Working out and riding a motorcycle?

[laserred97gt]

Guys, I used to work out just about every day.  But I recently (May 22nd) had some surgery and was not allowed to work out for about 6 weeks.

While I was out from work, I was killing some time on Craigslist and found my GS500.

So, I haven't had her that long.  But I have ridden motorcycles a LOT (just not with any regularity in the past 10 yeas or so).  I have gotten right back in to the swing of things, and the lessons I learned from the MSF and previous riding have been flooding back.

But, I never worked out when I rode bikes before.

I like to ride my bike to work, but my previous workout routine included me doing my weightlifting and cardio after work.  As you are probably aware, these workouts are difficult, and sometimes afterwards, it takes a little while for my muscles to get back to normal.  Especially on a leg day.

I usually work out every weekday, and on the weekend days if I have time.  I do my weightlifting first (30-45min), then I do 30 minutes of cardio.  I usually just jump in my car and drive home to shower. 

So I guess my question is, do any of you ride your motorcycles to your workout gym, or on those days, do you drive your cage?  If you drive your bike, do you just hop on and ride home, or cool off for a little while (shower, etc..)

Thanks!

[commuterdude]

I definitely would give myself extra cool down time before hopping on the GS.  I would not want a noticeably delayed reaction time or a less controlled motor skill when making control inputs, if it could be avoided.

[Teek]

I'd agree. I slow down after a good workout as my muscles cool down but I'm older so that's expected, but I won't ride any time if I feel tired at all or sore from other stuff. Riding a motorcycle safely requires full time concentration these days, and exercise makes me pretty relaxed. I think it would slow my own reaction time somewhat. However a riding buddy of mine rides her bike to the gym but it's at a time of day when traffic is lighter. So I'd say if you ride to and from the gym just be more careful. 

[yamahonkawazuki]

yeah perhaps shower at teh gym if at all  available . if not chill for a half hour or so, and then head home

[Mdow]

i don't and i would avoid it.  if i did i would take a break after working out before riding

[Chokstick]

I often ride to the gym.  I do my regular workout routines, don't alter anything.  I take my normal cool down period, and head home.  I guess it depends on what workout your doing and making sure you're properly hydrated so that you're not dizzy on the way home.  It also doesn't hurt that I live 10mins from the gym.

[laserred97gt]

All,

Thanks for the great replies.

My gym does have showers, but since I live <10min away, I always just jump in the car and shower at home.

Maybe I will try to utilize the shower there, and use it as a cool down period before heading home.

If I don't feel comfortable, I guess those days I'll either drive my car, or stop by the house (out of the way) and pick up my car.

Thankfully, i will be moving in a month so it may not be an issue for long.

[medevac]

I often ride to the gym.  I do my regular workout routines, don't alter anything.  I take my normal cool down period, and head home.  I guess it depends on what workout your doing and making sure you're properly hydrated so that you're not dizzy on the way home.  It also doesn't hurt that I live 10mins from the gym.

I agree and I think there are very few methods of working out that I think would affect you riding after.

One might be long-distance endurance such as running for an hour or some other nonsense.  This could probably deplete your glycogen enough that you'd be shaky after...but even then some sugar before you leave and you're good to go.  Other than that, with a regular routine you would notice minor differences if any.

More dangerous I think would be two scenarios:

If you keep working out with high intensity and improper recovery then you could eventually end up with CNS burnout.  It can sneak up on you and basically make you feel lethargic and run-down, which can affect your reaction time and attention.  This could  be especially dangerous because it sneaks up on you and you might not even realize your not 100%.  You'll see this with people already in a sport who add a lot of extra training or that weekend warrior type who is killing himself to get into shape for the beach.

The other scenarios that might affect the OP with his new workout is DOMS.  Being sore the next couple of days after squats might just be uncomfortable enough when riding that it's distracting.  As a new rider myself, I know just little things like a backpack being too tight and uncomfortable distracts me.  I start making careless mistakes because I'm constantly trying to get comfortable for my 30 min plus ride.  So keep that in mind as you get started.

Good luck with riding and with your workouts!