motocross physical demands
How Demanding is the Sport of Motocross?
One of the biggest misconceptions in all of sports is the physical fitness side of motocross; it is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world and requires extreme cardiovascular endurance as well as unique muscle strength.
“You race motocross? How hard could that be? You just sit on the seat and twist the throttle and you go, anyone could do that.” I have heard that so many times throughout my life, and it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Motocross is a sport that started in the mid 1920’s; it used to be just a hobby that friends would get together and compete on the weekends. Now, it requires more dedication and determination than anyone could imagine. Pro motocross events are broken into two individual races, each being thirty minutes, followed by two individual laps after the clock strikes zero. These races are called motos. There are no breaks during the motos, and with the season being in the heat of the summer, it is extremely grueling. The bikes weigh two hundred and fifty pounds, and the gear is approximately twenty five pounds. To muscle the bike around for that long and not injure yourself, it requires a special type of fitness to be a successful motocross athlete.
Cardiovascular endurance is important in any professional sport, but in motocross, it is a necessity. Since racing is such an adrenaline rush, on top of being so physical, your heart is forced to beat at extremely high rates. Studies conducted at the University of Florida under Dr. Augustine revealed more specific details. The heart rate spikes at the start of the moto, right as the gate drops, heart rates can reach over two hundred beats per minute at this time. After the start, the heart continues to beat at the same rate for the first few laps of the moto, then slows down to roughly one hundred seventy five beats per minute for the middle of the moto. All of these facts depend on the race, if the race is more intense, the heart
One of the biggest misconceptions in all of sports is the physical fitness side of motocross; it is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world and requires extreme cardiovascular endurance as well as unique muscle strength.
“You race motocross? How hard could that be? You just sit on the seat and twist the throttle and you go, anyone could do that.” I have heard that so many times throughout my life, and it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Motocross is a sport that started in the mid 1920’s; it used to be just a hobby that friends would get together and compete on the weekends. Now, it requires more dedication and determination than anyone could imagine. Pro motocross events are broken into two individual races, each being thirty minutes, followed by two individual laps after the clock strikes zero. These races are called motos. There are no breaks during the motos, and with the season being in the heat of the summer, it is extremely grueling. The bikes weigh two hundred and fifty pounds, and the gear is approximately twenty five pounds. To muscle the bike around for that long and not injure yourself, it requires a special type of fitness to be a successful motocross athlete.
Cardiovascular endurance is important in any professional sport, but in motocross, it is a necessity. Since racing is such an adrenaline rush, on top of being so physical, your heart is forced to beat at extremely high rates. Studies conducted at the University of Florida under Dr. Augustine revealed more specific details. The heart rate spikes at the start of the moto, right as the gate drops, heart rates can reach over two hundred beats per minute at this time. After the start, the heart continues to beat at the same rate for the first few laps of the moto, then slows down to roughly one hundred seventy five beats per minute for the middle of the moto. All of these facts depend on the race, if the race is more intense, the heart
Cited: Augustine, S. "The Exercise Intensity of Motocross and Supercross - Racer X Virtual Trainer." Racer X Virtual Trainer - Motocross & Action Sports Training, Fitness & Nutrition. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2013.< http://www.racerxvt.com/virtual_trainer/Dr_A_heart_rate.html>. "How to use Heart Rate Reserve." Ultra Fit Magazine 23 May 2012: n. pag. ultra-fitmagazine.co.uk. Web. 17 Sept. 2013. Virtual Trainer - Motocross& Action Sports Training, Fitness & Nutrition. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2013.< http://www.racerxvt.com/article/strength-training-for-motocross-principles>. "physicfootball.com." Physicfootball.com - La Préparation physique en football. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2013. . Racer X "Strength Training for Motocross (Principles) - Racer X Virtual Trainer." "www.scientific-football.com - The demands of football." www.scientific-football.com - Welcome. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2013. .