Exercise for kiters

Speedo · Since 07 May 2007 262 Posts Obsessed

I know we're still in the heart of summer and wind but I was wondering what, if anything, people do to prepare for kiting (outside of kiting). Is there weight or endurance training? and or flexibility, like yoga?

i remember Forrest had a training bar at home setup to practice unhooked tricks. How's that going anyway?

anyone who has expertise (or experience for that matter) please feel free to PM me if you don't want to make a public post.

thanks,
ken

FunShui · Since 16 Jul 2006 146 Posts Really, really Stoked

General strength and conditioning exercise will prevent many injuries and improve performance. I think that it also depends on one's age, general physical condition, and level of ability. Riding unhooked requires much greater upper body strength and flexibilty. The older or more unfit you are, the slower you should go.

Basic Program for Beginners

1) Squats without weights. Insure that your knees when in the fully flexed position are behind the tips of your big toes. Work up to 25-50 for basic strength. When this becomes too easy add dumbells with 5-25 lbs, starting with 8-12 reps, more weight if you are a monster.

2) Pulley rows. This is best accomplished with a weight machine. If you don't have one use dumbells, choosing the weight so you can do at least one set of 8-12 reps without failure. Upright rows, bent over rows, vertical rows.

3) Lat pull downs. This simulates pulling on the bar. Ensure that you have a slight backward tilt when you do this so you don't injure your rotator cuff by impingeing it. 1-2 sets of 8-12 reps.

4) Dumbell presses. Do this at multiple angles recognizing that the closer you are to military press , the greater the likelihood of shoulder impingement. I like doing them flat, then ~30-70 degrees (incline) with 1-2 sets with 8-12 reps/set. Can add decline as strength and conditioning improve.

5) Push ups. A mainstay for general strengthening. Do to tolerance 1-2 sets to failure. Doing them on the ball is a good intro.

6) Abdominal strengthening. There are many great methods. I like ball crunches, cherry picking (flat on the floor, feet at 90 degrees, reaching for the toes until abdominal muscle failure), Olympic sit-ups. Great to simulate jumping and leads to less soreness with a big jumping session. Inverted crunches are awesome but need an inversion device. Don't forget the obliques with the ball.

This is a really minimal strength program. For endurance and little impact, it is hard to beat biking (stationary or otherwise), elliptical machines, or treadmill running.

Maybe others with experience can chime in and improve these basic recommendations.

Rick

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

I think program over look pretty decent but lifting weights I am a big fan of free weights, however having the right lifting technique is alpha omega...if you don;t know how, don;t even try with out instruction...

I do karate, and try a little yoga / pilates...and some weights...but I am not consistent enough..though sparring is a lot of fun.

I think it is really important to think flexibility and a strong core...swimming is good too.

Though now it might sound like I am some sports freak, but I am really just another fat slob.

A.

forrest · Sun Aug 05, 07 10:17 am

rock climbing, push-ups, dips, and crunches will keep you well rounded. I was petty pear shaped before all of this.

The bar I hung up with the bungies was pretty cool, but I was to inconsistent to make it work.

KidCorporate · Since 10 Jul 2007 563 Posts Addicted

Snowboarding!!!