Moto specific workouts for a vet rider

Braaaphole
Posts
803
Joined
8/21/2016
Location
Spring, TX US
Edited Date/Time 5/17/2022 8:50pm
Ok, I need to get myself back into shape in a bad way. I fell off the wagon a couple years ago due to an injury followed by some minor health issues that have since been sorted out.
I’m going to do everything I can to qualify for Loretta’s in 40+ next year and it’s going to start with my fitness. I know I need to do cardio and a lot of it. I need to shed at least 20lbs too. I’m just looking for some recommendations on what I need to be doing and how to do it at my age.
I spent years working out and building muscle just for the mirror and pulling ass, and it worked great, but I was never really in great shape though I looked it. So honestly, that’s the only way I know to work out.
Any input is appreciated, thanks.
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Mr. Afterbar
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Location
Green Bay, WI US
9/2/2021 9:28am
12 oz. curls will do wonders for your carb loading. I’m no fitness expert, but lots of mountain biking and core/back work outs will get you riding faster for longer in no time.
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Preston412
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982
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Location
Saint Augustine, FL US
Fantasy
9/2/2021 9:35am
Don't go killing yourself right off the bat with high intensity workouts, build a foundation first. What equipment do you have access to?
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blaze 57
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392
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4/11/2018
Location
Inchelium, WA US
9/2/2021 9:45am Edited Date/Time 9/2/2021 9:48am
Braaaphole wrote:
Ok, I need to get myself back into shape in a bad way. I fell off the wagon a couple years ago due to an injury...
Ok, I need to get myself back into shape in a bad way. I fell off the wagon a couple years ago due to an injury followed by some minor health issues that have since been sorted out.
I’m going to do everything I can to qualify for Loretta’s in 40+ next year and it’s going to start with my fitness. I know I need to do cardio and a lot of it. I need to shed at least 20lbs too. I’m just looking for some recommendations on what I need to be doing and how to do it at my age.
I spent years working out and building muscle just for the mirror and pulling ass, and it worked great, but I was never really in great shape though I looked it. So honestly, that’s the only way I know to work out.
Any input is appreciated, thanks.
You can do an amazing amount of weight training-cardio with just dumbbells. Go on YouTube has many clips of full body workouts and you can add intensity and cardio with them too. Dumbbells take very little space if you go the adjustable route. I have the Bow-flex adjustable ones. Also diet is 90% of really getting in shape. I try and shoot for 12% body fat.
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jbrass715
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Location
West Plains, MO US
9/2/2021 9:45am
This is a much needed thread, I need the same advice. Everything i look at is high intensity and just hard for an old fat guy to get excited about
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The Shop

Hammer 663s
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3090
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Location
Forest Grove, OR US
9/2/2021 10:02am
Get a concept 2 rower and learn to suffer on that 3-4 times a week. Vary between longer steady speed and shorter interval sessions. My sessions run 10-20 minutes. A rower is zero-impact cardio with strength training in one. Also spend 15-20 minutes every single day on a full-body stretching routine. Less than one hour total for the whole workout.

After 3 months you will be ready to start adding strength training to your routine and cutting back a little on cardio. Make sure you schedule rest days every 3rd day. 58 YO with damage to knees, back, shoulders, so I avoid impact at all costs.

I can lose 5 lbs in 2 weeks with the rower, as long as I don't drink beer and watch what I eat a little. I'm not very fast but I can do a 20 min moto at a decent pace with no drop off in lap times. Fitness is my only advantage cause I ain't got speed or skill! Smile

Hammer 663s
23
9/2/2021 10:06am
After 30+ years in the military and 40+ years of racing dirt bikes, my body is pretty wore down, but I find, other than riding which is the best workout, I use an Octane Fitness Elliptical Trainer almost exclusively--very good for the low-impact cardio, plus it adds arms, and you can increase the intensity as you get more a more in shape. The key is low to no impact on my body. I just turn on last weekend's races and do a 30-minute plus 2 lap moto while watching the pros do the same!

I also go for a 45-minute walk every day with the dogs, and can add arm workouts here, too (front and lateral raises, isometric bicep / triceps curls and shoulder / chest presses). Again, very easy on the body but a good way to slip in a workout without traveling to a gym.

A lot of guys use the Concept Rowers, and if you want to add this to your cardio routine, I think there are good benefits with low - no impact here as well.

For me, the elliptical just did the trick with getting in a workout with my busy work / farm schedule, and really helping when it came race time. Oh, and I'm 60 years old this year, never thought I'd make it this far!
6
wydopen
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Location
805, CA US
9/2/2021 10:08am
It’s all in the diet. If it has more than one ingredient don’t eat it.

