Weight

[cusepack]

I know it's not easy, but try not to pay as much attention to the weight numbers; rather, pay attention to your increased fitness level and the way your clothes fit. Right now, your body is adjusting to this new lifestyle and lots of things are going on inside. You're no longer fueling your body with donuts, instead, your riding and becoming fit, and, burning lots more fuel. Be patient, you'll begin to feel the difference . . .as it is, you're riding longer, so that's a plus right from the get-go. In the meantime, stay positive, pedal and enjoy your rides.

[pooks]

Thanks! I appreciate the reassurance!

[Pedal Wench]

What you're doing now is an excellent base, and it must be done before you can really start adding miles. But, that doesn't change the facts.

A mile of cycling burns approximately 30-40 calories. So, with no changes at all in your diet, your rides are burning, at most, 200 calories. So, you'll need to make more changes in your diet, or add more miles. You need to burn or reduce your caloric intake by 3,500 calories to lose one pound of fat. It will come off in time - be patient!

Keep up the great work! The weight will start to melt off as you increase your level of fitness!

[Fredwina]

Another thing to keep in mind is that, ideally, you only want to lose a pound a week, to avoid the "yo-yo" effect.

[KSH]

What you're doing now is an excellent base, and it must be done before you can really start adding miles. But, that doesn't change the facts.

A mile of cycling burns approximately 30-40 calories. So, with no changes at all in your diet, your rides are burning, at most, 200 calories. So, you'll need to make more changes in your diet, or add more miles. You need to burn or reduce your caloric intake by 3,500 calories to lose one pound of fat. It will come off in time - be patient!

Keep up the great work! The weight will start to melt off as you increase your level of fitness!

I ride on a regular basis... I rode 400 miles for the month of May and 285 miles for the month of June (dang wreck kept me from reaching 400 miles!). My eating is not *perfect*... but even with all those miles, I have gained weight (trust me ladies, it's fat... my clothes are tighter), and I don't lose any.

I have found that with cycling, if you want to really lose weight, you do need to up your miles AND eat perfectly (aka: no fast food, watch your calories in/out, etc.).

Keep upping those miles though and you should start to see something happen!

And, even though I complain about my 8 extra pounds (all on my lower stomach and butt- which DOES make a difference on my small frame)... I am happy and healthy. My body does what I need it to, I'm not hungry all the time (which I have been in the past to lose weight!), and I eat what I want.

[Jen Jen]

I ride on a regular basis... I rode 400 miles for the month of May and 285 miles for the month of June (dang wreck kept me from reaching 400 miles!). My eating is not *perfect*... but even with all those miles, I have gained weight (trust me ladies, it's fat... my clothes are tighter), and I don't lose any.

I have found that with cycling, if you want to really lose weight, you do need to up your miles AND eat perfectly (aka: no fast food, watch your calories in/out, etc.).

Keep upping those miles though and you should start to see something happen!

And, even though I complain about my 8 extra pounds (all on my lower stomach and butt- which DOES make a difference on my small frame)... I am happy and healthy. My body does what I need it to, I'm not hungry all the time (which I have been in the past to lose weight!), and I eat what I want.

Would you consider investing in a heart rate monitor? I got one a few months ago (I belong to Lifetime Fitness gym and they really encourage using them). It was a real eye opener to how hard I work out when I exercise. You might find that even though you're "working hard" on a bike ride, your heart rate isn't into the optimal zones, and you're not burning as many calories as you'd expect. Just an idea...

[Diggles]

Have you thought about throwing in some yoga?

You can get what you want out of it, learn from stuff you find online & do it at home so you really don't even have to spend a penny.

I have found that my strength has improved from it dramatically. (I'm also a rock climber) And it's crazy how hard it can actually be if you sink into the poses properly. It'll make you sweat...no doubt about it...even if you aren't doing Bikram!

Yoga is so low impact that you'll get strong & lean w/out adding bulk. It's a great way to shake up your fitness regime. I'm no expert so I'm just saying what has worked for me & others I know. Regardless, I find it inspiring when people step up & take responsibilty for their health. KUDOS!!!