and is the most accurate measure of training intensity available. Cycling requires power to climb up steep hills, to accelerate past a competitor, and to maneuver the bike over obstacles in the woods. Power can be measured with the use of a power meter mounted to the bottom bracket, freehub, or crankset, but these devices can be quite expensive.

Reaction time is the ability to respond to external stimulus in a timely fashion. Every time you adjust your steering or position on the bike to avoid a car, another rider, a pothole, or a derailleur-ripping stick in the trail, you are relying on quick reaction time to avoid an accident or damage to your bike. Reaction requires the brain to register the obstacle, send a message to the appropriate muscles, and for the muscles to contract as requested to move the bike.

Cycling incorporates both the major and minor components of physical fitness. Although a few of the major components need to be supplemented with strength and flexibility exercises, cycling pretty well covers these minor components.

Do you have a great story about this? Share it!

Return from Minor Components of Physical Fitness to Fitness for Cycling