BMX Racing Podcast: Episode 012
I was stoked when I had someone I’ve looked up to for a few years ask me to be on his podcast. I was interviewed by James Wilson of BikeJames.com
*Download the podcast below or check out BMX Racing Podcast on Stitcher or iTunes apps*
He’s a sometimes controversial MTB coach that happens to have a little different viewpoint on performance training than most. When I say controversial, I mean he doesn’t always go with the flow of what everyone else is doing. His mind works in a way that only some of the best coaches in any sport works. These things got me interested in his website a few years ago.
As I learned more and more about training, I realized James really knew what he was talking about. I’ve always resonated with his message of using the gym to maximize your bike riding. He does a great job at taking a skill on a bike that people commonly struggle with, breaking down the movements and teaching how to improve it with certain exercises in the gym.
He’s also one of the only people in mountain biking that isn’t ramming clipless pedals down everyone’s throat. In fact, he’s fighting back against the industry and showing that starting on flat pedals is necessary for beginners and also totally relevant for advanced riders as well.
James is so passionate about flat pedals that he just came out with a new flat pedal that in my opinion may be the best flat pedal ever built!
Check Out Pedaling Innovations here!
All of what I wrote is just scratching the surface. If you are interested in fitness and bikes then for sure go over and check out all of the great information that James has been putting out for years.
BikeJames.Com
For me, being interviewed by James for his podcast is a big deal. 5 years ago when I was completely sick of my day job delivering milk, I would listen to various podcasts as I worked. I spent hours and hours each day listening to any kind of strength and conditioning information I could find. I listened to the MTB Strength Coach Podcast and learned a ton. Not only was I learning about training, I was discovering my new path in life.
A truck I drove to deliver milk
I knew my best years on the BMX bike were behind me but I really wanted to stay involved with the sport in some capacity. I always liked the idea of teaching but never took action on this dream. So when I married my interest in learning how the body works, with my passion of BMX racing; I started to envision my new career.
Now after 5 years, thousands of hours of my audio education through podcasts and audiobooks, books, seminars, internship, coaching around a hundred people for thousands of sessions… I’ve finally come full circle to be a guest on James’ podcast.
Show Notes
We covered some of these topics during the podcast
– Why would a mountain biker care about what a BMX coach has to say?
– Advice on training kids
– Thoughts on flats and clipless pedals for BMX racing.
– How the PRI system has influenced his training programs.
– Why breathing is the most important thing for you to train.
– Favorite exercises for improving core strength and overall power
Example of how some of some basic PRI principles can create a great core exercise
(Reach, exhale fully, ribs down, continue to breathe, control ribs and pelvis as you move)
A few of my favorite exercises for BMXers
Turkish Get Up
Reactive Jump Squats (example at about min 2:30)
Thank you James for the opportunity to be on your show and all the free knowledge you have given to so many people over the years! Please go over, check out his site!
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