staying in shape for riding.

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VermilionX · #1 Post by **VermilionX** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:20 pm

body conditioning is important in riding.

what do you guys do to stay in shape for riding?

i'd like to try mountain biking but i don't have a mountain bike.

JC Viper · #2 Post by **JC Viper** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:28 pm

THey covered this in Roadbike mag about making sure you do proper stretches before and after riding to better your reflexes and lessen the chance of muscle injury. I make sure i do those stretches that way I'm loosened up should I encounter a fun twisty road.

#3 Post by **fireguzzi** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:30 pm

I eat lots of steak.

Then I eat lots of cake.

Then if I feel like it I walk to the mailbox.

It's a rigorous routine. I wouldn't recomend it for a novice.

kellanv · #4 Post by **kellanv** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:31 pm

whats wrong with just being in shape for the sake of being fit, not just when it comes to riding?

*steps off soapbox*

seriously tho, abs, lower back, triceps, lats and delts should all be strong, at hte very least fatigue resistant. Flexability should be pretty good as well. Hip flexer and inner leg muscles could also help in gripping the tank. Core muscles are the most important tho....

I cycle, run, play soccer, lift, swim and play random other sports when opportunity arises. It might not all directly help motorcycle ability, but it cant hurt

-Kellan

VermilionX · #5 Post by **VermilionX** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:39 pm

stretching before and after a ride eh?

i should start doing that.

anyway... the only exercise i do nowadays since i've quit my martial arts training is push ups and crunches.

i can't afford the class anymore which also means i can't afford a gym membership.

im basically looking for exercises w/o machines that i can do.

also, will protein shakes help me gain good weight?

PS. im sleepy now, i'll check back on this tomorrow before i go to work.

ride safe or sleep safe everyone!

kellanv · #6 Post by **kellanv** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:54 pm

there are tons of different things you can do with your own bodyweight to help build muscle. pushups, reverse pushups, crunches(for endurance), declined situps(strength), dips, chinups/pullups, lunges, back extensions etc etc...TONS of stuff.

And protein will ONLY help if you are substantially tearing down muscle. It allows the recovering muscle to have an abundant source of protein to rebuild itself. And yes, it will be lean mass AS LONG AS you dont eat too much of it. You must figure it into your daily caloric intake. The nice thing about it though is it doesnt get digested and transformed into fat easily, and is an appetite supressant(if you're trying to lean up, it fills you up and digests slowly)

I would suggest whey protein. Do some research on it if you are interested. I use GNC MegaWhey

BuzZz · #7 Post by **BuzZz** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:55 pm

I work......

biff · #8 Post by **biff** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:56 pm

You gys should look into kettle bell training. It's the best streangth training method I have ever used. If you're looking for explosive power gains and amazing core develpment, then check them out.

kellanv · #9 Post by **kellanv** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:17 pm

I looked into the kettlebell stuff...

pretty cool and makes some sense. Maybe if I can gain access to a set I'll give it a try sometime.

I'm doin pretty well with freeweights, cables, and other athletics...in 3 years I've dropped 38lbs(from 220lbs to 182lbs) all the while gaining a ton of muscle mass(dropped from a 24% bodyfat composition to right around 12% currently.) I dont really want to get huge, but jsut more and more athletic(altho I'm gaining size pretty quick recently, but in good places)

so maybe a slight hijack

#10 Post by **Skier** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:03 pm

Spin wrenches on the bike and associated projects with it. Not only does it keep you in shape but you get to spend more time with your bike!