HOME WORKOUT KIT
Maximum gains with minimum pain!
1 Slackline Slacklining is great for improving the balance you need for riding – and sessions with mates can be pretty entertaining too! Alpkit Slack Kit, £38, www.alpkit.com
2 Slam ball Work out your whole body and train your core, all while having a whole load of childish fun! Gym Gear 9kg Slam Ball, £17 (+ p&p), www.fitnesswarehouse.com
3 Bodyweight training If you’ve got the motivation but don’t know where to start, a training plan can help get you in shape. Bodyweight Strength For MTB Programme, £16, www.thestrengthfactory.uk
4 Gym shoes With a flexible build – and, in this case, separate toe sections – ‘barefoot’ shoes offer more natural workout support. Vibram Fivefingers KSO EVO, £76.50 (+ p&p), www.vibrams.co.uk
5 Slide discs A strong core is essential for riding. Slide discs target your abs, back and obliques. SKLZ Slidez, £18 + £4.99 p&p (pair), www.newitts.com
6 Fitness Mat Take the sting out of your joints with an exercise mat. This biodegradable one will keep your inner eco warrior happy too. Eco yoga mat, £29 + £6.95 p&p, www.completeunityyoga.com
7 Boxing gloves and pads Great for cardio, stress relief and coordination. Part of Steve Peat’s training programme – ’nuff said! Lonsdale Contender gloves, £8.99/Lonsdale Contend Hook and Jab pads, £14.99 + £4.99 p&p, www.sportsdirect.com
8 Chin/pull-up bar The pull-up is the king of upper body exercises, engaging your biceps, triceps, forearms, grip, lats, shoulders and core. This bar will add a touch of style to your living-room gym too. TROLLVEGGEN Chin Bar, £220, www.fitwood.com 9 Plyometrics box Jumping sessions with a plyo box will improve your explosive power, send your heart rate soaring and get you ready to attack the trail. Large wooden plyo box, £89.99 + £9.49 p&p, www.strengthshop.co.uk
10 Resistance bands A cheap and effective way to add workout intensity, increase strength, range of movement, stamina and stability. ATREQ Mini Loop Bands, £12.50 + £4.99 p&p (set of four), www.newitts.com
11 Yoga sessions Think yoga is a waste of time? Ask Aaron Gwin and Rachel Atherton how it’s working out for them… ‘Yoga for Cyclists’ by Lexie Williamson (Bloomsbury Sport), £16.99 (paperback), www.amazon.co.uk
12 Gym ball Great for developing stronger stabiliser muscles, to improve riding posture and reduce the risk of injury. Gym Gear 65cm gym ball, £12.50 + p&p, www.fitnesswarehouseuk.com