Trails

Reviews

Community

Tips

Latest Articles Podcast Deals

Support Singletracks Sign in Create an account About us Newsletter signup

Home / Tips / Fitness

Mountain Bike Fitness & Training

A mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by tall grass and trees, with a clear blue sky in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and padded gear for safety.

At age 55, Lee McCormack is still getting faster, and helping other riders do the same

"Professor Shred" shares his tips for unlocking next-level mountain bike performance... and bliss.

A pair of feet wearing colorful sneakers, resting on a textured reddish-brown rock surface. The shoes have turquoise and pink laces, with visible detailing on the sides and soles.

In addition to mountain biking, do you run too?

Mountain bikers: Tell us about your relationship with running.

A young child in a blue shirt and helmet rides a Specialized Riprock mountain bike on a dirt jump track, maneuvering over a small ramp in a grassy park with trees in the background.

Mountain biking by the book: MTB might just be the perfect physical activity

It's no surprise we love mountain biking as much as we do. It turns out that MTB is a textbook physical activity.

Study shows lifetime bicycling reduces knee pain and osteoarthritis

2

Measuring bioactive nitric oxide during exercise could help improve fitness, and this new device provides real-time data

2

A smiling cyclist wearing a black and green cycling jersey and helmet is riding a mountain bike on a grassy trail, with a blurred background of other cyclists and a scenic rural landscape featuring fields and barns.

So, You Don't Have Time for MTB Training. Welcome to the Club

Two mountain bikers navigating a rocky trail surrounded by shrubs and trees, with a scenic view of hills and fields in the background. One biker is crouched over a green mountain bike, climbing uphill, while the other rides further down the path. The sky is partly cloudy and bright.

Mountain Biking Alone is Not Enough to Keep You in Peak Shape

6

I Can Ride my Bike 50 Miles, But I Can Hardly Run Two. What Gives?

16

The Barriers to Mountain Biking That Make it Better

8

A cyclist riding on a dirt road through a foggy forest, surrounded by trees in a monochrome setting. The cyclist is leaning forward, navigating a curve in the road as the mist creates a mysterious atmosphere.

The Relief of a Fading Infatuation to Mountain Bike and Why the Off-Season Should be Embraced

8

How Weekend Warriors can Build MTB Strength and Fitness Like a Pro

1

A person riding a mountain bike on a grassy trail, captured in motion, with blurred greenery in the background to convey speed. The cyclist is wearing a blue helmet and a brown shirt, with the bike featuring green accents.

Hunching Over on Your Bike is Hurting You—But Here’s How to Fix It

3

Ice Baths and Mountain Biking: To Dip or not to Dip?

3

6 Mental Tricks for Surviving the Toughest Parts of the Ride

6

Two cyclists ride on a winding dirt road surrounded by trees and mountains, with fog hovering in the distance. The scene captures a sense of adventure and the beauty of nature.

How to Stay Strong in the Off-Season, Even if You're Off the Bike

1

How a Lack of Strength and Fitness Contribute to Injury Risk for Bikers

1

Close-up of a wrist displaying a smartwatch with a gray strap, featuring detailed tattoos on the arm. The background is softly blurred with hints of red and green foliage.

Do You Wear a Fitness Tracking Watch?

20

Feeling a Little Sluggish on the Trail This Spring

5

Should Mountain Bikers Care About Fitness Metrics Like VO2 Max?

3

3 Exercises to Improve MTB Cornering Strength and Form

2

A fitness instructor demonstrating a leg strength exercise in a gym setting. The image has the text "3 LEG STRENGTH EXERCISES for power up short climbs" prominently displayed. The instructor is wearing athletic gear and is in a kneeling position, looking towards the camera while gesturing with her hands. The background features workout equipment and a bright studio environment.

Better MTB Climbing and Punchy Power With These 3 Leg Strength Exercises

Will You Hire Coach to Improve Skills or Fitness this MTB Season?

