HOW TO...STAY FIT OVER 40

Strength coach Ben Plenge’s essential tips for keeping your body at its biking best

- Ben Plenge

It's no secret that mountain bikers of all ages and abilities can benefit from doing some MTB-specific training. Whether it's strength, mobility or intervals, investing some time and effort into your body is usually the biggest upgrade you can make to your riding. As you enter your 40s and 50s, your body starts to change, and if you don't train smartly and look after yourself, your mountain biking will suffer. To help you enjoy your riding now, and over the next few years, here's some advice to guide you.

INJURY RECOVERY

In your 20s, you could often ignore that sore knee or back, and just carry on riding. A lot of the time it would sort itself out. Now, though, it's different, and will probably only get worse if left unchecked. So, if you're dealing with a low-level injury or other issue that spoils your riding or day-to-day life, then get it diagnosed and treated by a good sports physiotherapist. Make this a priority!

LIFESTYLE AND CONSISTENCY