Good exercises for riders

[loopy]

Reading the 'back to the Gym' post got me thinking, since lots of people mentioned working out has made them a better rider. So, what kinds of exercises would help your riding, or what areas should be worked on? Should I go get one of those hand strengthener things? :thumbsup:

I figure if I'm stronger in the right areas it might help me when I'm starting out riding, rather than being quite as worried about being sore or too weak after class. :D :howdy:

[ridingAK]

Core strength is probably the most important. It allows you to hold your weight in the proper position whether it is a forward sport style, or a straight posture European style. Rather than spending $$$ on a grip thingy, get one of those small squishy red bouncing balls. You can use it to strengthen your hands and when you're done the kids can play with it. :thumbup:

[loopy]

Core strength is probably the most important. It allows you to hold your weight in the proper position whether it is a forward sport style, or a straight posture European style. Rather than spending $$$ on a grip thingy, get one of those small squishy red bouncing balls. You can use it to strengthen your hands and when you're done the kids can play with it. :thumbup:

Good idea on the ball! I will have to find one. And get to work on my core. it's been pretty weak since having kids. haha.

It will be nice to have something to work on till the class. Some PT and I also plan on picking up the book on motorcycle riding at the DMV to read up before. I have till at least January since they don't start more classes until then, holiday break during all of December I guess. :coffee:

[GeoNorskie]

I'd also vote for core strength - mainly back and abdominal muscles. I think those are the muscles that will keep you hand/arms from getting numb, etc. If you can hold more of your upper body weight with your back, it will keep your hands from getting so tired. I can tell when I'm in better shape from bicycling, it makes motorcycling more enjoyable. Well, it also helps to be generally relaxed, no matter your strength level - if I'm really tense, I'll get tired right away, no matter what.

[msyzf2u]

I'd also vote for core strength - mainly back and abdominal muscles. I think those are the muscles that will keep you hand/arms from getting numb, etc. If you can hold more of your upper body weight with your back, it will keep your hands from getting so tired. I can tell when I'm in better shape from bicycling, it makes motorcycling more enjoyable. Well, it also helps to be generally relaxed, no matter your strength level - if I'm really tense, I'll get tired right away, no matter what.


agreed, good advice... another bicycle rider here :)




:thumbsup:

[Tractor]

I suggest power yoga. I ride an old ridgid every year, and it beats me up pretty bad. I have found that power yoga promotes overall strengthening, and focus (good for cornering). It has helped a lot!!

[loopy]

I suggest power yoga. I ride an old ridgid every year, and it beats me up pretty bad. I have found that power yoga promotes overall strengthening, and focus (good for cornering). It has helped a lot!!

What is 'power' yoga, compared to regular yoga? I have done yoga in the past and really liked it so I wouldn't be against starting again but I've never heard of power yoga :)

[Tractor]

Power yoga is just a little faster pace, but not as fast a pilates. Believe me you will feel the burn. I like Bryan Kest's original Power Yoga and the Intensive Body Sculpting in the Weight Loss Series. I ordered the discs on-line a long time ago. I think I went to yoga.com.
It worked wonders for me, I ride the ridgid 1000 miles and not only still walk at the end, but am not even sore. A huge improvement,that I credit to Bryan Kest and a new seat! I hate to admit it but that little bike actually brought me to tears once, I hurt so bad, and was so tired.

[Batgirl]

I started the New Rules of Lifting for Women strength training program and also started doing some crunches and back extensions. I notice that I feel more comfortable on the ride and not as sore afterwards.

[demenshea]

Love the idea of this...but for me riding is my workout. I use my abs to keep off my wrists and my legs to grip the tank. Can't think of a better workout than simply riding my machine, but I do hear that for my age, yoga is great stuff!! ;): Oh ya...and let's not forget sex...:cheers:

[Maleficent]

I was concerned about my fitness level before my first track day, so for about 6 weeks beforehand I hit the elliptical for 30 minutes at least 3 days per week. With the help of ibuprofen I made it through the weekend, but at the end of each 20 minute session the tops of my knees were on fire.

Our pit was next to a control rider who also was an ex AMA racer. He recommended you get two Bosu Balls and stand on them and bend your knees and move side to side to simulate the motion of shifting your weight back on forth when hanging off the bike.

This is a bosu ball.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh247/Maleficent_02/Posts/BOSU_2embed.jpg

I've used them in a few classes I've taken at the Y, and they really use muscles you didn't even know you had.

[msyzf2u]

I was concerned about my fitness level before my first track day, so for about 6 weeks beforehand I hit the elliptical for 30 minutes at least 3 days per week. With the help of ibuprofen I made it through the weekend, but at the end of each 20 minute session the tops of my knees were on fire.

Our pit was next to a control rider who also was an ex AMA racer. He recommended you get two Bosu Balls and stand on them and bend your knees and move side to side to simulate the motion of shifting your weight back on forth when hanging off the bike.

This is a bosu ball.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh247/Maleficent_02/Posts/BOSU_2embed.jpg

I've used them in a few classes I've taken at the Y, and they really use muscles you didn't even know you had.



Excellent Idea....

My work out partner and i would also stand one legged on the upside down bosu ball and play catch with weight balls.

I used a little 6in by 36in log (got it from my pt) .... I stand on it and balance when i do squats and weights etc.... shifting back and forth in a squat :thumbsup:

[Luna Tique]

I pretty sure I would fall down I am not that coordinated but I will give it a try and report back with any bruises I am sure I will have.:lol:

[kari-star]

there are two things I'm going to phase in - besides actually caving and getting a gym membership so I can keep running in this icy winter we're having -

they are the 100 pushups challenge:
http://hundredpushups.com/
I've NEVER been able to do a real pushup in my life, so I'll have to start the challenge out with a modded knee-pushup - and maybe I'll have to do it a couple of times to get up to 100!

also doing the plank every day -
http://exercise.about.com/od/abs/ss/abexercises_10.htm
http://z.about.com/d/exercise/1/5/q/A/plank1.jpg


this is a FIERCE ab exercise, and I want to do it every morning when I wake up until I can do it for a good long time comfortably. (right now I'm up to about 1 min. but it is HORRIBLE and SUCKS.)

Oh ya...and let's not forget sex...:cheers:

ahem... so, that's definately good exercise but I will say also that there are really phenomenal paybacks in that area from getting in shape too. :eek: :redface1:

[Luna Tique]

Good for you Kari-Star :wootrock:

I completed the pushup challange and the squats last year. I would sometimes have to repeat the same days schedule for the entire week because I just didn't have the strenght or stamina to complete the sets without being shakey so I would repeat them until I could do them with confidence .It took months instead of weeks for me to reach 100.

Now I have to get my mind set for the sit ups.

Unfortunatley once I reached each goal I stopped doing them. It is another one of my personality flaws When the chanllage is met I lose the drive.:shrug:

[Astir]

I pretty sure I would fall down I am not that coordinated but I will give it a try and report back with any bruises I am sure I will have.:lol:

ATGATT LT, ATGATT! :lol:

[Luna Tique]

:slaphead: Why didn't I think of that ?

Thank Astir :thumbup:

:rofl:

[ridingAK]

ATGATT LT, ATGATT! :lol:

:rofl:

[KansasKawboy]

;): Oh ya...and let's not forget sex...:cheers:
Ya thats the ticket. :wootrock: