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Chris Schwenker PT Joins Joe Lavell on the Wise Athletes Podcast!
Chris Schwenker PT Joins Joe Lavell on the Wise Athletes Podcast!

I hope you enjoy this interesting and informative podcast.

Improving Pedaling Technique
Improving Pedaling Technique

By following these tips, you will pedal perfect circles and produce more power with less energy.

Cycling is Scientifically Proven to Increase Life Expectancy – How About Virtual Cycling?
Cycling is Scientifically Proven to Increase Life Expectancy – How About Virtual Cycling?

Cycling is in the top five when it comes to lengthening your lifespan, but it isn’t all for the reasons you may think.

An Interview with USA Crits Pro and Eracer Ben Wolfe
An Interview with USA Crits Pro and Eracer Ben Wolfe

From a unique perspective, this cycling pro compares esports to IRL. You’ll be interested in hearing his thoughts.

Balance Training is Essential to the Cyclist, Especially a Virtual Cyclist
Balance Training is Essential to the Cyclist, Especially a Virtual Cyclist

By integrating these simple exercises and one piece of equipment into your program, you will combat the loss of balance experienced with age without the need to steady your bike.

The Recovery Phase of the Pedal Stroke
The Recovery Phase of the Pedal Stroke

Knowledge and understanding of the upstroke are important to pedaling power and performance.