I was in the same boat. Used to workout allot and thought I was in decent shape. Did 10-15kft of climbing a week on a mtb, moto’d, rode standup jetskis in the surf and lifted weights and thought I ate decent but still ate bread, pasta and cheese occasionally. Always got arm pump and got tired after a few laps. Weighed 190+lbs.

Took 8years off moto and started only eating whole food as they come 6months before I started again..basically meat, vegetables, fruit and nuts only. It’s hard for a couple weeks but once you get used to it regular food makes you feel like crap. Now I just do 20-30min of cardio 3-5days a week and do some dumbbell and bodyweight exercises in a circuit and I’m 165lbs and kept the majority of the muscle and don’t get any arm pump and can do 30min motos no problem. Also no more nagging injuries caused by inflammation you get from eating like a normal person..I’m also 10years older but in way better shape..Can send you my exact workout if you want but it’s just basic stuff. I typed it out already to give to a friend.
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2
flarider
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Location
Daytona Beach, FL US
9/2/2021 10:10am
Find a local sports therapist or masseuse, and get your body stretched out regularly.

Bend your ass around like Gumby.

Shit'll make you feel great

Start 2x per month, then go to 1x and eventually DIY with some yoga if possible
6
2
crusher773
Posts
2014
Joined
12/23/2009
Location
Coweta, OK US
9/2/2021 10:16am
Rower or skier. I have the skier and I love it. Down about 20 pounds this year. Put it out in the hot garage and just suffer through it.
2
swatdoc
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1095
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6/29/2014
Location
Temecula, CA US
9/2/2021 10:21am Edited Date/Time 9/2/2021 10:23am
Diet is 75-80% of the equation. Ketogenic combined with intermittent fasting is the quickest way to lose weight, but it takes discipline. Try to get 1 gram of protein for every pound of bodyweight. I use a supplement called Fortagen - one serving is the equivalent of eating 50grams of meat, but only contains 4 calories.

For exercise, like others have said, low impact is recommended. I use both a Concept 2 rower and a Bowflex Max unit - do both steady state and HIIT training.

For weights, I really like the X3 system - it uses VERY heavy duty latex bands - up to 600 lbs of resistance, and very easy on your joints and body, plus it's very time effective - workouts are only about 15 min or so
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Titan1
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Lehi, UT US
9/2/2021 10:25am
P90X
Ryzf162
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20
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Location
Grant Park, IL US
9/2/2021 10:34am Edited Date/Time 9/2/2021 10:36am
flarider wrote:
Find a local sports therapist or masseuse, and get your body stretched out regularly. Bend your ass around like Gumby. Shit'll make you feel great Start...
Find a local sports therapist or masseuse, and get your body stretched out regularly.

Bend your ass around like Gumby.

Shit'll make you feel great

Start 2x per month, then go to 1x and eventually DIY with some yoga if possible
While i hardly ever agree with flarider on some topics. This even just going to the mall and having the chair massage places work you out for 20-30 dollars every other week or at least once a month will do wonders for most people in the public. Not just my personal opinion but also my professional opinion.
PMR 3
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Location
SoCal, CA US
Fantasy
9/2/2021 10:46am
Start out slower than you think, there's lots of good info out there. Recovery is big these days and very helpful for long-long (haha) term athletic development. Balancing your schedule will be key. Performing at 90% is much better than 5% over training. Enjoy the process, establish a healthy life style with realistic goals and improve steadily.
1
TSCHAM101
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1064
Joined
12/7/2015
Location
Norco, CA US
9/2/2021 10:57am
Honestly there are a couple things a vet rider needs.

1. Flexibility.. This needs to be most important. Spend the most time on this.. It will improve your riding 10 fold, and make you less injury prone.
2.Fitness. If you can do 120-180minutes of cycling/assault bike/Rower.. Doesnt matter necessarily how it gets broken up as long as you are doing your minutes with your heart rate about 65-75% of your Max Heart Rate.. If you split it up into 1 session being shorter duration sprints and 1 session of much longer steady state something like, Session 1, 60min cycle/row with 65-80% Max Hr. Session 2, 4min sprints x 5 sessions with a 1:1 (rest:recovery) ratio, thats 40 minutes of Charge, Rest Repeat.. then Session 3 Repeat Session 1.
3. More Flexibility.


