What can a bicicle do for you?

[zepo]

Hi,

Need to lose some weigth but I don't like "gym-type" exercises like lifting and so. I rather do team sports and the likes. Also used to do a lot of bike riding some years ago so I was considering going back to that doing a couple of hours every weekend which is basicly all the time I have since my scholl hours are crazy.

Well, my question is, is riding a bicicle a good exercise to help get some kilos down and get in shape or should I really go and do some weigth lifting and other stuff like that in a gym?

Thanks!

 

[Francisco d'Anconia]

I'm a road cyclist mostly but I also mountain bike a few times a year, mostly during the winter. Biking consistently definitely helps when you couple it with weight training.

Here's an example, I packed on a few too many pounds over the holidays and didn't ride quite as often as I would have liked to this Winter because it was just too d@mn cold where I live. Into February I found myself 20 or so pounds overweight

Midway thru the month I started cycling, weight training and adjusting my diet. So far I have lost 15 pounds. At this rate I should be able to loose another 10 in another month. Understand that with weight training, you may not loose weight but you will definitely turn fat into muscle and also change your size.

In a nutshell, cycling can help alot. Riding 20+ miles a week will help a lot. Stretching that out to 50-100 miles a week will do wonders. Couple that with weight training plus a more healthy diet and it's hard not to make noticeable changes in yourself.

 

[zepo]

Originally posted by Francisco d'Anconia


Here's an example, I packed on a few too many pounds over the holidays and didn't ride quite as often as I would have liked to this Winter because it was just too d@mn cold where I live. Into February I found myself 20 or so pounds overweight

I think I should lose about 30/35 pounds.

In a nutshell, cycling can help alot. Riding 20+ miles a week will help a lot. Stretching that out to 50-100 miles a week will do wonders. Couple that with weight training plus a more healthy diet and it's hard not to make noticeable changes in yourself.

I have some vacation comming so I can work out more. I'll couple my bicicle training with lots of push ups and a bit running. If this doesn't work I'll consider the gym option.

Thanks.

 

[Reto]

I just got back into Mtn Biking in the past couple of months and have lost about 5lbs. I haven't changed my diet at all.

If you ride and change your diet, I'm sure you can loose some serous kilos...

 

[Columbia]

Cycling is good for weight loss, but does nothing for upper body strength, you may want to try rowing for that.

I started out almost three years ago, cycling to get fitter, now I race 20 times a year and have 11 junior wins (out of 45-55 races) under my belt. Focus on your training and one day you could be like me!

I havent done MTB, but I have done cyclo-cross - f**k, I thought I would do well, being a roadie, I averaged a crash every 8 minutes and finished 22nd of 25.

 

[madgame]

you will definitely turn fat into muscle

Do you mean you will lose fat and put on muscle or do you mean you will be able to literally turn fat into muscle?

 

[CGE333]

Ride away the pounds

I lost 40 pounds in 4 months riding my Mtn. Bike. I did not even change my diet except to drinnk diet pop instead of regular. You couple that with some weight training and in 2-3 months you will be a different person.

 

[Francisco d'Anconia]

Originally posted by Columbia
I havent done MTB, but I have done cyclo-cross - f**k, I thought I would do well, being a roadie, I averaged a crash every 8 minutes and finished 22nd of 25.

But you didn't come in last, not too shaby. Try MTB though, believe it or not, it will improve your road skills. There's a a few MTB in my road bike club who will bunny hop over a pot hole (on their road bike) instead of go around it. It is a sight to see.

 

[Columbia]

I'll give MTB a try at some point this season. It's just occurred to me that some of the best trails in Ireland are only a few miles from my house.

 

[zepo2.0]

Re: Ride away the pounds

Well, a great thing about going out with the bike is the nice tan I'm getting .

Two months or so after I started I only got down about 3 kilos (about 6 pounds). I'm probably not doing enough since I only ride my bike on weekends (about one hour on saturday, one hour on sunday).

I have one question: what's better, to do more in just a couple of days (like 2hours on Saturday and other 2 on Sunday), or do smaller trips (like 30 minutes) but more often (like 4 days a week)?

Originally posted by CGE333
I lost 40 pounds in 4 months riding my Mtn. Bike. I did not even change my diet except to drinnk diet pop instead of regular.

Wow that's like a lot. How many times/how much time/what distance did you rode your bike per week?

Thanks.

 

[undesputable]

riding too much bicycle can give you a small penis....so make sure you get a good seat with like a penis and ball pouch or something, they really make those.

 

[phloyd]

Other than keeping you in good shape bike riding is a lot of fun and it can do many things for you. Whatever type of riding you do be it mountin bike or road, my advice would be to try to increase your weekly mileage a little each week if you want faster weight loss results.

Keep getting your longer rides in on the weekend but try to do a few 30 min to an hour rides durring the week as well if you have time.

If there is a local bike shop near where you live go there and check out where the local trails are or what group rides happen during the week. Not only does this make it more fun, it's also an excellent way to meet women.

There is a road bike trail that is 10 miles long and goes around a lake that is less than a mile from my doorstep and there is never a shortage of hotties riding bikes, rollerblading, and running.

Riding a bike a lot WILL NOT make your penis small nor impotent nor will it give you testicular cancer. However, a bike that is the wrong size or not set up correctly is rather uncomforatable. If you have a local shop you can go to they can help you out with this if it is a problem.

If you like sports and like to compete, get into road or mountain bike racing. I've been into road racing for the last three years and I ride a lot to stay competitive and just because its fun. The fitness part for me is just a positive side effect.