The BMX challenge

You see it every day—people riding bikes to stay fit. But how many are really challenging themselves? For serious athletes trying to cross-train on a bike, the temptation, and necessity (on downhills) to lazily cruise warrants some caution. You need to push yourself on a bike to maintain an advanced level of conditioning. Here’s a solution: ride a BMX bike on an official track. No need to land jumps, just focus on speed and contol. Rest for 30-60 seconds between laps. Take your 20-inch, 1-speed bad boy around the course and you’ll be sucking wind within minutes. The sport challenges the abs, pecs and back as much as quads. You will wonder why you never tried this exhilarating X-sport.