Train like an Athlete, Ride like a champ! Check out these 4 easy workouts for the best riding experience

Compared to driving a car, riding a motorcycle is a much more physical task. Drivers sit comfortably in cars; riders sit precariously on their motorcycles. When at a red light, drivers sip their Iced Chai Tea Lattes and riders balance their 100-to-400-kg motorcycles. Instead of steering a wheel, riders operate a vibrating handlebar which requires much more strength than it seems.

Just like any other athlete, you have to take care of your body and train to get better at your sport. Riding a motorcycle is no different.

You lose your athleticism when you sit around all day doing nothing. Regardless of age, your joints will tighten up and you’ll find yourself unable to sit down in the classic ‘squat pattern’ that is the safest position to ride a motorcycle.

But no, we’re not saying go to the gym and use all the machines and lift the heaviest weights. What we do suggest is you prioritize your health more in order to increase your ride satisfaction.

Here are four easy workouts you can do for full-body optimization.

 

1. Build your core

Foundation is important. And building your core – the muscle of your stomach – is how you strengthen your foundation. (And build abs, too!)A stronger core means greater balance. Think of it as your chassis. Even if you have the best suspension and engine but have a weak frame, it will all be useless. One of the best (or worst, depending on how you look at it) movements to strengthen your core is the plank! Once you’ve mastered it, you can add variations that will further define your abs.

(Image: Darebee)

 

 

2. Do cardio

The universal exercise everyone loves to hate is cardio. Yes, I know. However, the only reason why it seems so despicable is because, although it hurts, it’s so beneficial for a person’s overall stamina and strength. Running, swimming, hiking or cycling should do the trick. Or if you like sports – badminton, soccer, basketball, etc. – go and do that too! The more calories you burn, the more space for your muscles to develop.

 

     3. Bodyweight training 

You can build just as much muscle with bodyweight training as you do weightlifting. Most importantly, bodyweight training can be done anywhere at any time. You won’t need to get a gym membership or buy separate dumbbells and the like.

Our top five bodyweight movements are: push-ups, bodyweight squats and pull-ups.

Push ups increase the strength of your lats, triceps, delts, and upper abdominal muscles for your grip and better control of the handlebars while squats work your whole leg - quads, glutes, hamstrings, and obliques. Pulls ups work your upper back muscles like your lats, delts, and abs.

 

 

 

4. Watch your posture

A good posture reduces fatigue and improves control - all the power goes into controlling the bike which is what you’d want if you’re on the road.  All the best guys ride with their hips back and a flat back, not slouched.

Remember the five key points of posture: sit well forward, keep your head up and point your chin in the direction of your travel, relax your arms and place minimal weight on your wrists, keep your back relaxed and support your weight with your stomach muscles (see step 1) and grip the motorcycle firmly with your legs and your knees (see step 3).

 

 

(All images taken from Google Images)