Try cycling your way to fitness

Cycling can be a slog but there’s no doubting its fitness benefits, if your dodgy knees can hold out.

Red Bull athlete Matt Jones is someone who knows his stuff. I mean just look at the photo above. Matt has worked his way up in the freeriding mountain biking scene to become one of the best in the world.

So if you thought cycling was all about simply getting from A to B, or enjoying a nice leisurely stroll in the countryside, you’re wrong. It’s high time you turned your bike ride into a cycling workout.

Here’s Matt’s 5 tips to help you turn a simple bike ride into a mini workout.

Admittedly this guy is only 23, so please take into account your own flexibility!

It’s all in the motion

Cycle in fluid circles and don’t jam down on the pedals. Push down with the ball of your foot, then pull through the bottom of the stroke, before pulling up and back around. This works your cardiovascular system and helps to keep your muscles from tiring out too quickly.

Feet off the pedals

Set off downhill and then take your feet off the pedals all together (make sure you lift your legs high enough for the pedals not to catch your feet!). This will force you to use upper body strength for balance, building up your arms and chest.

Sprint it out

You might not want to hear it, but bike-based sprint intervals are the best way to build muscle and burn body fat. Try to incorporate short sprints into your bike ride to make the most out of your workout.

Always look ahead

Whatever you do, don’t put your head down when you’re getting tired. It can slow your oxygen intake, tiring you out even faster.

Stay on the bike

Even if you’re not riding super hard, try to stay out on your bike for as long as possible. As long as you’re moving, your body is working.

Matt’s breakthrough feature film sees him push his mountain biking skills to the limit. See it here.