Staying in shape this winter?

[gopherhockey]

Finally... a beginner question! Actually I could have posted this in the general area.. anyway...

What do people do to stay in shape over the winter? I'm looking for suggestions as in the past it has been way too easy to just get out of shape and be in the hurt-bag in the spring.

I tried a recumbant bike last winter, but wore out the rollers on it twice.. it was nice because it could simulate hills etc.

[syntaxjunkie]

I wouldn't go so far as to say "staying in shape," but my winter regimen consists primarily of ice hockey (year-round, actually) and cross country skiing. Hockey is especially good conditioning for sprints and power climbs, and if I played more, I might even get some extra stamina out of it. I'm also going to be working my arms more, as I'm getting tired of being shoved off the puck. Besides, I've got to get pumped up for all of those rocks and log crossings come Spring.

[Dave Weber]

Hi, first post here, LOL..

I go to spin classes at the U a few times a week, hopefully 4-5 and trying to lift some weights too. Keep it stretched out, my muscles are gettin' old.

I think that flexibility (for me) is important for riding too, cuz my back tenses up on the long climbs sometimes, but a lot less if I stay stretched out.

[gopherhockey]

A lot of you are doing weights. What works best for you - all around work, or do you work your legs and arms in a certain way for maximum benefit?

I feel like I need to do some leg weights these days because I find my legs actually "burning" - maybe due to less excercise..?

[Dave Weber]

Got the email notification on the thread activity, lol.

IMO, if you are riding a lot, the legs get enough work in the saddle. Doing some weights with the rest (arms, shoulders, etc...) is good just to avoid having huge legs and skinny cyclist arms. Ha ha..not that there's anything wrong w/that.

I like to do some forearm stuff as well, front and reverse forearm curls. Again, STRETCHING is really key for me. I like to do some leg stretches and low back stretching...now if I could just lay off the Ben & Jerrys I'd be in shape! LOL

[DareDevilDarin]

I hit you up this winter john but pedeling the pow and with a little extra weight on your bike with the 4dsnowbike kit is defentaly the funest way to stay in shape come biking anyway! and now with lutson, gaints ridge and sprit mt here in Mn allowing snow bikes so far there will be some new riding not offered in the past! just riding the trails and town with 4d edge is more fun than dirt, also have been allowed on a lot of crosscountry ski trails out west so going to be working on access here too!

[danomyte]

Wow talk about reviving an old thread!

PS. Those look pretty sweet too!

[DareDevilDarin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2EM92zONp4