Most men have the strength to ride moto.. most limitation is they cant move properly from years of construction or desk work.. things get locked up over time when they get forgotten about...
2
Stooperbike
Posts
270
Joined
10/6/2008
Location
Salem, NH US
9/2/2021 10:59am
You will have to find what works for you, but the common advice is diet. I changed my diet a few years ago, basically eat what ever is on the outer isle of the supermarket. I love food, but eat pretty back meals. Eat a good breakfast too, it helps the energy level in the day. Also I don’t eat breads and try to avoid junk food, but love chips. For a workout I do a fitness class called Orange Theory 2 times a week and throw in yoga too. The classes focus on endurance and core strength, that has made a huge difference. That and riding on weekends I feel like I got a pretty good routine. Its taken a long time to make these changes, be patient.
3
TSCHAM101
Posts
1064
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Location
Norco, CA US
9/2/2021 10:59am
wydopen wrote:
It’s all in the diet. If it has more than one ingredient don’t eat it. I was in the same boat. Used to workout allot and...
It’s all in the diet. If it has more than one ingredient don’t eat it.

I was in the same boat. Used to workout allot and thought I was in decent shape. Did 10-15kft of climbing a week on a mtb, moto’d, rode standup jetskis in the surf and lifted weights and thought I ate decent but still ate bread, pasta and cheese occasionally. Always got arm pump and got tired after a few laps. Weighed 190+lbs.

Took 8years off moto and started only eating whole food as they come 6months before I started again..basically meat, vegetables, fruit and nuts only. It’s hard for a couple weeks but once you get used to it regular food makes you feel like crap. Now I just do 20-30min of cardio 3-5days a week and do some dumbbell and bodyweight exercises in a circuit and I’m 165lbs and kept the majority of the muscle and don’t get any arm pump and can do 30min motos no problem. Also no more nagging injuries caused by inflammation you get from eating like a normal person..I’m also 10years older but in way better shape..Can send you my exact workout if you want but it’s just basic stuff. I typed it out already to give to a friend.
same here.. really noticed a huge difference in the weight when on a bike.. I think i got arm pump from being too big also.. weighed 200lbs... ive dropped to 170 now it feels like i can ride forever.

i also do more stretching but hey who counts that.
2
flarider
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25496
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Daytona Beach, FL US
9/2/2021 11:13am
flarider wrote:
Find a local sports therapist or masseuse, and get your body stretched out regularly. Bend your ass around like Gumby. Shit'll make you feel great Start...
Find a local sports therapist or masseuse, and get your body stretched out regularly.

Bend your ass around like Gumby.

Shit'll make you feel great

Start 2x per month, then go to 1x and eventually DIY with some yoga if possible
Ryzf162 wrote:
While i hardly ever agree with flarider on some topics. This even just going to the mall and having the chair massage places work you out...
While i hardly ever agree with flarider on some topics. This even just going to the mall and having the chair massage places work you out for 20-30 dollars every other week or at least once a month will do wonders for most people in the public. Not just my personal opinion but also my professional opinion.
Gee, thanks

6
3
mattman631
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330
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12/16/2015
Location
Mcalester, OK US
9/2/2021 11:54am
Id recommend getting a heart rate monitor if you dont have one already. Hard to tell exactly how hard you are going without one. Plenty of options out there, I personally run a Garmin, but I think PulpMX has a code for Polar if you want to save a few bucks. Establish a Max heart rate for riding and running/rowing/cycling whatever your crosstraining of choice is. Then wear it to bed so you can see your resting heart rate.

Your resting heart rate will tell you if you are over training or not based on if it is elevated in the mornings. This will also allow you to quantify if you are getting in better shape or not when resting heart rate drops over time.

Things can get alot more in depth obviously but if I have any advise it is for sure get a heart rate monitor.
3
Preston412
Posts
982
Joined
10/5/2012
Location
Saint Augustine, FL US
Fantasy
9/2/2021 12:07pm
Invest in a heart rate monitor, chest strap preferred. I will keep it short as possible.
For at least the first month, build your base heart rate foundation (Zone 1 and 2 only). Train in those zones for at least 30 minutes. If you get into zone 3, then back down. During this time period, work on core and lower back strength as well as establishing a good nutritional regime. Your recovery process will be a key ingredient.

Yoga classes for the first couple of months will do you wonders beyond your imagination.

You seem to know how to build strength, so do what you do but don't build bulk. You need a combination of strength and endurance so more reps and keep it to 3 sets.
Cardio.....
You will need sprint cardio and load cardio. Sprint Cardio-once a week 3 sets: 0 to Max HR (able to breathe without shortness of breath) maintain for up to 5 minutes. This is for rowing machine, cycling, spin bike, elliptical or treadmill. If running, 50 yard sprints, 5 minute time clock. 30 second break between sprints. Load cardio, just get up to zone 4 at a moderate pace then maintain for 30 to 40 minutes.

