Comments on: X-Training For Bicyclists

By: Red

Red — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:16:17 +0000

Thanks for stopping by and your positive comments.

The lack of impact from cycling is true. But the question still remains why cyclists should have a higher incidence of osteo than couch potatoes.

I have enjoyed the Les Mills classes such as Body Attack and Body Step. These classes not only give impact from jumping but also the benefits of other movements that improve agility among other things.

The problem is that since January I have also developed Plantar Fasciitis. As the old man once said, “If I knew I was going to be this old I would have taken better care of myself.”

By: sansauto

sansauto — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:27 +0000

Good post. I would add that in addition to avoiding carbonated beverages, you should also avoid salty and highly processed foods and increase our consumption of fruits and vegetables. Bone health has a lot to do with acid/base balance.

The reason that cycling contributes to bone loss is because there is no impact in cycling. Running is good, but I think weight training is much better. Try squats or overhead press. SOmething where the resistance is above your shoulders so that you have added weight throughout your body. If you’re not much on going to the gym (like myself), jumping as high as you can 10 times a day should have a huge benefit. (We actually tried to do a study on it in my lab, but we couldn’t get enough middle-aged women to jump daily to make a reasonable study).

I just found your blog and I like it. Good writing.

By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:50:05 +0000

My place of employment has a full feature fitness center where employees can have 24/7 access. During the winter months I am in there everyday I work, but in the summer I tend to slack off.

And lets not forget drinking carbonated drinks leaches the calcium from your bones and inhibits calcium uptake.

Good post. I think most cyclist are unaware of calcium deficiency.

By: angie

angie — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:18:40 +0000

Flexibility is the one where I’m farthest (furthest?) behind. I’ve tried a fitness yoga class at my gym a couple of times but usually get tired of all the … is it downward dog? Where you turn yourself into basically an upside down V? It would be more fun if Aubrie came with me but she is not a member of my gym and really, with the location of their new house, it would be pretty inconvenient for her.
So kudos. Flexibility (along with the other two) is a big factor in “body age” and just general feeling good and not hurting yourself.

By: bikingbristol

bikingbristol — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:42:53 +0000

I guess there is the limited time factor. Work, family, food production and commuting takes lots of time! So I ride to work which provides cardiovascular and weight control and allows me to use time better. Going to the gym, changing, working out, shower/change, go home from the gym is hard to fit in.