Exercise to prepare for riding season in midlife.

Can you keep riding into your later years?

The Truth

An older person can ride a motorcycle, as long as they are physically capable and have the necessary skills and experience. Riding a motorcycle requires a certain level of physical fitness and coordination, and older individuals may need to take extra precautions to ensure their safety.

Before riding a motorcycle, it is important for individuals of any age to take a motorcycle safety course to learn proper riding techniques and safety precautions. Additionally, older individuals should consult with their doctor to ensure that they are physically able to ride a motorcycle and discuss any concerns they may have.

It is also important for older individuals to choose a motorcycle that is appropriate for their size and skill level. Smaller, lighter motorcycles may be easier to handle for those who may not have as much strength or agility as they once did.

Overall, age should not necessarily be a barrier to riding a motorcycle, but it is important for individuals to take necessary precautions and make informed decisions based on their own abilities and limitations.

The Plan

Monday: Cardiovascular Exercise

  • Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of jumping jacks or jogging in place
    • Main workout: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) consisting of 30 seconds of burpees followed by 30 seconds of mountain climbers, repeated for 10 rounds
  • Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching

Tuesday: Strength Training

  • Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of jumping jacks or jogging in place
  • Main workout: Body weight exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and plank variations (2-3 sets of 8-12 reps each)
  • Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching

Wednesday: Rest day or light activity such as walking or gentle yoga

Thursday: Cardiovascular Exercise

  • Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of jumping jacks or jogging in place
  • Main workout: 30-45 minutes of moderate intensity cardio, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling
  • Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching

Friday: Flexibility Training

  • Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of jumping jacks or jogging in place
  • Main workout: A series of stretching exercises targeting major muscle groups, such as hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, chest, and back (hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds, repeating 2-3 times)
  • Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of stretching

Again, it’s important to tailor the exercises to your own fitness level and consult with a healthcare professional or personal trainer before beginning any new exercise program. Additionally, you may want to incorporate exercises that specifically target your back and core muscles to improve your stability and balance on a motorcycle.