How cycling changes your body

[MCAP]

I've lost size all over, have gained muscle in my legs, core, back, and arms, have gained lung capacity, and made my heart stronger. Road cycling is awesome exercise and makes me feel like I can rule the world.

[GLC1968]

I started cycling almost 6 years ago now and in the first 4 years, did nothing but gain weight. I fell so in love with cycling that I dropped all my other activies in favor of it (weight lifting, other cardio, etc) and managed to gain 30 lbs in the first three years.

Just be warned that 1) you cannot out ride what you can eat and 2) multi hour rides do not justify multi-hour meals!

[limewave]

Just be warned that 1) you cannot out ride what you can eat and 2) multi hour rides do not justify multi-hour meals!

So true! I started biking 7 years ago. And gained 50 pounds (there were two kids and 2 major surgeries in there too).

And now that I've lost all that weight, the comment I get most is "wow! you must have a strict workout routine!" But my workout routine hasn't really changed all that much, just my diet No one likes to hear that though.

[indysteel]

As others have suggested, cycling can only do so much for you if you're unwilling to modify your diet. Endurance activities are tough in that you generally have to eat something before and during in order to fuel them. Plus, they tend to enhance your appetite. So, finding that balance can be tricky for some. I, personally, have mostly maintained my weight through cycling and my other activities. I've lost a few (and gained a few) pounds, but that's about it. I am absolutely ravenous most of the time when I up my mileage. From that standpoint, I actually think shorter, more intense rides are better for weight loss. Still, it's all about calories in versus calories out. There's no magic bullet.

I would strongly urge you to get engaged in a variety of activites in addition to cycling: walking (or running) hiking, kayaking, Pilates, yoga, strength training. Especially if you're worried about whole-body muscle development, it's good to balance cycling with other pursuits. Balance and flexibility are also important.

Good luck!

[limewave]

I will add, that I LOVE my legs now. Very muscular. And my hiney is getting smaller. I like the toned look that cycling and running helps to achieve.

[Becky]

I would strongly urge you to get engaged in a variety of activites in addition to cycling: walking (or running) hiking, kayaking, Pilates, yoga, strength training. Especially if you're worried about whole-body muscle development, it's good to balance cycling with other pursuits. Balance and flexibility are also important.

+1. I recently started yoga classes, and they're making me painfully aware of how unflexible I am and how weak my core is, despite being a dedicated cyclist (road and mountain). No wonder I deal with hip and knee injuries...

As for body changes: I'm the same size (more or less) that I was 10 years ago, but I weigh more due to increased muscle mass, and I think I look better. Healthier, stronger, more fit.... It's all a good thing in my book

[tulip]

Perhaps an even more important question is, "How does cycling change your mind?"

I think most here would agree that we are happier when we ride our bikes. And that happiness extends to the rest of our lives when we are off our bikes. We are more relaxed and generally have a better attitude.

Wouldn't you agree, ladies?

[malkin]

Perhaps an even more important question is, "How does cycling change your mind?"

I think most here would agree that we are happier when we ride our bikes. And that happiness extends to the rest of our lives when we are off our bikes. We are more relaxed and generally have a better attitude.

Wouldn't you agree, ladies?

Yes.

[Bike Chick]

Perhaps an even more important question is, "How does cycling change your mind?"

I think most here would agree that we are happier when we ride our bikes. And that happiness extends to the rest of our lives when we are off our bikes. We are more relaxed and generally have a better attitude.

Wouldn't you agree, ladies?

Absolutely!!! You definitely have to consider the WEEEEEEE factor! Even if I never lose a pound riding my bike, the enjoyment I get from riding is invigorating.

[indysteel]

By the way, don't let the mere possibilty of weight gain deter you from getting on your bike or engaging in physical activity. Most of us, if not all, will readily admit that we feel and look better from biking regardless of what the scale says. For many of us, myself including, cycling instigated a whole host of changes for the better in our lives. From alleviating to depression to making new friends to seeing new parts of the world to meeting a significant other. It just opens up the world in so many ways. Trust me on this. I have few regrets in my life, but one of them is that I didn't start biking seriously until I was in my late 30s. I cringe when I think of all the time I wasted.

Edited to add: I didn't see Tulip's post until after I posted this. Yes, I agree wholeheartedly!

[PamNY]

I find that cycling gives me tremendous motivation to keep my whole body fit.

As far as weight gain, I eat more than I ever have in my life and lost ten pounds after I bought a bike. Cycling seems to normalize my appetite -- I find it easy to eat what I need. If I'm not burning much energy, I naturally eat less.

[Seajay]

+1. I recently started yoga classes, and they're making me painfully aware of how unflexible I am and how weak my core is, despite being a dedicated cyclist (road and mountain). No wonder I deal with hip and knee injuries...

Totally agree. Road cycling with no core development over many years had hurt the flexibility and strength in my core. I started having issues due to a weak core and very tight piriformis, adductor and psoas. Pilates worked best for me.

[Bike Writer]

Let me start with the fact that I don't do 50+ mile rides yet. In the 16 weeks I rode this summer I lost weight, about 20 pounds however my appearance changed more than 20 pounds. I'm more toned everywhere and dropped a full clothing size. During some weeks I would see the scale move up particularly after hard rides, only to move down below what it was previously after a day or two of recovery.

As others mention this is because of muscle gain which weighs more than fat. As Tulip mentioned the most important change was to my mind. As cycling progressed so did the desire to incorporate a healthier lifestyle into every aspect of my life.

I have more energy, eat better and more importantly I am satisfied after a normal sized meal. I began riding to benefit my arthritis and stiffness of joints. All of the side benefits are a BIG bonus. I have increased lung capacity, stamina, strength, endurance etc. I just can't say enough good things about how much better off I am since taking up biking again. I love my bike and more importantly I love me more too now.

[kfergos]

I would strongly urge you to get engaged in a variety of activites in addition to cycling: walking (or running) hiking, kayaking, Pilates, yoga, strength training. Especially if you're worried about whole-body muscle development, it's good to balance cycling with other pursuits. Balance and flexibility are also important.

This is a bit after-the-fact, but I second this comment. I spent the last year commuting 40 miles/day by bike and was too tired to do any other activities. Now I'm having to go to PT to deal with back pain that developed as my core strength decreased. Biking is a great way to get out and burn some calories, but you definitely need more variety than just biking to be healthy.