How to Train for Mountain Biking in 5 Easy Steps
Have you ever wanted to learn how to train for mountain biking, but found it too confusing? Maybe you’ve started training, but can’t seem to follow through with all the different types of exercises? Maybe you find yourself sore and exhausted at the end of each day, but you aren’t seeing any real results.
If this sounds like you, don’t worry! This mountain biking training guide is here to help you out!
1) Get the Right Gear
If you’re a new mountain biker, you may have trouble knowing what kind of gear is best for your needs. When starting out, it’s important to choose equipment that fits your riding style and skill level. If you’re just beginning with mountain biking, then start off with a bike that will fit your skill level and grow into a more advanced bike as you improve. Keep these things in mind when shopping around: price range, type of terrain (mountain biking involves dirt trails), and overall bike weight. You can find used bikes online or at local shops—just make sure it fits! The right gear will help ensure safety while mountain biking on difficult trails.
2) Commit
There’s no magic mountain biking pill that will turn you into an extreme athlete. To get ready for off-road cycling, you have to be willing to train consistently and build on your fitness level.
3) Build Endurance
You can’t simply jump on a mountain bike and race through an entire trail system. If you aren’t built up with endurance, it will be hard to finish (or even enjoy) a mountain biking trip. Fortunately, you can train your body over time to build up endurance—and get faster while doing so.
4) Practice Cycling Techniques
Ride your bike on an open track or field a few times a week and focus on perfecting your pedaling form. If you have access to an indoor trainer, do one or two sessions a week of 30 minutes at 80–90 RPMs with low resistance. And be sure to practice spinning out of corners and sprinting uphill (i.e., riding your hardest). Be sure to use proper cycling posture: Stem tilted slightly downward and forearms parallel with handlebars. This will help ensure that you pedal efficiently while maximizing power output and minimizing injury risk.
5) Ride Safely
Cycling can be a safe and fun way to stay fit, but it’s important to remember that riding a bike is a high-impact sport that can lead to injuries. In order to keep yourself safe while riding your bike you should always wear a helmet, gloves, appropriate clothing and shoes. For some extra protection mountain bikers may want also want knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards. It’s also important not ride on wet or slippery surfaces or try biking through deep water as both of these situations could lead your bike to slip out from under you. Riding safely will not only help you avoid injuries but it will also help prolong the life of your bike so make sure that you’re practicing good safety habits.
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