Yeah, I'd like to know about pilates too. My gym is going to be offering an intensive course and I was thinking that it might be good for core strength - for us roadies that hold a position for hours on end.

Re: smith machine lunges. I've done them & I like them. I step backwards, not forwards. That really works your glutes. Also, if you stand on a step & step backwards (and down, obviously) you can get a very deep bend that works the glutes. You'll really feel it the next day, so don't go to failure.

I've heard trainers say that walking lunges are hard on the knees. I disagree - I think if people are placing their knees at odd angles, they need to (1) decrease the weight they're holding or (2) stop lunging when tired.

Leg extensions are good for the quads. I like seated hamstring curls because I think it replicates the pulling back motion on the bike better than lying hamstring curls.


Squats are definately the Queen of All Leg Exercises. Not Smith squats - the old fashion kind with the bar across your shoulders in a squat rack. I love squatting. It works your trunk as well as legs.

Kim