Early season riding is often a mix of the urge to get back up to your old smooth and quick riding style combined with the realization that your body hasn’t been on a bike for a while and you’re a little sluggish. Better condition makes for a quicker and easier return to form. Motorcyclist has a short article in their May issue commenting on various types of exercises and equipment used by the racers to keep in top shape. The one that comes out on top is using an indoor rowing machine. That’s what Nicky Hayden uses.
If you have ever thought about trying it but weren’t sure if it’s worth the money, I can tell you from personal experience, my Concept 2, Model B has given me excellent service for over 15 years. The thing is built to be used in commercial gyms so for home use, it simply lasts forever. They’re up to the Model D now and it has improvements that almost make me want to trade up but in reality, mine still works great.
Rowing gives you a total workout, nothing is left out, and there’s no impact to cause running injuries. I hit the rower early 6 days a week and it’s ready for any level of work, easy recovery day or all out attempt at a personal best. The company, Concept 2, still sends me updates about the competitions in various cities around the country, if you’re into that, and you can go online and see how you stack up against other rowers. A lot of other companies have jumped into the rower market but I think the original is still the best. They’re not cheap, but again, they last forever. Highly recommended.
drunkpuppy.net says
I built my own Total Gym (http://www.totalgym.com/) and while it has some kinks to get worked out, so far so good.