Any resources to help get fit through cycling?
Discussion
Hi,
I keep on putting off getting my carcass fit and I really need to do so. I've generally not exercised so I need a bit of a helping hand in getting there. I think I need to follow a programme of some sort, particularly to get me over the initial 'urgh, cycling is really painful' to 'cycling is great, I want to do loads of miles this weekend'.
Does anybody have any websites, guides or anything that can help me?
Cheers
I keep on putting off getting my carcass fit and I really need to do so. I've generally not exercised so I need a bit of a helping hand in getting there. I think I need to follow a programme of some sort, particularly to get me over the initial 'urgh, cycling is really painful' to 'cycling is great, I want to do loads of miles this weekend'.
Does anybody have any websites, guides or anything that can help me?
Cheers
Ive found the Mapmyride i-phone app pretty decent.
Its also worth remembering to start slowly and build up. After the first few rides your going to be sore, so start off slowly and gradually build the distance up, your muscles will get used to it better.
I would also say its worth plotting a couple of regular routes (I have worked out a few of varying distances), you then have the goal of beating your best time over these set routes which will encourage you to push that bit harder each time).
Its also worth remembering to start slowly and build up. After the first few rides your going to be sore, so start off slowly and gradually build the distance up, your muscles will get used to it better.
I would also say its worth plotting a couple of regular routes (I have worked out a few of varying distances), you then have the goal of beating your best time over these set routes which will encourage you to push that bit harder each time).
Initally stay away from any of the sites like Strava or you will be seriously demotivated.
Don't even think in terms of miles at the start either, just cycle at a rate of about 75-85 rpm and dont push too hard. Gradually extend the duration as your fitness improves. If you cycle 3 times a week that will give you sufficient recovery time. Most importantly don't push so hard you are aching for a week and unable to swing a leg over (anything
).
Make sure the seat (at least) is at the right height. With your heel on the peddle at the bottom of travel you leg should be just about fully extended (not perfect but close enough)
Try to cycle a circular route with youe start point in the centre so you are never too fsr away in the event of a problem (puncture/ ache etc).
Try and use the bike for the small trips out to the shops etc as those are a bonus.
You will see an immense improvement in the first few months which will really spur you on too.
Tell us all how its developing and I'm sure there will be no end of encouragement
Don't even think in terms of miles at the start either, just cycle at a rate of about 75-85 rpm and dont push too hard. Gradually extend the duration as your fitness improves. If you cycle 3 times a week that will give you sufficient recovery time. Most importantly don't push so hard you are aching for a week and unable to swing a leg over (anything
).Make sure the seat (at least) is at the right height. With your heel on the peddle at the bottom of travel you leg should be just about fully extended (not perfect but close enough)
Try to cycle a circular route with youe start point in the centre so you are never too fsr away in the event of a problem (puncture/ ache etc).
Try and use the bike for the small trips out to the shops etc as those are a bonus.
You will see an immense improvement in the first few months which will really spur you on too.
Tell us all how its developing and I'm sure there will be no end of encouragement
I'm a fan of distraction tactics. Focus on how good a cyclist you're getting, not how much weight you're losing - if you're cycling a lot and enjoying it, the weight loss and fitness will follow.
Which isn't to say that you shouldn't set yourself targets. Ride to specific places and then ride home again; take the long way home. Gradually ride to further places. Then aim to complete a ride of a given distance - 30 miles, 50 miles. Maybe think about signing up for a charity ride of a decent length - this will motivate you to stick with it.
Which isn't to say that you shouldn't set yourself targets. Ride to specific places and then ride home again; take the long way home. Gradually ride to further places. Then aim to complete a ride of a given distance - 30 miles, 50 miles. Maybe think about signing up for a charity ride of a decent length - this will motivate you to stick with it.
Great advice, thank you.This is where I differ from what has been said, but then I tend to be a gadget geek.
I use Strava and other sites, I bought a tracking computer (Edge 800 but doesn't have to be so flash) and now I find myself motivated into going out, just so I can upload another ride. But then I also have mates who are telling me they are looking to see where I went today sort of thing.
My reason for wanting to get out there though is the same as has been suggested, I need to lose weight and get fitter. Cycling is the distraction that may just make me do this.
Oh, and I am planning a charity ride in September, so I need to be fit for that (planning Morecambe to Scarborough in the day).
I use Strava and other sites, I bought a tracking computer (Edge 800 but doesn't have to be so flash) and now I find myself motivated into going out, just so I can upload another ride. But then I also have mates who are telling me they are looking to see where I went today sort of thing.
My reason for wanting to get out there though is the same as has been suggested, I need to lose weight and get fitter. Cycling is the distraction that may just make me do this.
Oh, and I am planning a charity ride in September, so I need to be fit for that (planning Morecambe to Scarborough in the day).
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