Training & Nutrition - new here & some advice

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I have never done any active riding before. However, my brother has been doing it for a couple of months (mountain biking and road biking) and really enjoys it. I've been considering starting. I have some concerns though and would like some input, if anyone can help.

I'll be 24 this summer. Was very active in high school with sports, naturally have an athletic build. However, I've gotten way out of shape in the last couple of years and would like to get back into it. I don't want to bulk up or anything, but I am curious if road biking (along with diet) would be a good route to help me to tone up and lose some fat?? I can mostly tell I'm out of shape with in my thigh area and belly region, and I want to get rid of it!! I'm very interested in beginning this, but I want to do it for the right reasons. If it's not going to tone me up, I should do a different routine and then move onto biking later?

Also, I would be looking for a good starter bike. I would mainly be riding on the road, not too many hills. I guess I just want to do distance.

Ok, any advice would do wonders for me.
Thank you!

If it's not going to tone me up, I should do a different routine and then move onto biking later?

Also, I would be looking for a good starter bike. I would mainly be riding on the road, not too many hills. I guess I just want to do distance.



1. Dude, cycling is fun and you will become fit as a result of the effort you put in. As far as "tone"...your legs, sure. The rest of you...depends. If you want specific tone in specific places, go to a gym and work those muscles groups.

2. Any bike will do...see that it comes close to fitting your size and is a comfy ride. Do a search on these forums for suggestions in your price range.

So, have fun. Enjoy the effort you put in!

good luck!

If you don't enjoy it, you won't do it.

So, whatever you decide to do for your health, choose something you enjoy as the first criteria.

Hopefully, what you enjoy will bring you more fitness.

Personally, at 67yo, I ride about 4,000+ miles per year, lift weights in a full body routine, and do a lot of fast walking.

But I ride because I love it, not because I want to keep fit. Same with the weight lifting and walking.

Good luck

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I have never done any active riding before. However, my brother has been doing it for a couple of months (mountain biking and road biking) and really enjoys it. I've been considering starting. I have some concerns though and would like some input, if anyone can help.

I'll be 24 this summer. Was very active in high school with sports, naturally have an athletic build. However, I've gotten way out of shape in the last couple of years and would like to get back into it. I don't want to bulk up or anything, but I am curious if road biking (along with diet) would be a good route to help me to tone up and lose some fat?? I can mostly tell I'm out of shape with in my thigh area and belly region, and I want to get rid of it!! I'm very interested in beginning this, but I want to do it for the right reasons. If it's not going to tone me up, I should do a different routine and then move onto biking later?

Also, I would be looking for a good starter bike. I would mainly be riding on the road, not too many hills. I guess I just want to do distance.

Ok, any advice would do wonders for me.
Thank you!

Do you think that road cyclists look fit? If so, then cycling is going to get you there. If you think cyclists have wimpy upper bodies (they do), then you would probably want to do some weight lifting as well (but keep in mind that most endurance athletes don't carry a ton of muscle).

Cycling is good because you are able to do the long duration work, and that has a lot of effect on fitness and weight (if you address your diet).