Cycling for weight loss.....

Big Tone

....I dont mean competitive cycling but the leisurely type ie cycling to work, out the countryside, around town etc, is this a good way to burn fat/increase metabolism?

ThrownAway

Definitely. I've been cycling for two and a half months now and i've already lost allot. I was nearly 10 stone [I'm 5'6/5'7] and am now 9 stone exactely. It's a great way to tone up your legs too. I usually cycle 16 miles 3 times a week. It's better to cylce outside. That way you're getting fresh air and the there's hills ect. I don't get why people go off to the gym to go cycling or running when the could just be outside in a healthier enviornment.

Running is even better for weightloss.

kona

Big Tone wrote:

....I dont mean competitive cycling but the leisurely type ie cycling to work, out the countryside, around town etc, is this a good way to burn fat/increase metabolism?

if you have plenty of time and cycle ALOT then it is good however running and swimming will do the job much faster and in the whole ya dont have to put up with ignorant ***** in cars trying to kill you.

ThrownAway

Swimming aint that good for the weighloss really it's better for toning/building muscle [well I think so anyway ]

kona

ThrownAway wrote:

Swimming aint that good for the weighloss really it's better for toning/building muscle [well I think so anyway ]

swimming burns more calories than running or cycling which when coupled with a diet= weight loss

Mountjoy Mugger

Anyone recommend a decent exercise bike?

po0k

Why do people keep comparing forms of exercise?

Do the lot - run, swim, cycle, soccer, hillwalking, the one you enjoy the most you'll practice more, the others will provide a change of scenery (literally) or help round out your exercise.

Weightloss, fitness and training take time. Best to get the most enjoyment out of it.

blorg

Mountjoy Mugger wrote:

Anyone recommend a decent exercise bike?

Indoor or outdoor? If the latter, and you are just starting cycling, a decent aluminum-framed hybrid that is the right size for you would be ideal; if you can stretch to €500-600 you have some great options; but you can get something perfectly decent starting at €300 or so. Proper position (leg should be just ever so slightly bent when pedal is full down) and tyres well pumped up and you will be flying. Develops your reactions too which is something an fixed bike can't do

Seriously if you are talking about a bike for exercise get back with a budget and I can suggest in detail.

blorg

Big Tone wrote:

....I dont mean competitive cycling but the leisurely type ie cycling to work, out the countryside, around town etc, is this a good way to burn fat/increase metabolism?

Yes, and the great thing about cycling to work as opposed to other forms of exercise is that it is something you have to do every morning, you can't weasel your way out of it. Even better if you have showers in your workplace, but it is perfectly doable without, just have to use a more moderate pace.

Big Tone

Thanks a lot guys

Mountjoy Mugger

blorg wrote:

Indoor or outdoor? If the latter, and you are just starting cycling, a decent aluminum-framed hybrid that is the right size for you would be ideal.

Indoor, sorry.

gary the great

Im still on the road to recovery form a broken leg, before this i did som weightlifting and had put on quite a bit of muscle. I have now resumed some weightlifing on the upper body 9still cant use the legs yet for squats etc), but have to do lot of cycling on the stationary bike to increase the muscle in my leg, so will my weightlifting efforts wasted?

Also could anyone tell me what muscles benefit the most from cycling and does it work your abs at all?

zappb

Blorg may i take you up on the bike spec offer?

I'm looking for a tourer type of bike, something good over long distances - carrying loads - panniers, budget of around say 600euro. Good saddle, v brakes are fine, any ideas?

accensi0n

zappb wrote:

Blorg may i take you up on the bike spec offer?

I'm looking for a tourer type of bike, something good over long distances - carrying loads - panniers, budget of around say 600euro. Good saddle, v brakes are fine, any ideas?

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=410

plenty of help there.

Big Tone

blorg wrote:

Indoor or outdoor? If the latter, and you are just starting cycling, a decent aluminum-framed hybrid that is the right size for you would be ideal; if you can stretch to €500-600 you have some great options; but you can get something perfectly decent starting at €300 or so. Proper position (leg should be just ever so slightly bent when pedal is full down) and tyres well pumped up and you will be flying. Develops your reactions too which is something an fixed bike can't do

Seriously if you are talking about a bike for exercise get back with a budget and I can suggest in detail.

Thats sound advice. I'll go with the Claude Butler "Voyager" hybrid.