Improving endurance

Espressocycle

I was mountain biking yesterday for the first time in months and man did I run out of breath a lot. I had to stop several times to recover. Because I can't get out on the trails that often and the area where I live is flat, I am starting interval training on my treadmill. However, I have read that you havwe to do the sport you want to improve on in order to improve. Do I need a stationary bike instead?

johnwhitent

That is the old cyclist argument, but today few people believe it to the degree they once did. No doubt specificity does yield the biggest improvement, but any cardio conditioning is going to carry over and benefit in another cardio exercise. I mean for a mountain biker there is no substitute for mountain biking, but you can help yourself with getting in better aerobic shape from other activities. Today the pro cyclists strength train, run, ski, and other activities whereas years ago they would do nothing but cycle. If I were going to get a stationary bike I would get a trainer instead and put my bike in it to keep it as close as possible. With a mountain bike I guess it would need slick tires to work in a trainer, but I assume you could do it. I like to mix things up so I trail run and road bike in addition to mountain biking so I can always do something. There you go, free advice - worth what you paid for it!