Mountain biking is one of the many enjoyable activities you can do when visiting the Mammoth Lakes area. It can also be a relaxing and effective way to shed unwanted pounds, get down to a healthy weight range, and boost your overall health and wellbeing. Continue reading for advice on how you can lose weight by mountain biking, brought to you by the team at ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for high-quality gear and premier Mammoth Mountain bike rentals.
Start at a Comfortable Pace
Begin mountain biking at a pace that’s moderate and comfortable for you. This may mean going with smoother Mammoth trails, such as the Discovery Zone Trail and the Pioneer Practice Loop, where elevations are gradual. Strive for about 20–30 minutes of mountain biking to start, and don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle with you to stay sufficiently hydrated.
Gradually Increase Ride Duration & Intensity
The Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine recommends a gradual increase in intensity and ride duration if your goal is to lose weight. Slowly increase the time riding your mountain bike while also switching to Mammoth trails that are a bit more challenging, such as the Explorer Trail, which has a steeper grade.
Mountain Bike with a Buddy
It shouldn’t be too difficult to convince a friend to mountain bike with you along the picturesque Mammoth trails. This way, you’ll have someone to gently encourage you, especially as you’re just getting started.
Set Realistic Goals
You may never reach a point where you’ll feel comfortable barreling down Mammoth’s Kamikaze Trail as you soar along the 2,000-foot vertical fire road, but that’s okay. Instead, after you get used to the beginner trails, set realistic goals that are meaningful for you. A good way to do this is to step things up gradually by trying other trails that can build certain skills. For instance, the Beach Cruiser Trail is a good spot to improve your climbing capabilities and get used to mountain biking as an enjoyable form of exercise.
Monitor Important Stats
Mountain biking can be a fun and invigorating way to lose weight, but you should do so safely. Periodically check your heart rate (calculate the number of beats felt in 10 seconds multiplied by 6) to see if you’re within the range that’s normal for your age. Another way to keep track of important vitals and gauge your progress is with a wearable fitness tracker. Seeing your progress also provides an added incentive to keep biking.
Adjust Other Lifestyle Habits
Mountain biking is a great form of aerobic exercise, but it shouldn’t be all you do to lose weight. Talk to your doctor about diet recommendations to incorporate into your routine as you continue with your mountain biking efforts. It’s also a good idea to find other ways to exercise when not mountain biking, which can actually make it easier for you to achieve your biking goals.
If you decide to take advantage of the amazing bike trails on Mammoth Mountain, make sure to drop by and say hello to the mountain sports experts at ASO Mammoth. We can hook you up with everything you need for a fantastic biking experience. We’re your top choice for local trail information, top-quality gear, and bike rentals in Mammoth Lakes, CA, so stop in or give us a call at 760-965-3444.