Here are a few things that I personally practice to keep both myself and my skills up Dale Parriott 2006 AMA National #1 Nat H&H
First and foremost, you can’t do well unless you first finish! This means you had better get yourself in shape. Every night while visiting with my wife and watching the TV, I lay on my back and do passive stretches. Most physical therapists or chiropractors will gladly give you a sheet of exercises that you can follow to strengthen your back muscles, and other body parts. I will do stretches and back exercise every night for at least an hour. The next thing that I do is work on my arms and shoulders. I use a piece of surgical tubing to work on my shoulder muscles and mostly the contact points of the ligaments. The object is to build stamina and the ability to take the hits that the trail transfers through the suspension to your body. If you do these things, you stand a much better chance of avoiding muscular injury.
The next workout that I do is use a stair step exercise machine or if you can find one an exercise bicycle that also works your shoulders. I have one that was made back in the fifties that oscillates the seat back and fourth as well as moving the handlebars back and fourth at the same time. If you can find something like this it can really get you in shape!! It is just like riding a motorcycle. Another other tool that I use is a rowing machine. Man one of these little Jewels is worth it’s weight in gold!
As for the rest of my workout, I just do the same old warm up that we used to do in high school gum class. The main deal is to try to make your body a rubber band, that will keep stretching for the duration of your ride or completive event.
