Matt Wilpers: The Benefits of Team Workouts

Watch our short film about Matt Wilpers and his teammates completing the Hincapie Gran Fondo, and you’ll notice they make an individual pursuit, cycling, into a team workout. One team tactic they use is paceline cycling: sharing efforts at the front and active recovery in the draft zone. 

What is Paceline Cycling? 

Drafting behind another cyclist can reduce your individual effort by up to 30% by shielding you from wind resistance. To promote the best group performance, riders will each take a ‘pull’ at the front and then rotate to the back of the paceline to actively recover.

For short, fast rides, pulls may only be a few seconds, and riders will appear to constantly rotate. For longer rides like centuries or tours, leaders may stay in front for 10 minutes or more. Pacelining in group cycling allows cyclists to go longer, harder, and faster than they could on their own. (Before trying pacelining at home, consult a cycling coach for proper technique and bike handling skills to avoid a crash.)

Benefits of Working Out in a Group

Working out in a group has been shown to improve performance due to competition, accountability, or just pure enjoyment (1). A study out of the University of Kansas found a 90% increase in effort for athletes who trained with others rather than alone (2). Not only does the social connection boost your overall wellness, but training socially can make you a better athlete.

This week, we challenge you to add a social element to a normally solo workout. Show a buddy a new running route, ask for a spot at the gym, or join a softball game.

Join Our 2023 Fall Alps Challenge

Just like Matt Wilpers and his fellow cyclists, we encourage you to #ConnectYourCrew. Stay tuned to our emails and socials for tips from Matt to build your fitness community and for a chance to win some fabulous prizes. We’ll be raffling off:

• A private, personalized coaching session from the phenomenal coaches at Team Wilpers who will take you to the next level in your activity of choice (cycling, running, swimming, strength or triathlon)
• 3 Oars + Alps kits that feature Matt's favorite skincare routines