At 25 I'm certainly not old however there are plenty of under 18 riders in my class...I have the skills and the talent(no applause thank you, thank you), but have to pace myself to slowly to finish the race...I feel the major difference between myself and the pro's is fitness level.
What are some of the exercise programs you all use?
I can no longer run(bad knees)

 

I don't race Mx, but I ride harescrambles. I live on a farm, so a lot of times I don't workout at all cause the farm work keeps me pretty fit. But when I feel like I'm slacking, I ride bicycle. I also have bad knees, so riding bike takes the pressure and impact off the knees. If anything, actually riding is the best way. Good endurance builder, and always getting more friendly with the machine practicing jumping, turning, throttle control...

 

Your right, running is hard on the knees...and its just too hot this time of year anyways. I have a stationary bike in my exercise room that I hit at least 45 minutes a day. With it set on higher resistence, it really helps with building stamina. Add to that eating lighter, "energy" foods and plenty of seat time, it helps with the endurance you need and will keep you from getting burned out halfway through a race. Good luck with your workouts!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

What sort of foods are you eating
I have chosen hamburgers/borritos as my staple food...maybe a bad idea

 

LOL..hamburgers and burritos are my favorite, also...LOL. One week before a race, I cut back to salads, chicken, rice and occasionally a good burrito to keep me from losing my mind. Toast and juice for breakfast, fruits and vegetables for lunch, and chicken or other "light" meat that doesn't cause you to feel too "weighed down" for dinner. Baked potato's are another favorite. As long as you're working out, the carbs work in your favor....[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I agree that the seat time is probably your best work out... after my first Hare Scramble, I was sore for 2 weeks ( didn't help that I flipped my quad over backwards on a hill...LOL...)... but seriously, I don't get to ride as often as I like, so I ride as hard as I can, when I do... I think you need a certain level of fitness, but jogging or biking isn't going to help with the sore muscles, that you get after a good hard ride... every time I ride, I'm less sore the next week... I would think that something like Karate would be good, with the stretching, & punches & kicks... Trust me, at 43, you'll be alot stiffer the next day than when you're 25...Have A Good One... WAM

 

I think its funny when athletes think that just doing your sport will get you in good enough physical condition. I use to be one of those people.
If this was true prof. athletes would not hit the gym or road.

i love to run and actually i have bad knees and have had them since i was 16. My knees feel better when i have been running consistantly.
I run a hill course for stength and flat for aerobic. Riding bike and jumping rope are good substitues.
lift weights 3 days a week... pick one major muscle group and one minor for each day.....major chest,back,legs minor bicept, tricept, shoulders.
3 diff. exercise for each major with 3-4sets 12-15 reps.
2 diff. for each minor 3-4 sets 12-15 reps.
Rest inbetween sets should be around 1 min. once you get into good shape.
I started with 1 1/2, 3, 4 min. rest. start lite

remember it will neg. affect your riding at first especially if you overdue it but stick with it and it will help.
of course you still need to ride.

 

I rode all day saturday and it kicked my a$$. I could not hardly move Sunday morning. Need to get some use out of that treadmill.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Drop from a 12 pack-a-day too maybe 10. Back off 1 cheeseburger as well. You will feel like a new man.

 

Jay,
Swimming is the real deal. 30 mins to 45 mins a day and you are golden. Some freestyle, soem backstroke, some fly, you are set.
Thats all I do. Weights are too heavy, besides you need cardio.