just ride or ride and work out?

[alohaboy]

I posted this in the weight loss sticky, but it was buried under 80 pages, so I figured I'd start a new thread.
I am 28 years old, 5'7", about 182lbs. According to my Tanita scale, which from the sound of it is not completely accurate, I'm at 25% body fat. I figure I could stand to lose about 20lbs. If I want to cut my fat % and get better at riding, should I be doing other workouts besides riding? I read the Chris Carmichael book "5 Essentials for a Winning Life" which I really liked, but I don't know if doing those workouts will help me in terms of cycling.
Bottom line, if I want to lose weight and get better at cycling, should I focus simply on riding or incorporate other workouts?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

[kuan]

You can start with riding, then incorporating other workouts after you get comfortable with riding. Add or remove things to your life one at a time. It's easier and increases your chances of follow through.

Save at least one beer in the fridge though. There are times when you'll need it. :D

[Warden11]

You have to answer that question yourself. Do you want to be a better cyclist or lose weight and have a better base of overall fitness? If you just want to be a better cyclist- ride your ass off. If you want a solid base of fitness- mix in some weights and cycling and then focus on your cycling once your fitness base is established.

[ericgu]

The best workout mix is one that will keep you motivated to continue working out.

If you like cycling enough to do it a lot, then you can lose weight and get fit by doing just cycling. But the lose weight part is more about what you eat than how you work out.

[ed073]

Bottom line, if I want to lose weight and get better at cycling, should I focus simply on riding or incorporate other workouts?
.


If losing weight and improving your cycling are your primary goals, don't waste time in the gym.


hit the road and watch your calorific intake.

[Ricardo]

Dude, whatever you feel like doing. Remember that it is all about the fun.

Ricardo

[Spreggy]

Alohaboy, I was in your shoes a few months ago, 23 pounds overweight. I think cycling has had the most effect on grinding off fat, but working out in the gym a couple of times each week will make your clothes fit a little better and give you a good healthy fitness base. No need to go crazy, but it's nice to know that if you're asked to help move appliances or something you won't break down and cry like a girly-mon.:p Even just a good body weight workout will get you in good shape (pull-ups & chin-ups for back and biceps, push-ups and dips for chest and triceps, crunches and back extensions or supermans for the core). Putting on a little muscle burns alot of calories. One of these chin/dip stations are cheap and very convenient in the garage, I accomplished a lot of weight loss and getting in shape with mine:

http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p3112893dt.jpg

Most important: you are what you eat, brother! If you reduce your portions just a little, and knock off the so-called food that is really body poison (fried foods, soda pops, white wheat products, fast food), then you'll slim up in no time. Check out online articles about eating 5 times a day, you're never hungry so it's pretty darn easy to stick to.

[p2000]

Dude, whatever you feel like doing. Remember that it is all about the fun.

Ricardo

Finally. This may be the simplest, best advice in the history of this board. Outstanding! Encore! :D

I love to ride, I have dropped over 25 pounds over my cycling 'career' and enjoyed it all. Ride, eat smart, lift weights if you want. Don't life if you don't want. The longer I rode, the more I'd incorporate the different modes that increased my rides & workouts. Don't get too ahead of yourself though. Get the basics in play and the rest will follow!