A GPS watch and the LIT pro App is great for logging lap times (looking for consistency) Bonus, is it will let you know what line was faster in sections when you switch them up.

Off season riding, racing, Area Qualifier
Practice days, rougher the track the better. Hammer down, 15 to 20 minute sessions, practice sections and work on technique. Look for different lines.

Training for Regional and LL's.
Practice days, rougher the track the better and practice like you are racing. 2 sessions at 20 minutes each will be good. 3rd session, go 25 to 30 minutes and work on consistency, even if you fade stay on the track at the slower pace until your time is up.

Once you feel you are decent with fitness as in a local 5 lap race is nothing, seat time will be more important. So try to substitute a cardio day with riding.
5
Spudnut
Posts
1943
Joined
6/25/2018
Location
WA US
9/2/2021 12:10pm Edited Date/Time 9/2/2021 12:11pm
MTB ,rowing, riding and sprinkle in some weight lifting and you will be feeling great 8 weeks from now

A healthy diet is just as important. For me I just eat real food no junk (maybe the occasional iced coffee) and feel great
1
9/2/2021 12:18pm
I agree on the diet component on training, but I still try to have balance with fun food. I have a pretty lean diet with no rich or fatty foods anyway due to Crohn’s. I don’t drink alcohol (at least since ‘87). My program at 59 is light gym with resistance weights and the concept 2 like mentioned before. I don’t know about you guys, but my shoulders and ankles are kinda trashed from 35 years of this sport. I combine road and MTB in my area, but the heat and the smoke up here in NorCal have been prohibitive for nearly 2 months! My gym has some pretty good spin bikes, so that keeps me sane. I have always used interval training and rest days to have what I need at the track. I can peak at 180 BPM on a 15 to 20 min. Moto. I try to simulate a sustained heart rate with occasional peaks.
Forty
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3057
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7/27/2009
Location
Saint Paul, MN US
9/2/2021 12:40pm
Just Do It.
1
Nairb#70
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Location
Ivoryton, CT US
9/2/2021 1:34pm
Stretching and staying limber is huge for any Vet age rider.
Provided any injuries aren't too severe.
Paw Paw 271
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3632
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4/3/2013
Location
Benton, LA US
9/2/2021 1:40pm
Running and riding are the best for this age group. Get to where you can "run" ( not jog) 5 miles a day and plan on riding at least three times a week. That is one hard class to do well in at LL's. It is always stacked.

Paw Paw
mxman
Posts
169
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8/21/2006
Location
Armpit, TX US
9/2/2021 1:43pm
As a Vet rider I gave this some thought. Than I always think I wish I rolled instead of slapping the ground. Age...... So master this and your good.




4
chump6784
Posts
1772
Joined
5/9/2011
Location
AU
9/2/2021 2:26pm
Liift 4 or p90x on beachbody.com. Both require only bands or dumbbells and will build both cardio and strength plus add flexibility. I prefer liift4 s the work outs are done quicker and I got better results than p90x. I also mtb ride 2 days a week up some very steep hills which really spikes the heart rate and then the down hills get it back down again. Couple that with a good diet and you'll be fit in no time
1
9/2/2021 2:51pm
You have a year so use that time. I recommend phasing your training every 8-12 weeks. Start with the big 5 lifts, squats, deads, bench, barbell row, and overhead press 2x per week with long walks three times per week. After that I would add one additional weights day for isolation exercises, one walking day becomes a run/swim/bike, something a little more intense. You’re roughly 6 months out at this point. Two days harder cardio one day walk and one day big 5 one day isolation. Final phase 4x per week harder cardio, one big five day one isolation and movement day. Phase one and two eat a lot, focus on increasing muscle and metabolism. Please god everyone, this is just my humble opinion.
Mx746
Posts
531
Joined
11/30/2010
Location
Marietta, GA US
9/2/2021 3:00pm
just wanted to add lap swimming, no impact, helps keep you stretched out.
2
motodad312
Posts
117
Joined
3/31/2020
Location
Mc Kinney, TX US
9/2/2021 3:11pm
I'm 51. I did alot of jogging and weight training. Never seemed to help me on the bike. 3 laps in and i'm dead. I've been mountain biking much more this year and it's done wonders. Really gets the heart rate up and keeps it up.
9/2/2021 4:36pm
PS5 and some beers.

The boys have set you in the correct direction with diet and exercise.
The fun part of the workout is lots of quality laps at the track.
Just be consistant with the progarm.

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