4 Core Exercises to Challenge Even the Strongest Riders
Core training is one of those subjects I could probably do an article on every month and riders would still want to learn more. By now almost everyone realizes that without a strong, injury resistant core it is impossible to be the best mountain biker you can. Luckily core training has come a long way over the last few years and we now know that there is a lot more to it than just doing some crunches and planks.
In this month's training feature I wanted to share 4 more core training exercises that I use in my programs to help riders develop not only a strong core, but ability to apply that core strength in a way that will help them on the trail. Being able to create movement around a solid core and resist twisting and bending is what we need as mountain bikers and these 4 exercises will help you do just that.
Since I use a lot of different training implements in my facility I will show you a sandbag, kettlebell, dumbbell and bodyweight core training exercise, giving everyone something that can try out and use. These 4 exercises present a challenge for even the strongest riders so if your looking for something to take you core training to the next level look no further.
Sandbag: High Plank or Push Up with Lateral Pull - This exercise has you either holding a High Plank or performing a Push Up and then pulling a sandbag laterally across the floor under your chest. This exercise is great for teaching you how to resist rotation through the hips which is important for stronger, more efficient pedaling.
Kettlebell: Half Kneeling Halos - This exercise has you get down on one knee holding a kettlebell "bottoms up" and then bringing the kettlebell around your head and back to the starting position in front of your chest. This exercise is great for teaching us how to balance and stay strong in a modified split stance position, which is important for building stability when standing up in the attack position on the bike with either foot forward, i.e. being able to ride switch foot effectively.
Dumbbells: Single Leg Renegade Rows - The Renegade Row, or Plank Row, is actually a pretty popular exercise where you get into a High Plank position with your hands resting on dumbbells placed on the ground and then rowing each dumbbell up one at a time. This version takes the core demands to another level by having you balance on one hand and the opposite leg as you row the other arm up, which forces you to stay much tighter through the core. This exercise is another great one for teaching you how to resist rotation through the hips and core and also how to create a stronger platform for muscling your bike up and over obstacles on the trail.
Bodyweight: Inchworms - This exercise has you bend over, place your hands on the ground and then walk your hands out as far as you can before walking your feet back up to your hands. This exercise requires a lot of core strength to resist letting the belly sag towards the ground as you walk out and the further out you can get your hands the higher the core demands. This exercise is great for building core strength, upper back strength and hip mobility, all things that we need to ride with maximum control and flow on the trail.
You can see a video demo of these exercises in action below:
MTB Strength Training Systems is the world leader in integrated performance training programs for the unique demands of mountain biking. As the strength and conditioning coach for World Cup Teams and 3 National Championships, his programs have been proven at the highest levels. James has helped thousands of riders just like you improve their speed, endurance and skills on the trail. Visit www.bikejames.com to sign up for the free Trail Rider Fundamentals Video Mini-Course.
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In this month's training feature I wanted to share 4 more core training exercises that I use in my programs to help riders develop not only a strong core, but ability to apply that core strength in a way that will help them on the trail. Being able to create movement around a solid core and resist twisting and bending is what we need as mountain bikers and these 4 exercises will help you do just that.
Since I use a lot of different training implements in my facility I will show you a sandbag, kettlebell, dumbbell and bodyweight core training exercise, giving everyone something that can try out and use. These 4 exercises present a challenge for even the strongest riders so if your looking for something to take you core training to the next level look no further.
Sandbag: High Plank or Push Up with Lateral Pull - This exercise has you either holding a High Plank or performing a Push Up and then pulling a sandbag laterally across the floor under your chest. This exercise is great for teaching you how to resist rotation through the hips which is important for stronger, more efficient pedaling.
Kettlebell: Half Kneeling Halos - This exercise has you get down on one knee holding a kettlebell "bottoms up" and then bringing the kettlebell around your head and back to the starting position in front of your chest. This exercise is great for teaching us how to balance and stay strong in a modified split stance position, which is important for building stability when standing up in the attack position on the bike with either foot forward, i.e. being able to ride switch foot effectively.
Dumbbells: Single Leg Renegade Rows - The Renegade Row, or Plank Row, is actually a pretty popular exercise where you get into a High Plank position with your hands resting on dumbbells placed on the ground and then rowing each dumbbell up one at a time. This version takes the core demands to another level by having you balance on one hand and the opposite leg as you row the other arm up, which forces you to stay much tighter through the core. This exercise is another great one for teaching you how to resist rotation through the hips and core and also how to create a stronger platform for muscling your bike up and over obstacles on the trail.
Bodyweight: Inchworms - This exercise has you bend over, place your hands on the ground and then walk your hands out as far as you can before walking your feet back up to your hands. This exercise requires a lot of core strength to resist letting the belly sag towards the ground as you walk out and the further out you can get your hands the higher the core demands. This exercise is great for building core strength, upper back strength and hip mobility, all things that we need to ride with maximum control and flow on the trail.
You can see a video demo of these exercises in action below:
MTB Strength Training Systems is the world leader in integrated performance training programs for the unique demands of mountain biking. As the strength and conditioning coach for World Cup Teams and 3 National Championships, his programs have been proven at the highest levels. James has helped thousands of riders just like you improve their speed, endurance and skills on the trail. Visit www.bikejames.com to sign up for the free Trail Rider Fundamentals Video Mini-Course.
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You know, it's like with everything, the knowledge about the "right" ways is there, but it's hard and tough to follow them - there's so much things making our lives easy and comfy. Like stretching: go take any Functional movement screening and they will tell you that you need this and this mobility in your body to execute movement properly, no matter if it's biking or any sport. I'm almost there but it's so hard to motivate myself to go through the pain of stretching.
Another thing: mental skills - try basic meditation techniques, try to control your thoughts - you are 100% guaranteed to improve your focus and efficiency in whatever you do - maaah there's o much cool stuff to think about and BTW I wanna check something on my smart phone
HOWEVER, I strongly caution against doing certain exercises, or being around a weight room, without some sort of shoes. I once saw a guy who was spotting somebody get a 90lb dumbell dropped on his foot while wearing flip flops. It was gruesome. It landed on his toes... he jerked his foot away in pain... you can fill in the blanks. Another friend of mine dropped a 35lb plate from squat rack height on her foot, right on top of the arch. Broke her foot, but no cuts, even with shoes on.
That said, the exercises James usually shows seem pretty barefoot friendly. Just watch watch yourself, especially at a crowded gym.