Quick exercises for improving strength for mountain biking

Short on time? Here are some exercises that should fit in around your busy schedule

Philip Sowels / Immediate Media

Published: June 9, 2018 at 1:00 pm

This is the holy grail of performance improvement for many riders, because it means less fatigue, better efficiency, stronger posture and longer/harder/faster rides.

Putting the hours in down the gym can be a challenge, though, due to work, life and family commitments. If this is the case, a lot can still be achieved in 45 minutes. Split the session into four blocks, wrap it up with a short warm-up and cool-down, and you’re set!

Warm up

1. Dynamic mobility

1. Dynamic mobility
1. Dynamic mobility - Philip Sowels / Immediate Media

5mins: Flowing mobility moves.

Work from the ground to standing, flowing through moves such as cat-camel, deep lunges, T-spine rotations, squats, downward dog, etc.

2. Activation

2. Activation
2. Activation - Philip Sowels / Immediate Media

5–10mins: Explosive movements.

Jumps, plyometrics, etc. Low total number of repetitions.

3. Basic strength

3. Basic strength
3. Basic strength - Philip Sowels / Immediate Media

15–20mins: Compound movements.

Dead lifts, squats, rows, pressing, hinging, etc.

4. Conditioning

4. Conditioning
4. Conditioning - Philip Sowels / Immediate Media

5–10mins: Use bike, rower or body weight moves.

High intensity, low rest, good movement.

… cool down