Global Sports: Mountain Cycling Training To Prepare Your Body

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Mountain Cycling Training To Prepare Your Body

By Bruce Jopples


Knowing what your goals are and setting a mountain cycling training program around them will help you keep fit all year round. Winter workouts can include a lot of sports that can keep your muscles in shape and provide a lot of fun at the same time. Ice skating, skiing and working out in a gym can all keep you in shape.

Having a partner to workout with is always easier, if you are out on a ride dress for the cold weather and keep in mind when it gets below 15 degrees you might want to come inside and get on a stationary bike. Keep a log of your activities and your progress to keep you on target.

Ice skating can be really fun and will give you a good cardio workout as well as exercise your legs. Riding your bike in the snow allows you to take in all the beauty, but be careful of the ice and cold. Cross country skiing is a great workout, it takes a lot of stamina and will also give you a good cardio, upper and lower body workout.

Keep an open mind to other types of cross training you can do that will develop your strength for riding. Minimally try for riding three times a week for an hour to keep your spin at peak levels and work the muscles you use when you ride. There are a few tricks you can use when riding the trainer, you can increase your cadence with minimal effort, smooth your pedal stroke or do some one-legged spinning to get a feel for the 360 degrees of your stroke.

Pay attention to what you eat and drink before you ride to see what effect different foods and fluids have on your performance. You can also get the handlebar setting to the best position for you to ride in and make note of this. Heart rate monitors can be used to to check you heart rate versus cadence and if the trainer measures watts plug that into the equation. Try to increase your efficiency using low and high cadences at the same speed and resistance.

Incorporate some weight training into your program to increase your strength. This will come into play when you are out on a trail and need to shift your body weight, do jumps or sprints. Select a program that works the muscles groups you will need to use, have it tailored to you.

Cross training is a great idea in the winter to keep you fit and toned. A written log of your progress will keep you on track and help you to attain your goals. Mountain cycling training in the winter will allow you to ride even when the weather is not so great outside and you will have nothing to distract you except maybe a good book.




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