Increasing your power on the bike is major goal of almost every rider. Power has become the preferred method to measure training effort among XC riders and has always been among the most highly prized possessions of the DH and 4X rider. No matter how you ride you can benefit from improving your ability to apply power to the pedals.
In my experience, kettlebell swings and snatches are two of the best exercises for safely developing the type of power you want on the trail. While a lot of riders are familiar with kettlebell swings, there are several variations that allow you to progress your power training in unique ways.
In this video I go over the benefits of the kettlebell swing and snatches for improving your mountain bike specific power, plus I go over several swing variations to give you something to work on. The Banded Swing will take your hip drive to new levels…
MTB Strength Training Systems is the world leader in integrated performance training programs for the unique demands of mountain biking. As the strength and conditioning coach for World Cup Teams and 3 National Championships, his programs have been proven at the highest levels. James has helped thousands of riders just like you improve their speed, endurance and skills on the trail. Visit
www.bikejames.com to sign up for the free Trail Rider Fundamentals Video Mini-Course.
just popping in to say that overall your workouts (kettlebells et al) have really contributed to my overall fitness, power, muscle buildup and power output while riding.
keep up the excellent and motivating work!
Ciao from Switzerland...
Having said this - promoting barefoot physical exercise on this kind of website just invites some harebrained biped to get him/herself hurt...say...just stubbing a toe into a machine or something.
BTW I've seen reinforced shoes...those used in the heavy machinery industry...hehe... make for a perfect set of "weights" to improve leg resistance (but wouldn't work well in the gym, at all...)!
Paul
James just shows an example of a great exercise, in his training programs you will find exercises using all kinds of training equipment.