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Related Articles

Virtual Case Study: Pain Behind the Knee When Cycling
Eliminate and prevent the pain at the back of your knee by following these simple tips!
I Don’t Want to Lose the Cycling Strength I Got From Weight Training, But My Legs Are Heavy—When Should I Stop Lifting Before My Big Race?
Recent research sheds light on the cycling detraining debate and answers the taper from strength training question.
A Pain Cave Built for Two
In-home trainer etiquette is the key to couple’s cycling therapy!
Sprinting Stops Age-Related Muscle Loss in Virtual Cyclists
By including max efforts in your training, you will avoid losing muscle mass and strength.
One of The Most Momentous Events in Virtual Cycling Recently Took Place, and Not Enough of Us Are Aware, But We All Should Be!
The introduction of a handcycle and true-to-life avatar is a tremendous step forward on the path of accessibility and inclusion of disabled and adaptive athletes in virtual cycling.
Heart Rate Variability and How It Will Make You a Better Cyclist
Heart Rate Variability is a powerful data tool for guiding a cyclist’s training and recovery, but it isn’t the only wrench in the toolbox.
Extreme Dieting in Virtual Cycling, A Year Later—A Letter From Eracer, Alice Lethbridge
The second in a three-part retrospective exploring the impact, practical application, and future of Extreme Dieting in Virtual Cycling.
Chris Schwenker PT Joins Joe Lavell on the Wise Athletes Podcast!
I hope you enjoy this interesting and informative podcast.
Carbohydrate Loading Lunacy
Should cyclists even bother with Carbohydrate loading?
The Virtual No Saddle Century is in the Books!
Chad Tavernia rode over 100 virtual miles on rollers in under five hours without taking a seat to drink or eat and became the first-ever to complete a Virtual No Saddle Century!
The Importance of a Sleep Routine to the Cyclist – A Coach’s Point of View
A Team Twenty24 esports pro and Coach emphasizes the importance of a proper sleep routine for optimizing cycling recovery and performance.
Roasting Those Pits – Part Two
When faced with the daunting pressures of life, allow the nuances of your character to mature like a finely crafted roast.
Indoor Training, This Time It’s Going to be Different!
Indoor training is no longer something to dread!
Musings of the Curious Cyclist – Part Three: Does FTP Matter?
Challenging the validity of an accepted training metric and discussing alternatives.
Part One: Virtually Trapped in My Own Mind
You have them! I know you do, but there’s no reason to be ashamed or afraid. Silence the negative thoughts that stand between you and the best cyclist you can be!
Sprain or Strain? Cramp or Stitch? Some Cycling Stuff Sorted.  Well, Sorta!
Ever wonder the difference between a sprain and a strain? Or a cramp and a stitch? Knowing just might make dealing with them more manageable.
The Power Phase of the Pedal Stroke
Knowledge of the Power Phase of the pedal stroke is crucial, and by following these tips you will be able to maximize it!
Zwift’s BMTR Asst. Director Leads 9 Group Rides for 8 Teams in 7 Days for One Purpose
“Zwift Community rides make friendships, people who care about one another, and we truly make a difference.” – Jim Nelson
Your Brain on Bikes – Brain Fog Clouds a Cyclist’s Judgement
Strenuous race efforts that leave you cross-eyed may make it hard to think straight, but you can prevent it from going any further than that by being mindful.
Part One-Rhabdomyolysis: A Hidden Risk of Virtual Cycling
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious health concern we can avoid with knowledge of the disease and how to prevent it.
Musings of the Curious Cyclist – Part Two: Does FTP Matter?
Challenging the validity of an accepted training metric and discussing alternatives.
Part One: Poor Indoor Air Quality – The Invisible Danger to the Virtual Cyclist
Training and racing in a fresh air environment is vital to our health and performance.
Melanie Maurer is as Precise as a Scientist On and Off the Virtual Racecourse
Coming off a strong showing in the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships as Switzerland’s only representative Melanie shares a bit about herself.
The Zom Preview for April 18th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
The Zom Preview for May 9th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
A Virtual Cyclist Reluctantly Takes a Vacation
My Active Cycling Vacation Tips for Balancing Family, Fun, Fitness, and Fear!
The DIRT Digglers and ZSUNR Meet-Up For Their Version of a NO DROP Ride
Matt Yankow wasn’t content sweepin away in the cozy confines of his Ohio basement and ventured into Coach Joy territory. He also wasn’t content allowing Joy to stay on his wheel. Here’s how it went.
Some Cyclists Aren’t Virtual Cyclists. Who Knew?
Are you ever tempted to defend your love of virtual cycling?
The DIRTy Pretzel Challenge p/b The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America
DIRT Do Work Challenge Partners with the DIRT Dad Fund to support its virtual cycling community!
The Nocebo Effect Is Why Your Fitness Tracker May Be Doing More Harm Than Good
Fitness trackers, their data, and algorithms have a place as they should. Decide where that place is before your device does it for you.
Extreme Dieting in Virtual Cycling—Where Zwift Needs to Go Next, and Why
In the final retrospective, by continuing to innovate and commit to a proactive approach in the area of Extreme Dieting, Zwift will impact the lives of a staggering number of virtual cyclists.
Adaptive Advocacy Month (AAM) to Raise Awareness on Zwift
Andy Shuttleworth, a member of the wounded, injured or sick (WIS) military veterans community, disabled/adaptive recumbent trike rider and ardent Zwifter is leading the charge for representation and inclusion of Adaptive Advocacy.
With All the Cards on the Table, Jadon Jaeger Pushed All-In for a Solo Win and Qualified for the Esports World Championship
