Squat suffering from exercise bike?

[SacToSD]

I've been cardioing (is this a word?) about 3-4 times per week these last few weeks, mainly riding the exerbike after running on the treadmill. I do about 30-40 minutes at 60-90% of my max heart rate (130bpm to 170 bpm, average probably 140-145 bpm) with interval work and simulated hills... 1 min max efforts, 3 min hard intervals, high cadence, low cadence, etc. I'm 27, too. The problem is that my squats have been kind of stalling, and I'm thinking that it could be because of the exerbike. Being a former road cyclist, I think that cardio is very very important, and I like maintaining the shape that my legs are in from all the years I did it. But, I think it might be to the detriment of my squat. My deadlift has been progressing just fine, along with my other leg work (leg press, split squats, leg extension, leg curls, calf work). It's just the squat that I'm lagging out on. Do you guys have any advice for increasing my squat weight without abandoning the bike that I like riding so much? Or do I have to abandon my bike to get stronger in my squat? Are there any supplementary exercises you guys do to increase your squat that you recommend? Thanks guys

 

[6packguy]

I've been cardioing (is this a word?) about 3-4 times per week these last few weeks, mainly riding the exerbike after running on the treadmill. I do about 30-40 minutes at 60-90% of my max heart rate (130bpm to 165 bpm, average probably 140-145 bpm) with interval work and simulated hills... 1 min max efforts, 3 min hard intervals, high cadence, low cadence, etc. I'm 27, too. The problem is that my squats have been kind of stalling, and I'm thinking that it could be because of the exerbike. Being a former road cyclist, I think that cardio is very very important, and I like maintaining the shape that my legs are in from all the years I did it. But, I think it might be to the detriment of my squat. My deadlift has been progressing just fine, along with my other leg work (leg press, split squats, leg extension, leg curls, calf work). It's just the squat that I'm lagging out on. Do you guys have any advice for increasing my squat weight without abandoning the bike that I like riding so much? Or do I have to abandon my bike to get stronger in my squat? Are there any supplementary exercises you guys do to increase your squat that you recommend? Thanks guys

I don't think it has much to do with the bike. Some people are just better at certain lifts than others. For example, I suck at deadlifts. I would say the best way to improve your squat is to simply do them. Make them the focus of every leg workout you do. Practice makes perfect

 

[mental1]

In my opinion---dont think its from the exercise bike---I would think it has more to do with your running. This is just my opinion---I never seemed to lose any size from stationary bike or strength on the squat? This year getting ready for a show...I was probably stronger than ever and continue to keep beating my log book. Then again---I follow phil hernon's advice on training right now. Good luck....Mental1

 

[GrowingPains]

cardio (treadmill or bike). leaves my legs feeling flat and weak. my squat definitely goes down when i do cardio regularly. i think its worth it though since it will keep you alive.

 

[Elucid]

Too much cardio will definitely effect your ability to recover and can certainly cause muscle catabolism. Lower the intensity/volume a bit.

 

[triathloncoach]

Biking & Squatting

As an Ironman Triathlete, Power lifter and bodybuilder (requires lots of tradeoffs) for more years than I will admit too, Biking will definately hurt your squat. So what? Biking also makes your legs look pretty darm good too, especially if you are keeping it under an hour and less than 80% MHR.

Are you trying to win a power lifting contest? Keep biking!

 

[the_warrior]

I've been cardioing (is this a word?) about 3-4 times per week these last few weeks, mainly riding the exerbike after running on the treadmill. I do about 30-40 minutes at 60-90% of my max heart rate (130bpm to 170 bpm, average probably 140-145 bpm) with interval work and simulated hills... 1 min max efforts, 3 min hard intervals, high cadence, low cadence, etc. I'm 27, too. The problem is that my squats have been kind of stalling, and I'm thinking that it could be because of the exerbike. Being a former road cyclist, I think that cardio is very very important, and I like maintaining the shape that my legs are in from all the years I did it. But, I think it might be to the detriment of my squat. My deadlift has been progressing just fine, along with my other leg work (leg press, split squats, leg extension, leg curls, calf work). It's just the squat that I'm lagging out on. Do you guys have any advice for increasing my squat weight without abandoning the bike that I like riding so much? Or do I have to abandon my bike to get stronger in my squat? Are there any supplementary exercises you guys do to increase your squat that you recommend? Thanks guys

At that intensity level, I think it very likely that your cycling is to blame for your decreasing (or stagnating) squat performance, unless you know that you have exceptional recovery in that area. If the latter, then it is probably a programming problem.

I think you might have to make a decision of what's more important to you: cycling hard or squatting hard. The third option would be to continue cycling but lower the intensity to the point where your legs don't burn. A final possibility is that you post cycling nutrition isn't adequate: it should be the same as your regular post-workout protocol.

Also, I see that I missed that you are running. I would nix that as well or just choose one to do intervals on followed by your postworkout nutrition. Frankly though, I don't believe you can really expect to train the legs optimally while incorporating HIIT, at least that was my experience when I tried it.

 

[JETHRO TULL]

I'll tell you I do quite a bit of cardio too.

I can always tell when I am doing too much because my knees and hips get sore and my strength goes down.

Try this: Don't run and don't ride the bike for two days before you do your leg training. Let me know what YOU think! lol.

You could rearrange your training so that you have a rest day immediately before your leg day.

This is one I use sometimes-

Day 1-Biceps traps rear delts am.....quads pm

Day 2-chest and shoulders

Day 3-Abs calf cardio

Day 4- day off.....................

Day 5- Back hamstrings [deadlifts on this day]

Day 6- Shoulders triceps

Day 7- abs, calf

Day 8- Day off................................

Then you go back to day one.