Quote Originally Posted by DarcyInOregon View Post
The weight gain while cycling happened to me too, and in a serious way, back in 2007. I burn over 35,000 calories a month with cycling during the good months, so I was in shock. It turns out I had gotten an inflammation of my intestinal system, most likely caused by food chemicals, which slowed down my digestive system and metabolism. Anyone reading this who is gaining weight and might not know why, to put it delicately, if your bowel movements are not normal, like when you were a healthy child, then you should suspect internal inflammation as the cause of your weight gain. I focused carefully on my nutrition and minimized processed foods in my diet, cleared up the inflammation, my bowel movements are now incredibily healthy, I lost the weight I had gained plus a bunch more, and I feel great.
Re: Bowel...I tried starting up a topic thread on this with a few responses. Just a few days ago, I chatted up with another cyclist. She agreed that regular BM is another way how she informally assesses healthy bodily functioning..aided by exercise. My gut feeling tells me that BM matters both healthy and not so good, tend to be noticed when we get into our 30's and beyond. Younger people may not notice certain patterns nor care at that point in time.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=32936

During cycling season, I do cycle a significant amount. Then near end of day, I try to do some simple Pilates, yoga, etc. more to keep myself flexible, stretched, etc. Winter is not great 'cause other than the floor stretching exercises, I only do snowshoeing occasionally if weather is too lousy/not safe for cycling.

Of course, not having a car, I must walk, etc. as my other transportation alternative.