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Thread: Physical training for racers?

  1. #1
    Senior Member Yearly Supporter green_zx7r's Avatar
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    Physical training for racers?

    Hi everyone,

    Sorry if this has already been discussed, but since we are fast approaching winter and when our track/race bikes sleep for a while, I wanted to ask how racers train for the next season.

    Losing my gut is top priority, but I would like to get back into exercising and I would love to know what type of physical training racers concentrate on for road racing.

    I would assume cardiovascular for endurance, but I would like to know if specific muscle groups are worked on.

    Any input would be appreciated.

    Thank you!

    Yusuke
    Yusuke (U-skay)
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  2. #2
    Senior Member FZRguy's Avatar
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    Many of the top road racers use cycling for endurance training, supplemented with weight lifting. Strong abs are important, as is upper body and lower trunk strength. A basic weight lifting program would include bench press/chest flys, rowing and pull-downs for back, bicep/tricep curls, leg press and/or squats, hamstring curls, calf raises, back extensions, and lots of ab work. And don’t neglect the benefits of good old-fashioned push-ups, pull-ups and dips.
    John
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  3. #3
    Still a Major Assh0le Monkey's Avatar
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    I know alot of racers simply do the 12oz curl during the off season..

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    Say what again... Site Admin rforsythe's Avatar
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    Quote Originally Posted by FZRguy";p="244374
    Many of the top road racers use cycling for endurance training, supplemented with weight lifting. Strong abs are important, as is upper body and lower trunk strength. A basic weight lifting program would include bench press/chest flys, rowing and pull-downs for back, bicep/tricep curls, leg press and/or squats, hamstring curls, calf raises, back extensions, and lots of ab work. And don’t neglect the benefits of good old-fashioned push-ups, pull-ups and dips.
    Kind of ironic, coming from Mr. 120lbs.

    But yeah, that's good advice. Mostly for racing I'd concentrate on cardio and endurance though, since that seems to be where most racers lose it. You don't need to be a bodybuilder to ride a bike, but having the stamina to last the race without getting whipped will do you wonders.
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    Quote Originally Posted by rforsythe";p="244389
    Quote Originally Posted by FZRguy";p="244374
    Many of the top road racers use cycling for endurance training, supplemented with weight lifting. Strong abs are important, as is upper body and lower trunk strength. A basic weight lifting program would include bench press/chest flys, rowing and pull-downs for back, bicep/tricep curls, leg press and/or squats, hamstring curls, calf raises, back extensions, and lots of ab work. And don’t neglect the benefits of good old-fashioned push-ups, pull-ups and dips.
    Kind of ironic, coming from Mr. 120lbs.

    But yeah, that's good advice. Mostly for racing I'd concentrate on cardio and endurance though, since that seems to be where most racers lose it. You don't need to be a bodybuilder to ride a bike, but having the stamina to last the race without getting whipped will do you wonders.
    So that makes you what??? "Mr 125 Pounds?"
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  6. #6
    Say what again... Site Admin rforsythe's Avatar
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    Quote Originally Posted by SpArKy";p="244395
    So that makes you what??? "Mr 125 Pounds?"
    162 now... Gonna be Team Not-So-Skinny before too long!
    Asshole Nazi devil moderator out to get each and every one of you

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  7. #7
    Senior Member FZRguy's Avatar
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    Well, maybe 120 on a good day, with all my gear on…it’s pure muscle baby!
    John
    KTM Duke 690

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    Senior Member BlueDevil's Avatar
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    Well follow my plan strictly.....

    Mcdonalds .39cent hanburgers and Ice Cream as often as possible. Supplemented by Ramen of any flavor you like.

    Should have no trouble helping that gut out in a hurry
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    1983-2006 - R.I.P. ebazyl's Avatar
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    Not that I know much about nutrition/fitness. But I beleive that most top riders in the world are huge cyclers. Spinning definetly helps lower body and legs. Also I beleive its a lot more fun then being in a gym.

    Other then that most racers that I know use the dirt bike religiously (Turpin, Turner, Hendry, Sims), and that will definetly get you a work out in a hurry.

    If you want to hear more of my rabmling feel free to PM me.
    Gene Bazyl
    MRA, ASMA #502
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    Damn we are going to have to kick Fat ass off the team lol
    I miss racing..... so so so so so much. Might as well drink

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    Only here for the free Wi-Fi Site Admin Spiderman's Avatar
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    My strict training regiment consists of sitting on the couch and eating "bon-bons" & chips, and drinking beer.
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    Member Dan Audette's Avatar
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    Here is a link from motorcyclist:
    http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...cg/index1.html
    I added rowing to my ever growing training/physical therapy list.
    Also I talked to a trainer after I got her to come to the races.
    A single program of her "Kick and Punch" classes was recommened.
    Combines cardio,strength, flexibility, and core. Plus it may come
    in handy in the pits....
    dja
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  14. #14
    Resident Hater Site Admin Canuck's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ~Barn~";p="244567
    The Bostrom brothers do a ton of rock climbing. And I believe they supplement that, with a ridiculous amount of sex with various ladies in the greater Las Vegas area.