In the USA Cycling winner-take-all race-off, Jadon Jaeger took the winning move to the top step of the podium and the honor of representing Restart on Team USA!
Honest Race Nutrition: What Pro Jacqueline Godbe (Really) Eats To Win
The Race Winning Glycogen Refueling Chocolate Hydration Plan of an Elite Virtual Cyclist
Pete Butler Takes Strength From the DIRT Community to Propel Him to Second Place in the Florida RR Champs
Pete taught me everything I know about Zwift racing and much of what I know about a lot of other things.
From The Feet Up Customs – Matthew Ralph is a Colorful Member of the Virtual Cycling Community
Matthew Ralph has created functional masterpieces for celebrities, pro cyclists, and many people in between, including his virtual cycling friends.
One Yes Vote For Cycling-Specific Footbeds or Shoe Inserts
Replacing the flimsy insoles of your cycling shoes with sport-specific footbeds may be the answer to your pedaling pain problems!
The Zom Preview for July 12th 2021
You won’t want to miss what we have for you this week! It involves COFFEE!
The Hardest Reset of All – How I Managed My Expectations after a Major Injury
Recovery from a major injury is a journey to be embraced, but not taken lightly.
Elite Eracer Katie Banerjee Hits Out on Esports
On the heels of a strong showing in the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships representing Australia before a technical glitch ended her race, Zwift team Aero’s Katie Banerjee shares a bit about herself.
Part One: My Virtual Road to Recovery Timeline – Richie Sheerin’s Roller Coaster Cancer Journey and the Inspiration Behind the Formation of Zwift Team Racing Without Borders
In the first of Richie’s two-part series, he tells his tale of bloods, resetting expectations, and never losing sight of the big picture.
A Unique Perspective From Cycling Journalist and Elite Eracer Aaron Borrill
Elite esports racer and award-winning cycling journalist, Aaron Borrill, opens up about balancing work and training—and what it means to represent his country at the 2022 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships.
Changing the Way You Breathe Will Make You a Better Cyclist
By perfecting your technique through practice on the bike you will breathe easier and get faster.
Strength Training Improves Endurance in Virtual Cyclists
Research strongly suggests, and fitness professionals agree that strengthening is essential to maximizing your endurance!
Does Probiotic Supplementation Improve Athletic Performance & Recovery?
Probiotics have been shown to improve athletic performance and enhance recovery. Are they the missing ingredient in your nutrition plan?
Three Things That Seem to Make Racing and Training Mentally Easier for Me
Cycling isn’t easy! But there are some things about virtual cycling that make it easier mentally for me.
A Sit Down with Elite Eracer James Joseph Barnes and his Innovative Coach Aleksandar Coh
James Barnes is a top-five eracer globally and credits his recent rise in success to his difference-making coach. After reading this candid interview, the reason will be apparent.
Virtual Case Study: Upper Body Pain While Riding
Arm and hand pain that worsens as you ride can be prevented by following these simple tips!
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport: Are we Cycling our Way to Illness?
It is important to become mindful of our energy needs and avoid the severe consequences of cycling and other sport-related energy deficiency.
Do You Know Your Sweat Rate?
Avoid the performance-limiting effects of dehydration by following these simple steps!
Carbohydrate Loading Lunacy
Should cyclists even bother with Carbohydrate loading?
The Zom Preview for May 16th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
The Zom Preview for April 11th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
Is Zwift’s Anti-Doping Policy Enough to Eradicate Cheating Culture?
Zwift’s Anti-Doping Policy Allows Cheating Practices, According to Published Review, and Zwift responds.
The Zom Preview for August 9th 2021
Check out what we have for you this week!
Get to Know the USA Men’s 2022 UCI Cycling Esports World Championship Team
A one-stop guide with a bit of background and insight from the guys to help you get pumped for the big race!
Happy DIRTy Halloween!
When this new DIRT member does Halloween, he does it well!
Does Alcohol BLURRR Your Focus and Put a Nightcap on Your Cycling Performance?
The honest account of how this Zwifter switched his focus from hops to watts. What does giving up alcohol do for his performance and motivation?
Part Two: Zwift eSports Ruleset Excludes Racers Under 16
The creation of a Zwift Junior Racing League will prove that our kids ARE worth it!
Overhydration—A Cycling Hidden Danger and a Potential Medical Emergency
Should you take sodium tablets before or during a big event? Exertional Hyponatremia from overhydration is a life-threatening condition that is avoidable by following these simple steps.
An Interview with Zwift Academy Group Ride Sweeper Matt Yankow
Sweepin’ isn’t easy, but Matt does it with a smile (I think)!
Zwifter Carrie Matczynski Has A Lot to Celebrate on her Cranniversary
On May 8th Carrie Matczynski will celebrate four years as a brain tumor survivor and Ironman!
Elite Eracer Illi Gardner—No Special Effects Required in Her Stunning Performance
An interview with elite eracer and professional cyclist Illi Gardner!
Sharron Yaxley—The Mink—200,000 Zwift Kms! An Ordinary Girl With a Stubborn Streak to Persevere and Endure!
In this wide-ranging interview learn what makes Sharron pedal and what almost stopped her in her tracks!
The Zom Preview for August 2nd 2021
A sneak peek into what we have for you this week at The Zom! Plus a bit of background into our mission!
A Chat with Esports Great James Joseph Barnes
After reading this candid interview, you will have little doubt why Barney is one of the best athletes and personalities in esports.