3

Be a Pilot Not a Passenger: A Short Guide to eMTB Fitness and Handling Skills

6

A person performing a workout in a gym, using a barbell in a low push position. The environment features gym equipment, including a kettlebell in the foreground and climbing ropes in the background, conveying an active and focused atmosphere. The image is presented in black and white, emphasizing the intensity of the scene.

Do you Lift Weights to Prep for MTB Season?

12

How to Know if You're Overtraining with Coach Dee Tidwell

4 Bodyweight Moves to Increase Strength for Mountain Biking

A cyclist wearing a black jersey and helmet rides a red bike along a dirt path, smiling in the sunlight. In the background, there are rolling hills and a clear blue sky, creating a vibrant outdoor scene.

The Fitness Tech Arms Race: How Data is Making Cyclists Faster with Chip Hawkins, Wahoo Fitness Founder

Balance Training for Mountain Biking

A male cyclist wearing a camouflaged jersey and sunglasses is intensely focused while racing on a mountain bike. The number "1402" is displayed prominently on his bike. He is in a grassy area with a blurred background suggesting a competitive outdoor setting.

Lessons Learned Racing a Top of the Line Mountain Bike From the 1990s... In 2021

6

A person demonstrating neck training exercises for mountain bikers, leaning forward on a bicycle in a living room setting with sunlight filtering through curtains. The text "Neck Training for MTBers" is displayed in the image.

Neck Training for Mountain Bikers: Head Support and Strength

1

Do you Get Leg Cramps from Mountain Biking?

4

A person demonstrating an upper back training exercise on a yoga mat, using a foam roller for support. They are lying on their side with one hand on their hip and the other hand behind their head, wearing a blue tank top and red leggings. The background features a wooden floor and a light-colored wall. Text overlays indicate "Upper Back Training for MTBer."

Upper Back Strength Training for Mountain Bikers

MTB Legend Tinker Juarez Shares Tips for Getting - And Staying - Fast on the Mountain Bike [Podcast]

2

Master the Hinge: Hip Strength and Exercises for Mountain Bikers

2

Getting Old Sucks. Rowan Minnion Has Tips for Making MTB Rides Better With Age

16

A mountain biker in a bright yellow and blue jersey leans forward on a bicycle, navigating through tall grass. The cyclist is gripping the handlebars firmly, showcasing athletic posture while riding on a rugged terrain.

Core Strength for Mountain Bikers Plus 3 Exercises [Video]

A mountain biker in a red shirt and blue helmet is holding a bicycle upright, emphasizing shoulder strength. The background features bare trees, suggesting an outdoor setting. Text at the top reads "Shoulder Strength for Mountain Bikers."

Why Shoulder Strength is Important for Mountain Bikers, and 3 Exercises to Try [Video]

MTB Skills Coach Gene Hamilton Talks Fitness and Equipment [Podcast #283]

The Praep ProPilot Gives Mountain Bikers a Fun and Novel Tool to Challenge Their Core [Review]

5

A person riding a green fat bike on a snowy trail in a forest, surrounded by tall trees. The rider is wearing a helmet and winter cycling gear, with sunlight filtering through the trees.

How's Your MTB Fitness Compared to This Time Last Year? [Survey]

23

FKT Record Holder and Coach Rab Wardell Shares his Tips for Going Fast and Building Confidence [Podcast #274]

1

A person in a black motocross helmet and goggles performs a plank exercise on a yoga mat in a living room with red walls and indoor plants. The individual is wearing a short-sleeved shirt and dark pants, with visible tattoos on their arms. Natural light comes through a window, illuminating the space.

MTB Training Tips and Tricks for the Untrainable Athlete

2

MTB Instructor Simon Lawton on Teaching New Riders and Riding in Baja [Podcast #273]

A woman wearing a turquoise helmet and a pink shirt smiles while standing in a scenic outdoor setting with colorful autumn foliage and mountains in the background.

Strengthening your Posterior Chain for Mountain Biking [video]

2

Virtual MTB Skills Progression [Cartoon]

3

A close-up view of a bike's handlebar with a GPS device displaying a map. The screen shows a detailed route overlay with an elevation of 12,000 feet indicated. The background features green grass, suggesting an outdoor setting.

