The list of reasons behind Nino Schurter being one of the most iconic mountain bikers of all time is ever growing. One thing that sets him apart from the rest is the atypical way he trains and prepares for the season. Nino decided to reject traditional training methods and to re-think mountain bike training from the ground up.

What does a mountain bike racer actually need? What do Cross-Country races require from a rider? The first part of “Hitting the Gym with Nino Schurter” dives into Nino’s coordination and balance workout, which Nino and his coach have built specifically for the needs of mountain bike racers. It combines power, coordination and regeneration exercises, replicating a race environment. Get a look at some never before seen cycling workouts that could very well change the way you ride a bike.

"As a rider, you always need power and coordination at the same time- whether going downhill, accelerating or simply when managing tricky trail situations. That`s why I try to combine power and coordination exercises in my workouts. Check out chapter 9 of my #HUNTFORGLORY – "Hitting the Gym with Nino Schurter, Part 1" and learn more about my workouts!"

Nino Schurter

Why do mountain bike riders need good coordination?

Mountain biking is a very demanding sport. Not only in terms of endurance, but also with regards to power and coordination. As a rider, you always need power and coordination at the same time- whether going downhill, accelerating or simply when managing tricky trail situations. That`s why I try to combine power and coordination exercises in my workouts.

What does your indoor workout look like?

My coach Nicolas Siegenthaler built up a 30 min indoor circuit with nine different exercises, each requiring a high level of coordination and balance. My goal with this workout is to keep up a very intense level to simulate situations which are very close to race situations. All of the exercises are physically very demanding.

What`s special about this workout?

The exercises are specifically developed to simulate a Cross-Country race. Even the regeneration exercises simulate real situations in races- like downhills. After two power exercises I do one regeneration exercise but here I do not fully relax– like descending on a long section of a trail, I try to balance and activate the same muscle groups. I try to even close my eyes when doing these exercises to teach my body to feel what`s going on.

The workouts of the Pros are normally out of reach for everyday-riders. Whether they be too intense, too time-consuming, or both. In part two of “Hitting the Gym with Nino Schurter”, the World Champion lets us in on some unique exercises he uses to develop the coordination and balance required to compete at the highest level.

Nino and his coach have fine-tuned these exercises to meet the demanding needs of mountain bike racers. They combine power, coordination and regeneration exercises, replicating a race environment. Get a look at some never before seen cycling workouts that could very well change the way you ride a bike.

Photography: Jochen Haar