MTB beginner fitness

patchbox

Hey everyone,

My questions: How fit were you when you started riding? Did you just start as a normal teenager and therefore got better/fitter over time? Did any of you start off overweight and used it to help lose weight? How old were you?
How much did you struggle when you first started riding?

(Is there any hope for me?!) I'm 21, generally fit (in terms of running) but a bit overweight (although I know this translates to very overweight for a cyclist).

Thanks in advance.

YeehaaMcgee

Most MTBers are overweight to some degree. It seems the vast majority of people do this for fun, as opposed to pure fitness reasons.
You should be fine. I've been riding pretty much my entire life, but virtually stopped riding for a few years after college and started smoking etc.
I got back into riding properly about 5 years go (I think), and my fitness started building up quite quickly.
I used to be very bike-fit years ago, maybe that helped me? I dunno. Anyway, I also put in a hell of a lot of riding time.
Like any sport/activity, you get out what you put in.

clamps81

I started at 29 with a basically non-existent level of fitness and chronic asthma. Took about 4 months of gradually increasing duration and frequency of riding before I was at a 'reasonable' level - ie not holding up everyone I was riding with. You could definitely do it more it you had more time and were more dedicated. I also had to faff around changing asthma meds and stuff and only found something that really worked earlier this year.

You'll be fine, just don't get disheartened.

tmsjns

Im just getting back into riding after a few years off and my fitness in poo at the moment, Im using a local blue trail to get fitter, I dont think im over weight (borderline Ideal BMI) but my stamina is dreadfull! I figure Im going to keep ridin the blue until I dont want to die after then try a bigger run!