Strength Training Considerations for the Bicycle Motocross Athlete

BICYCLE MOTOCROSS (BMX) RACING HAS UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS WHEN COMPARED WITH OTHER CYCLING DISCIPLINES. BECAUSE OF THE SHORT DURATION AND TECHNICAL DEMANDS OF THE SPORT, SPEED-STRENGTH, STRENGTHSPEED, EXPLOSIVE POWER, AND STRENGTH ARE IMPORTANT. UNFORTUNATELY, MUCH OF THE RESEARCH AROUND CYCLING PERFORMANCE IS NOT RELEVANT TO BMX BECAUSE OF SEVERAL FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES, SUCH AS THE STANDING MASSSTART, THE STANDING POSTURE OF THE RIDERS, THE SIZE OF THE BICYCLE, AND THE INCLUSION OF JUMPS. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROFESSIONAL LOOKING TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF A BMX ATHLETE HAS LIMITED RESOURCES ON WHICH TO CALL UPON FOR PROGRAMMING INFORMATION. A SYNOPSIS OF THE EXISTING RESEARCH, AND A PROPOSED SELECTION AND APPLICATION OF SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE ENHANCING STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING EXERCISES WILL BE DISCUSSED.