As I have been riding over the last 15 years, one of the constant factors that has helped me have memorable painfree rides in the past as well as in the present is my upkeep of fitness. This has allowed me to enjoy the adventures in all my rides as I love hiking or trekking and try to mix it up with riding plans wherever possible.
Â
My primary aim in the beginning was to remain fit so that I could enjoy my long haul rides, above 1000 Kms and unknowingly this gave way to more serious ambitions ahead. I took up running as well as endurance treks over the years and this has helped me immensely in my overall mental health. I enjoy doing 10Km runs these days and hikes across hills and forests.
Â
Also, it is important to engage in any sport be it for the mind or body; and it has been badminton for me. Sport brings the best out of us and its important that we choose one sport for life that we enjoy with friends or family, in my opinion.
Â
In our CR circle, I am sure most or all of us have fitness plans but the biggest challenge to this would be time, our busy lives when not riding or even an old injury. We need to keep in mind that its not only the next ride plan for which we need to be ready, but the next few years and decades for which we must prepare our body in order to continue to enjoy our passion of riding.
Â
For long distance riding, it is the core section of our body that requires the most strength and it is recommended to improve our core strength in whatever way possible. The most basic way is to improve endurance by walking on a daily basis.
Â
As they say these days, sitting for extended periods is the new smoking as this may lead to chronic health issues and hence we need to take every opportunity to move our body throughout the day. As riders, we put our body through a taxing environment on ride days and it is essential that we prepare ourselves during the non-ride days.
Â
The main takeaway out of the above rant is to make fitness as a way of life rather than seeing it as an additional activity in our daily calendars that is the first to easily overlook.
Ride With Pride!
1 thought on “My riding fitness journey”
Absolutely nailed it. Also, what about your views on considering some mind exercises, meditation, breathing exercises etc. to stay focussed on the rides.