Exercises to Get You in Shape for Motorcycle Riding
If you've ever taken a long motorcycle trip or a bumpy motocross course, you know that your fitness has a big impact on your comfort, both during and after the ride. When you're in shape, it's easier to control bikes of all sizes — plus, you'll experience less muscle soreness after a challenging ride. These four exercises can help you build muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness to get you in shape for any motorcycle adventure. For more information, call us at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County or visit our location in Westminster, California, serving Los Angeles and Orange County.
1. Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a fantastic way to improve your cardiovascular fitness — ride uphill for a few minutes, and your heart rate is sure to skyrocket. This sport uses many of the same muscles as motorcycling, especially if you're tackling challenging trails with plenty of twists and turns. It's particularly great for your core, which works hard to stabilize you and help you control the bike. You'll also develop fast reflexes as you navigate tight corners and twisting trails.
2. Pull-Ups
Riding a motorcycle requires a surprising amount of upper body strength. To build muscle in your biceps, lats, and delts, try pull-ups. Don't worry if you can't do a full pull-up in the beginning — it takes time to master this challenging exercise. If you're working out at a gym, you can use the assisted pull-up machine to support your lower body. Alternatively, loop a thick exercise band around the bar and put the end around one foot; the tension will provide a gentle lift as you complete the pull-up.
3. Crunches or Sit-Ups
A strong core is crucial for motorcycle riding; it supports you through every move you make on the bike. Crunches and sit-ups are an easy way to build core strength. Try many different variations, including bicycle crunches, exercise ball sit-ups, oblique crunches, and toe-touch sit-ups.
4. Lunges
Get your lower body ready for riding season by incorporating lunges into your everyday routine. If you have a limited amount of space, start with traditional forward and backward lunges. For extra mobility, try walking lunges. Any time your workout starts to feel too easy, add weight for extra resistance.
5. Squats
Squats are another great lower-body workout; they build strength and flexibility in your quads and glutes, which is helpful when you're changing directions or positions on a motorcycle. When you squat, make sure to keep your chest up and your bottom pushing back. Practice both weighted and unweighted squats.
After a few weeks of regular exercise, you'll notice a difference in the way your body feels, both on and off your motorcycle. If you're feeling fit and ready to upgrade your ride, call our team at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County; we also invite you to see our models in person at our location in Westminster, California, where we serve Los Angeles and Orange County.