Arm Pump - Motocross

How long have you been riding for?

I ride MTB and downhill, and when I first started I used to experience lots of arm-pump and stress or fatigue in my triceps and forearms. I soon alleviated this problem by consciously taking note of how hard I was gripping the handle bars or breaks levers. As a beginner, fear of wiping out or losing control made me react by tightening up. This means my muscles were constantly contracting and fatigue would soon follow. Then my ability and performance would drop because I wasn't responding well, or was too tired to maneuver my bike over obstacles or negotiate terrain. I understand that motocross is very physically demanding, as your trying to keep a big, heavy, and powerful bike under control. But the more you ride, the more your body will adapt. Try taking note of the tensions in your body when you ride. If you haven't been riding long, learning to negotiate the track, obstacles or terrain by pre-jumping or picking smoother lines can go a long way.

Like other sports, motocross is physically demanding, so high rep weight training would defiantly help. I would say you got the right idea.

I used to ride a few years ago and I always used to have problems with pump. I tried the grip less technique, but I think I sold my bike before I made any real progress.

I got a new bike yesterday - I'll try the grip less method again. SHould'nt be as much as a problem, my new bike is a mini moto 125cc.

you wanna get a suzuki rm 85 relentless replica mate lol

if you want to get rid of arm pump just simply dnt tighten up on the grips and loosen yourself up. other ways is too work out using weigthts and building your arms up.

I have been riding on the World circuit for the past 5yrs and racing competitively for the last 11years. During this time the only reason that i suffer from arm pump is from nerves - this leads to holding on too tight and therefore pumping up.

before you go and get all crazy on the weights, i would suggest that you get someone to look at your riding style. you should be doing most of the gripping with your knee and thighs and then the upper body can remain more relaxed and less fatigued. the lower body has far larger muscle that don't tire out as fast so you will find that you fatigue less.

before races it can also help to have someone rub tiger balm into your forearms as it helps them relax.