Gearing up for a day at the track isn’t just about prepping your motorcycle. While that gleaming machine is your trusty steed, it’s your own body that will take the reins. Track riding pushes you – demanding sharp focus, quick reactions, and sustained physical control. The good news? By incorporating targeted fitness into your routine, you can transform yourself into a more confident and capable rider.
Imagine navigating those banked corners with unwavering core strength, smoothly shifting gears with powerful arms, and maintaining laser focus thanks to improved cardiovascular endurance. This guide will unveil the key areas to train – legs, upper body, and core – to unlock your full potential on the track, regardless of your current skill level.
Get Track-Ready: How Physical Fitness Boosts Your Riding Performance
Ditch the elevator for the stairs, swap the TV for some core exercises, and get ready to experience the track like never before. Here are a few things to consider before you hit the track:
Exercises for Track Riding Fitness:
- Lunges: Lunges are great for improving flexibility in your legs and lower body, which is important for techniques like getting a proper knee down in track corners. This exercise targets your glutes, hamstrings, and quads. Stand with your feet apart and take a big step forward with one leg. Lower your body until your leg is at a right angle, then push back to standing and repeat with the other leg.
- Pull-Ups: Pull-ups are excellent for strengthening your upper body, including your arms and shoulders. This exercise improves arm endurance, which is essential for a long day on the track. Grab a pull-up bar with a shoulder-width grip, lift your body weight up to the bar using your elbows, and lower yourself back down.
- Air Squats: Squats improve flexibility and lower body strength, allowing you to maintain smooth control of your bike. They also enhance balance. Start with your arms straight out in front of you, lower your hips and bend your knees as if you’re sitting down in a chair, continue lowering until your thighs are parallel to the floor, and push back to standing using the middle of your feet.
- Bicycling: Cycling is a fantastic way to build cardiovascular endurance, which is important for longer rides on the track. It also helps strengthen your leg muscles. Consider investing in a mountain bike and spending time on the trails. This high-intensity workout is easier on your joints compared to running.
Benefits of Physical Fitness for Track Riding:
- Faster recovery: Being in shape can help you recover more quickly from long rides or physically demanding activities. This allows you to bounce back and perform at your best for longer periods of time.
- Improved bike handling: Physical fitness enables you to handle more powerful bikes with precision. Strengthening your muscles, particularly in your legs and upper body, can enhance your control and maneuverability on the track.
- Enhanced endurance: Building cardiovascular endurance through exercises like cycling allows you to ride for longer periods without getting winded. This is especially important for endurance track events.
- Better flexibility: Increased flexibility in your legs and lower body helps with techniques like leaning your knee down in track corners. This can improve your overall riding performance and safety.
Important Considerations:
- Fitness level: Assess your current fitness level and adjust your exercise routine accordingly. Beginners may start with lower intensity exercises and gradually increase as their fitness improves.
- Frequency of track riding: Track riders who ride more frequently may need to incorporate exercises into their routine more often to maintain their fitness level. However, it is important to consult with a fitness professional or coach for personalized advice.
- Specific concerns or goals: Identify any specific concerns or goals you may have for your track riding fitness. This can help you tailor your exercise routine to address those areas of improvement.
Remember, just like training your motorcycle, it’s important to prepare yourself physically for the demands of the track. Consult with a fitness professional or coach before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries. They can provide guidance on proper form and help create a personalized plan to meet your fitness goals and dominate the track!
Ready to experience the exhilaration of track riding in peak physical condition? Register with EvolveGT today and unlock a world of training resources, expert instruction, and exciting track day events! With their GP membership, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts to elevate your entire riding experience. Don’t wait – turn up your track day performance with EvolveGT!