What's Your Longest Mountain Bike Ride? [Survey]

14

Two cyclists in mid-air performing jumps on their bikes, captured in black and white. They are racing side by side on a dirt track, with sponsorship banners visible in the background.

What is a 'Flow State' and How Can Mountain Bikers Get Into It More Often?

7

A person in a red shirt and helmet stands on a dirt mound in a lush green forest, gazing down a winding path. Tall trees surround the area, with vibrant green leaves creating a serene backdrop. A wooden platform is visible to the left, enhancing the outdoor hiking environment.

Analysis Paralysis: When the Trail Grows Before your Eyes

9

Mountain Bike Training in the Time of Covid [Podcast #269]

1

A person wearing a red jacket and a helmet sits on a rock, overlooking a vast, rugged landscape of hills and valleys under a cloudy sky. The individual is facing away from the camera, with a backpack beside them, suggesting a moment of reflection in a natural setting.

How do you Reward Yourself After a Big MTB Ride?

6

Mountain Bike Podcast

Tinker Juarez Shares his Secret for Beating Mountain Bikers Half his Age [Podcast #262]

1

A cartoon scene depicting two adults with mountain bikes standing on a dirt path, watching a child in a yellow shirt performing a wheelie in the air on a bike. The background features rolling hills, trees, and a blue sky with clouds. The caption reads, "My kid is teaching me how to wheelie."

When the MTB Coach Becomes the Student [Cartoon]

Enduro MTB Trainer Dee Tidwell Explains How to Prepare for High Altitude Mountain Bike Rides

2

How to Reduce Arm Pump, Aches, and Pain from Long MTB Descents

2

A young woman stands next to her mountain bike on a wooded trail, wearing a black and orange cycling outfit. She smiles and poses confidently, with trees and a natural landscape in the background.

On MTB Coaching with XC Pro Hannah Finchamp

A variety of energy and protein bars arranged on a dark surface. The bars include brands such as Clif, Skratch Labs, RXBAR, and Redd. Each bar features distinctive packaging with colorful designs and flavor descriptions.

What do you Eat During Long Mountain Bike Rides? [Survey]

8

Don’t get Bitter, get Better with these 8 Mountain Bike Progression Tips

MTB Fitness Gear & Trainers

A close-up of a person's wrist wearing a Garmin smartwatch, displaying the time as 4:45. The person's hand is positioned to interact with the watch, and they are wearing a ring on their finger. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.

Garmin Instinct 2S Solar fitness watch review

A close-up of a wrist wearing a smartwatch, displaying activity data including floors climbed and total elevation. The background is a blurred green foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting. The watch features a dark face with colorful metrics visible, and a striped fabric band.

Coros Pace 3 Sets the Mark for Other GPS Watches to Beat [Review]

Whoop 4.0 Strap Review: A Wearable for Peak Performance

Is the New Apple Watch Ultra Good for Mountain Biking? We Put One to the Test.

The Coros Vertix 2 GPS Watch Will Outlast You by a Long Shot, and Helps You Stay on Trail [Review]

A close-up view of a Suunto smartwatch on a person's wrist, displaying the time as 2:23 PM and various activity metrics. The screen shows icons for fire, water, and battery percentage, set against a blurred green background.

Suunto 5 Peak GPS Watch [Review]

A close-up of a hand holding a digital sports watch with a gray woven strap against a background of vibrant red leaves. The watch's display shows a timer, distance, total ascent, and elevation readings. The hand features visible tattoos.

With the Garmin Enduro Smartwatch, Riders Can Largely Forget the Charger

A digital outdoor watch with a black strap is resting on a bed of green moss and soil, alongside a small feather. The watch face displays the time and possibly other metrics, surrounded by a rugged, circular bezel.

Amazfit T-Rex Pro Multi-Sport Smartwatch Review

MTB DEALS SEE MORE DEALS

Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through affiliate links shown here.

See More Tips:

Beginners | Bike Fit & Setup | Fitness & Training | Health & Nutrition | Skills