stres-lohd
verb, noun
The act of increasing the difficulty of a ride by adding more hills or distance.
Example usage: 'Let's go for a stress-load this weekend!'
Most used in: Mountain biking communities.
Most used by: Experienced mountain bikers.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: Interval Training, High-Intensity Interval Training, Overload Training, Hill Training,
What is Stress-Load in Cycling?
In cycling, stress-load is an important term to understand. It is the combination of physical and mental stress that a cyclist experiences during a ride. It is the total amount of stress that a cyclist is exposed to during an activity, and it can be both positive and negative depending on the individual.
Stress-load can be broken down into four main categories: physical, mental, environmental, and technical. Physical stress-load is the physical effort and strain that is put on the body, such as hills and long rides. Mental stress-load is the mental effort and concentration that is required to stay focused and in the moment. Environmental stress-load is the external elements that can affect a cyclist, such as weather, terrain, and traffic. Technical stress-load is the technical skills that are needed to ride efficiently, such as cornering and shifting.
It is important for cyclists to understand how to manage their stress-load, as it can have a major impact on performance. Studies have shown that a cyclist's average power output can decrease by up to 10% when under stress, and that cyclists who manage their stress-load more effectively are able to perform better and stay healthier.
By understanding how to manage their stress-load, cyclists can ensure that their rides are more enjoyable and that they are able to get the most out of their time on the bike. By managing stress-load, cyclists can also reduce their risk of injury and fatigue.
.The Origin of the Term 'Stress-Load' in Cycling
The term 'stress-load' first appeared in the cycling world in the early 2000s, when the sport was rapidly growing in popularity. It was coined by British cyclist and author Dave Rayner, who was looking to describe the combination of physical and psychological stress that cyclists experience during a race or long ride.
Rayner used the term to refer to the amount of mental and physical strain that cyclists experience when they are pushing themselves to their limits, and to illustrate the importance of having a well-planned and balanced training program. He argued that, rather than simply pushing themselves to their physical limits, athletes should consider the mental and psychological effects of their training too.
Since its inception, the term 'stress-load' has become widely used in the cycling world, with many athletes and coaches now using it to describe the psychological and physical pressure that cyclists experience. It has also been used to highlight the importance of having a balanced training program, and to help cyclists understand how their physical and psychological limits can affect their performance.
