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We all know core strength is imperative for mountain biking and cycling in general, or at least I *hope* we all know. Over the years I've transitioned my core routine from doing lots of crunches, to doing less crunches and more planks, and now I've been really keen on the exercises promoted through Foundation Training, which are really yoga inspired poses and stretches aimed at strengthening the core. Ultimately my goal is to identify a set of exercises that I can do 3x a week to keep my back and spine healthy and keep injury at bay. And hopefully these exercises I can squeeze into a 30 minute workout.
When I was doing lots of crunches, I came to understand that dynamic exercises can actually put a great deal of strain on the back and that static exercises, like planks, are much better. So I started doing lots of planks. Then I came to understand that strengthening the abs without strengthening the corresponding back muscles creates muscle imbalances that can cause problems, and that ab strength is generally over-rated, so that's what led me to the Foundation routine. I've got the book and I do the "intense" workout.
So, I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts or opinions or experience regarding the exercises prescribed in Foundation Training, and ultimately, what set of exercises is considered sufficient to maintain core strength and stability for a MTB'er.
When I was doing lots of crunches, I came to understand that dynamic exercises can actually put a great deal of strain on the back and that static exercises, like planks, are much better. So I started doing lots of planks. Then I came to understand that strengthening the abs without strengthening the corresponding back muscles creates muscle imbalances that can cause problems, and that ab strength is generally over-rated, so that's what led me to the Foundation routine. I've got the book and I do the "intense" workout.
So, I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts or opinions or experience regarding the exercises prescribed in Foundation Training, and ultimately, what set of exercises is considered sufficient to maintain core strength and stability for a MTB'er.