It is important to remember that a periodized training program is more efficient and effective than a non-periodized program. For cyclists who concentrate on the summer season, the winter is often referred to as the Foundation Period. During the Foundation Period, the main training focus is on aerobic development and heartrate intensities should be under lactate threshold. Some people also use this period of the year to include a resistance-training program into their overall training plan. The following are some guidelines for training in the Foundation Period.
Resistance training is beneficial to cyclists.
Cycling training develops certain muscles while others are left relatively under-developed. A full-body resistance program is important for maintaining balance throughout the body. The goal of a cyclist's resistance program is to gain strength, not pack on a lot of muscle mass. As you gain strength, you will gain some muscle mass, but the relatively limited duration of the resistance program does not allow for tremendous mass gains. At the same time, there are benefits to taking part in other forms of exercise during the winter months.