    Another great activity to do is Running. It can be a bit boring, but it is great for your Respiratory and Cardiovasculary systems. Plus (if you are in decent shape) you feel great, full of energy after you do a couple of miles.
    Everyone had a great point with and what to do. Even Bob
    Just get out and do activities and training that you are comfortable with. Just start out at a good pace and build from there.
    RIP Gene. You are a good friend that will be missed. I'm Gene Bazyl Bitch!!

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    I'm pumped... Let's let the healing begin! Lifetime Supporter ~Barn~'s Avatar
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    I run about 8-9 miles a week and weight train three times per week. I try to ski really hard at least once a week during the winter as well. Here's my basic workout. I try to varry it every week with one heavier session with lower reps, one normal session, and one lighter session with higher reps. My tris are good enough now, but I'll add something for those muscles and for forearms in the spring.

    Bench Press
    4 sets, 1 warm up at 145 for 12 reps, 1 set 205 till failure (usually around 8 reps), 1 set 185 till failure (usually around 8 again), 1 set 145 till burn out (usually around 15)

    Shoulder Press
    3-4 sets, sometimes 1 warm up with 30lbs dumbells 10 reps, 1 set with 55lbs dumbells till failure (around 8 reps), 1 set with 50lbs till failure, 1 set with 40 lbs till burnout (around 10)

    Side Flys
    1 set with 30 lbs dumbells , 1 with 25 lbs dumbells, and 1 burnout set with 25lbs dumbells

    Front Flys
    same weights/sets as side flys

    Pushups
    Two sets of 40 each

    Bicep Curls on the rack that puts your elbows out in front of you at a 40 degree angle when you sit down. I can't remembe what it's called. Biceps are probably unecessary for racing, so I need to stop this.
    4 sets, 1 warmup with 15lbs on each side of the bar, 1 set with 30;bs each side, 1 set with 25lbs each side, 1 burnout set with 20lbs on each side

    Weighted Decline Situps
    I use the decline situp manchine and hold a dumbell under my chin for resistance, rotating to alternative sides as I come up.
    1 warmup set with no weight 20 reps, 1 set with 55lbs dumbell under chin for 40 reps, 1 burnout set with no weight for 30 reps

    Crunches
    1-2 sets of 40-60 till burnout

    Running
    Mon. 3 miles normal pace
    Wen. 1.5 mile sprint
    Fri. 4 miles slower pace
    MRA 36 & AMA 336

  17. #17
    Senior Member FZRguy's Avatar
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    I’ve been hitting the weights hard, and eating lots of sushi. Ya may not even recognize me.
    John
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    I'm pumped... Let's let the healing begin! Lifetime Supporter ~Barn~'s Avatar
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    That really is John. Problem though, is that that picture is actually to scale!
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    Melissa Holbrook Pierson

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  20. #20
    Senior Member Stuart Little's Avatar
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    um, I don't race yet but i'll be glad to give you a lil advice on any problem muscle area you develop.
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    I guess I'll chime in here...

    The most important part of the "Get fit" for racing regimine is nutrition. You can't begin a program and expect the changes you are looking for to stick without proper nutrition. With that said, the obvious next thing in line is training. Most people feel that simply to get what they are looking for, they can do the "Upper/Lower" routine or a more specified body part workout. The thing that athletes don't realize is that success in your sport, is based on sports specific training. With bodybuilding, there is general way to acheive results. But in the pro's, they get very very detailed about their workouts.

    With Road racing, cycling is a key part of training, however, you have to realize the other muscles involved in racing. Again, it boils down to sports specific. Now this always isn't true, but from what I've seen in my training, only very talented athletes can do the basics and get by and still be the victor. I speak from experience both hands on and non hands on, education and commitment to what I believe encompass's what the athlete is looking for. I'm willing to work with people who are seriously interested in getting in shape for the next MRA season. Time is running out as December 31, is the latest I'll accept people to help.

    Again, I state that dirt riding, cycling is all good..but there is so much more involved that can promote or propel you to the next level of what you're trying to achieve...

    Biggs
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    He aint called the ROCK for nuthen
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  23. #23
    Junior Member Akira7R's Avatar
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    I think Kickboxing would be really good for staying fit plus develops quick reflexes. Lots of Formula 1 drivers kickbox , Michael Shumacher ...
    Anyway , I can offer help with kickboxing and muai thay training , I have my own small studio at my house in Denver, and it's no charge or just donation based for CSC members.
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    Senior Member hcr25's Avatar
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    Re: Physical training for racers?

    PT is very important,sadly i didnt do any physical traing last year.While i did have OK results for the season.In the 7 classes i raced
    i finished 2nd overall in 3 three classes,3rd in one class,5th in two other classes.I also finished 11th in ROR O.
    On the other hand my teammate trains very hard daily.He won 3 class championships and had a 3rd overall as well.
    So guess who is going to work his ass off for next year



    Matt please call me when you can,i would like to talk with you about some training.
    719-494-7185
    mike
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