Gymnastics for MX cross training?

[DaveJ]

Well...there's my question.

I don't seem to be as fluid as I would like, regardless of the stretching and cardio work that I have been doing. Besides, nothing within my cross training program creates rhythm and conditions of zero gravity.

And I have seen wake boarders and BMX guys use trampolines to get the feel for flips and rolls. The BMX guys use specially modified bikes where the wheels are replaced with platforms and the wake boarders usually attach a rope and handle to a wall that they maintain contact with while doing spins and such.

So I'm not talking about the dancing aspect of gymnastics, (or the leotards) but the conditions of hanging, spinning, balance and jumping. I think a real good trampoline and the movements of doing flips and the equivalent of whips (with or without a bike) would be a great cross train. Even hanging and spinning on the uneven bars would seem to be good for arm and hand strength.

They also have these long tumble trampolines that would seem to do wonders for building rhythm.

Thoughts?

[matte]

I can't comment on the suitability of gymnastics (although I think it would be good), but from personal experience, I believe that *technical* mountain biking and/or BMX are extremely good ways to cross-train for moto.

[JAYCRF88]

When I Used To Wakeboard Your Right The Tramp Was The Ticket To Learn The Spin And Grab Tchnique Not So Much Flipping But Spinning Is Where It Really Worked Out For Me It Helped Me Maintain The Rotation And Laniding Aspect Especially With The Rope And Handle Tied To A Tree. I Will Also Say Mtn. Biking Would Be A Good Training
Tool. Folsom Lake Is Where I Would Go. Or If You Want To Go Down Hill Go Up To Auburn.....

[nickt916]

get a big enough trampoline get your bike on there and start hopping! whipping scrubing

[Kreyfish]

I feel that BMX riding on a track would be better training, or somthing like the downhill course at sandhill ranch. Not sure how you could simulate riding the bike on a tampoline, seems eaiser to find a local BMX track.

Trampolines have their place in the FMX world. I know for a while, the FMX guys had MX style "Tramp Bikes" in which they'd practice seat grabs, etc.

[nickt916]

Originally Posted by Kreyfish

Not sure how you could simulate riding the bike on a tampoline

easy! You have the bike running, as you get some air then you brap it and put the power to the rear wheel and bam!...

[MX#26]

I have a friend that does gymnastics all the time. He is something like second in state and he is the strongest little kid that i know(even though he is fourteen). He takes gymnastics to another level. so yeah if you put effort into gymnastics you are going to get results that are positive for motocross.

[Kreyfish]

Originally Posted by nickt916

easy! You have the bike running, as you get some air then you brap it and put the power to the rear wheel and bam!...

LOL, just thinking about that.....america's funniest home videos next stop.

[DaveJ]

Originally Posted by matte

I can't comment on the suitability of gymnastics (although I think it would be good), but from personal experience, I believe that *technical* mountain biking and/or BMX are extremely good ways to cross-train for moto.

I mountain bike a few times a week, but we really don't have anything too technical on the downhill, and the same thing on the BMX side.

If I had a nice little track to work out on that would be ideal.

But I'm getting a bit stiff at my age and I need the means to regain the flexibility and the confidence of being up in the air and out of control.

By the way, I did find a gym in San Jose that has an adult gym class in which the trampoline is part of. They said that most of the karate guys do this for the same reason.