A Proper Cool-Down is Essential for the Virtual Cyclist
A dynamic cool-down is as important as a proper warm-up in optimizing performance and priming the system for your next race or workout.
Boost your FTP with a Low Carbohydrate, Sleep?
Periodically manipulating dietary carbohydrates and subsequently muscle glycogen availability during exercise improves cycling performance for some.
Roasting those Pits – Part One
Coffee beans, road cycling, espresso, Caffeine, and History!
The Zom Preview for July 19th 2021
Coming to The Zom this week is a two-part feature you can’t afford to miss. Poor indoor air quality is a serious concern and one which can have an adverse effect on your health.
Core Strengthening Essentials for the Virtual Cyclist: The Flutter Kick Series
The Flutter Kick is the perfect core exercise for a powerful pedal stroke.
The Confusion With Exercise Addiction, Overtraining, and RED-S in Cyclists and Endurance Athletes
An unhealthy relationship with exercise can lead to addiction and have a disastrous effect on your well-being, relationships, and cycling performance.
For Zwifter Caleb Carl, the Day He Was Almost Killed Was One of the Best Days of His Life
Caleb Carl has fallen back on the support of his Zwitch community to go full-circle to find closure, and it has made him a better man to his fiance’, family, and friends.
The Zom Preview for February 7th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
Princeton Grad, 15-Year Pro Hoops Player, Listed at Six-Feet Eight-Inches and 227-Pounds Hailing From the Suburbs of Chicago, Your USA Cycling Esports National Champion—Mason Rocca!
An interview with 2022 USA Cycling Esports National Champion Mason Rocca!
Troy Eddy – The Unofficial Ambassador of the DIRT IRL Meet-Up
Troy takes the DIRT IRL meet-up to the next level!
New Research Explores the Correlation Between All Six Leg Muscle Groups and Peak Cycling Sprint Power
The power-generating capacity of our glutes and quads is of primary importance, but scientists reveal that our calf muscles are essential in producing sprint cycling torque.
Part Two-Rhabdomyolysis: A Hidden Risk of Virtual Cycling
Rhabdomyolysis is a severe health concern we can avoid by knowing the disease and how to prevent it.
The Zom Preview for January 24th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
The Zom Preview for March 14th 2022
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
An Interview with Esports Champ, Lionel Vujasin
A candid chat with the esports great about life, his virtual cycling story, and what esports mean to him now and in the future.
Virtual Platform MyWhoosh is Changing the Cycling Esports Game
Free to use with huge prize purses the virtual cycling platform MyWhoosh is a legitimate Zwift contender and is leading the esports charge.
Core Strengthening Essentials for the Virtual Cyclist: The Bird Dog Series
When strengthening your core for cycling, it is essential to take a varied approach.
Adaptive Athlete Representation is Coming to Zwift!
When I asked Zwift if they were going to represent adaptive and disabled athletes with true-to-life equipment and avatar integration, the short answer was “Yes.”
For Virtual Cyclist Neal Fleenor Knee Replacement Surgery Was The Only Option
As knee replacement technology improves post-surgical rehab is less extensive and cyclists are getting back sooner and better than before.
The Day Zwifter Jason Bretz’s 11-year-old Son Became a Better Cyclist Than Him
It is never too soon for our children to be better than us—at everything.
Elite Eracer Ben Hill’s Wife Introduced Him to the “Nature” of Esports—He Never Looked Back
An interview with Team AERO elite esports cyclist Ben Hill.
DIRT Frederic Audet’s Big Zwift Adventure!
The beautiful, eloquent, and passionate story of one man’s quest to fill his spreadsheet—Zwift Badge hunting and DIRT Zwift Team daily motivation!
Being More Mindful is Great, But Can it Make Me a Faster Cyclist?
My attempt to be more mindful while cycling came at a price I wasn’t willing to pay, but I will be better.
A Cycling Chemist’s View: Reducing Activation Energy for Efficient Training
For the elite esports racer, chemist, and physician, Jacqueline Godbe, finding the formula for success boils down to adding the perfect ingredients.
Kevin Korenthal is Proof That Adversity and Calamity Has Its Purpose
Para-cyclist Kevin Korenthal considers virtual cycling a life-saver in providing him the strength to overcome a near-fatal accident.
Virtual Case Study: Arm & Hand Pain While Cycling
Arm and hand pain that worsens as you ride can be prevented by following these simple tips!
Core Strengthening Essentials for Virtual Cyclists
Learn about your core and how strengthening it will improve your cycling performance.
Functional Strength Training for Cyclists
If you want more watts, do more squats!
DIRT does Surrey Hills – IRL!
When DIRTs hit the hills, they do it right!
The Day my Grandson Met His First Sporting Idol – Mark Cavendish
Mark Cavendish made a fan for life and a moment that will last forever for a proud Grandad and his Grandson.
Core Strengthening Essentials for the Virtual Cyclist: The Dead Bug Exercise Series
Be the fly swatter and not the fly of your group ride by learning this essential core stabilizing exercise.
The Zom Preview for October 18th 2021
Check out what we have for our loyal hive of ZOMbeez this week!
Get to Know Elite eSports Racer Liz Van Houweling
The ProVision eracer tells her virtual cycling story and how Zwift allowed her the opportunity to come out of retirement and compete on an elite level following the birth of her children.
Is Temperature Doping in Virtual Cycling a Thing? – An interview with Jason Boynton, Ph.D
Dr. Boynton is a sport scientist, cycling coach, and an expert in the effects of environmental temperature on training and performance of endurance athletes.
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