Biking Vs. Weight-Lifting

[djbr]

I'm fine with my usual cardio/weight lifting routine. It's balanced and I'm feeling great.

That's not the problem.

I sold my car out of frustration that the crappy thing didn't run sh1t, just consumed unhealthy amounts of gas and break like hell. So I started to get a ride to go to uni, get sister/mother/friends' car for a ride, so on so on.

I live close to my uni (+/- 15km) and thought that maybe I should go biking. It may as well replace the cardio that I do on a "workout" basis and become something more usefully integrated into my schedule. But that raised the question... does this interfere with my gains on weight lifting? to what extent?

I like cardio's effect a lot better than weight lifting ones. Damn, I can lift weights and that's fine. But I don't know why, when I do cardio I'm like a sexual BOMB! My stamina goes through the ROOF. It's really amazing. But damn, I want that nice body!!! I want to have the cake and eat it too... =)

Any ideas?

 

[NeedToImprove]

biking burns lots of fat and improves your stamina. try spin bike at a gym ( they play some songs and you have to bike to the rhytm of the songs, lots of ups and sprints) its awesome.

 

[Warboss Alex]

as long as you're not biking full pelt then I see no reason why it should interfere with muscular gains.

(I'm assuming you mean a nice easy cycle which isn't too taxing - if you're able to hold a conversation while biking then the intensity is fine)

 

[djbr]

Warboss, but doing like this means that I ought to continue doing my cardio workouts like nothing happened?

It's like the biking comes to an utilitary purpose, not one of "workout".

Did I get it right?

 

[Warboss Alex]

it depends if the biking is long enough to count as an extra cardio workout really. if it's 5 mins don't worry about it, if it's pushing 20-30 mins then be sure to take this into account in your daily feedings (i.e. eat more).

like I said, if it's not taxing on your recovery then all it does is burn some calories so you'll have to eat more, but it won't interfere with muscle growth.

 

[Francisco d'Anconia]

Speaking as a cyclist, you will encounter all of the benefits you've stated but as Warboss said you need to be out there for enough time to make it count. For me, 20 minutes is a warm up for a standard hour's ride (about 20 miles). The major cardio/fat burning benefits happen when you stretch the rides to beyond two hours, three to four seems best.

But as for bypassing weight training, I wouldn't do it. I would still hit the gym at least twice a week especially for the upper body and back, both of which will keep you from becoming achy on the long rides that includes lots of hill climbing.

 

[djbr]

Speaking as a cyclist, you will encounter all of the benefits you've stated but as Warboss said you need to be out there for enough time to make it count. For me, 20 minutes is a warm up for a standard hour's ride (about 20 miles). The major cardio/fat burning benefits happen when you stretch the rides to beyond two hours, three to four seems best.

Heh, I know you like cycling. I was waiting for the moment you would step onto this thread!

I want the bike for transportation purposes. I like it and all, but mostly it's for going from one place to another. I plan to use it to my cardio workout, in case one didn't replace the other, and reading the Warboss reply I guess it does not.

But as for bypassing weight training, I wouldn't do it. I would still hit the gym at least twice a week especially for the upper body and back, both of which will keep you from becoming achy on the long rides that includes lots of hill climbing.

Not me either! I just wanted to know if it would interfere with my mass gains. So if I keep it light it will not eat muscle, right?

 

[Francisco d'Anconia]

It's all about nutrition. You know that you get bigger after muscles repair themselves IF you finish up with the right proteins and carbs. The same holds true for cycling.

What I suggest is ride before you eat, especially if you plan on riding hard (which is the best way to ride). If you must eat wait at least three to four hours before you ride. You'll ride better because your cardiac system won't be fighting with your digestive system for bloodflow.

Here's the cool thing, they make sports drinks now that has protien in the mix. Not only does it assist in endurance but it also helps recovery. In addition they also make specific recovery drinks with mega branch chain carbs and protien to speed recovery time. You'll have to go online to find these drinks since they don't sell them in typical stores with Gatorade but there's plenty of them out there.

As long as you replenish your body after you work out no matter if it's on the bike or in the weightroom, you will not see anything other than a bit more definition in your body and your abs (yes, I said abs!). Believe it or not your core has a lot to do with being a good cyclist.

One final thing, when I tell women that I'm a cyclist they tend to always comment that I must have good stamina. Oh talk about a easy opening to a couple of interesting topics of conversation.

 

[djbr]

And how interesting we might add! LOL

PS.: Biking.... LOL. Thanks for the italics Francisco. :crackup:

So what I thought was happening was really happening?

I remember that with my ex-gf I used to SUCK in bed. We broke up and stuff, and when we got back I was huge at cardio. Damn, the girl thought I messed up with lots of women when we were not together cause suddenly I became a fuggin' BOMB!

Well, I'm out for some cycling.

 

[Francisco d'Anconia]

Now, what really rocks is to hook up with a woman who's a cyclist. Guy's aren't the only ones who benefit from the extra energy!

 

[PumpNightmare]

Go for the cycling. Since I don't workout, riding my bicycle everywhere and walking lots keeps me in shape. If you tan easily you can gain a healthy tan while your at it. I know I do. I tried to add the gym to my routine but it wore me out since my part time job (groecery stock clerk) requires more energy from me. Plus I play "music dancing games" like DDR, In the Groove, and Pump It Up, but I digress. Bum rides and get a good, quality bicycle. Better for you and the enviroment.