Mountain Biking For Fitness
I have recently come back to this website after spending some time working on other projects. But as the snow here in the French Alps is melting, I’m excited to get back on the bike and go mountain biking for fitness.
I live halfway up a mountain between two small villages, one of which is a ski resort. So I have no choice but to start or finish on a hill when riding my bike to the local trails. This is hard work, but excellent for fitness.
Mountain biking for fitness is a fantastic way to combine exercise and adventure. Mountain biking offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself while exploring the great outdoors. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or a beginner. You can find routes that suit your ability and fitness.
In this blog post, I will highlight the many benefits of mountain biking for fitness. I will also give you loads of tips for getting started. It is genuinely one of the best ways to get fit, as long as you don’t finish every ride with a few beers.
Mountain Biking for Fitness Benefits
Mountain biking is an excellent form of exercise that comes with numerous health benefits. Here are some of the ways that mountain biking can improve your physical health:
1. Cardiovascular Fitness
Mountain biking is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness. The constant movement of pedalling helps to increase your heart rate and improve blood flow throughout your body. This increased blood flow helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. Consequently, this can help to reduce fatigue and improve your endurance. Obviously, you’ll experience this more when you have to ride uphill a lot.
2. Lower Body Strength
Mountain biking is an excellent way to strengthen the muscles in your lower body. For example, your quads, glutes, and calves get a great workout. These muscles are essential for maintaining balance and stability while riding over rough terrain. By working these muscles, you can improve your overall lower body strength, which can benefit other areas of your life as well.
3. Core Strength
Mountain biking requires a strong core to maintain proper form and balance. Your core muscles, including your abs and lower back, help to stabilize your body while riding over rough terrain. By strengthening these muscles, you can improve your overall core strength, which can benefit other areas of your life, such as posture and balance.
When you develop a strong core, you have a solid platform to push from when pedalling. Over time, you’ll notice that pedalling becomes more manageable, even on tricky terrain.
4. Mental Health
One benefit of mountain biking that is overlooked is how it affects your mental health. The combination of exercise and being in the great outdoors has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and boost overall mental well-being. The sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering challenging terrain can also boost confidence and self-esteem. You’ll really notice this when you start to improve as a rider and when you can ride more confidently.
Getting Started with Mountain Biking
If you’re interested in trying mountain biking for fitness, here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Choose the Right Equipment
To get started with mountain biking, you’ll need a bike appropriate for your skill level, the type of riding you plan to do, and your local terrain. Consider factors such as frame material, wheel size, suspension, and gearing when choosing your bike. You should also invest in a helmet, gloves, and other protective gear to keep you safe while riding.
Check out my blog on mountain bike equipment beginners need for more information.
2. Start Slow
If you’re new to mountain biking, start slow and build up gradually. Start with easy trails and work up to more challenging terrain as you gain experience and confidence. Feel free to take breaks, rest when needed, and don’t feel pressured by others.
Many mountain bike injuries occur when riders take on terrain they are not ready for. It can be scary out there, so stay within your comfort level until you’re ready to gradually push yourself harder.
3. Learn The Proper Technique
Mountain biking requires proper technique to ride safely and efficiently. Consider taking a class or working with a coach to learn proper form and technique. This can help you avoid injury and improve your overall riding ability.
I am by no means a fantastic rider (but I love it), but I have had a few coaching sessions to iron out some bad habits. These sessions also boost confidence as instructors take you to some great spots.
4. Stay Hydrated and Fuelled
Mountain biking is a physically demanding activity that requires adequate hydration and fuel. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your ride, and consider bringing snacks or energy bars to keep you fueled.
Please don’t make the same mistake I did and forget to take food and water. I got lost in a Welsh forest, wondering what Bear Grills would do.
Final Thoughts On Mountain Biking For Fitness
As great mountain biking is for fitness, it is best to hit the gym too. You won’t build big legs by just riding, so you need to add strength training to your workout regime.
If you have any questions or thoughts on mountain biking for fitness, please leave them in the comments section below.
