How cycling changes your body

[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.

[bluebug32]

Cycling will do amazing things for your body (self esteem- and appearance- wise) over time. I started out as a mountain biker and got sucked into their post-ride beer culture right away. I definitely didn't lose weight until I started road biking. I quickly realized two things about weight gain. It's easy to consume too many calories through energy bars, gels, and drinks when you don't need them (rides less than 1.5 hours generally, except for extreme exertion or heat). I also added more protein into my diet, which helped stave off the constant hunger pangs.

[Nessa]

I've been biking since the end of the summer. I had to take some breaks due to grandbabies being born, sickness, etc. I can tell you that it has made a difference in the way I look and feel about myself. I feel more fit. I have always worked out with weights and am continuing doing that. I haven't lost any wieght....just maintaining!

[Organic Goddess]

I've been riding for a year. I didn't drop a pound until I went more than once a week.
After I read 'Younger Next Year' I decided I wasn't doing myself any favors by riding just on weekends. So, I got out there, without my husband. And I loved it. The minute I did, I started loosing inches. A couple of months and my husband said 'Please don't hit me, but your butt doesn't jiggle as much as it used to'. He tends to ride behind me. Even I like the way my butt looks!
I don't have a scale. But all my clothes fit looser. I've lost a couple of inches off my legs, two in my waist and 2 around the bust. I probably had 25 lbs of jiggly bits. Now they are muscle. I don't care about the pounds. Just the inches. Course, I've always eaten well. No fast food, I don't drink soda, eat very little dairy and buy mostly organic.
I just began mountain biking, last month. I definitely use more upper body for that. Glad I put 1,600 miles on my road bike first and I've been lifting those little 5 lb weights. We've got really rocky paths out here.

[jolie]

I start riding when I was a 4 grade primary school student. I think this is good for toning legs, it is also useful for me. But the waist also fat

[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.

[Catrin]

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.

+10000 on this - for me the WEEEEEE factor is key There is something so joyful about being out on my bike in the country enjoying the weather, hearing the sound of my tires on the pavement, and feeling my body chugging along on the bike. I feel alive and connected to the world around me, and I CANNOT obsess/focus on stressful things while on the bike.

I've other forms of stress relief, but none have the pure WEEEEEE factor that my bike has. It is amazing what this can do to one's budget though

[redrhodie]

After many years of of poor body image, dieting, being emaciated but feeling fat, cycling has been a godsend for me. I finally have a strong body that I feel great in. I eat. I love my body. I never thought I'd be able to write that. So, the transformation has been both physical and mental for me as well.

[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!