Training & Nutrition - Help to get in shape

So, last summer I had a job outside doing masonry and I was in tip top shape. Felt great, was weighing like 175 and toned. then i came to school and all went downhill. i know weight like 215 with a bit of a belly. I'm gonna buy a bike relatively soon hopefully. If i can save the money. Does anyone have any tips on starting off and getting a strong plan going? This whole forum is really inspiring. It makes me want to ride now! too bad no bike.

Just do not do what I just did and try to ride a bunch of miles in the beginning. take your time building your base and your system will reward you. Look at riding 60-70% of your HR with rest days for weight loss. Just remember the rest day, like I did not and paid till I did.

Throw in some weight lifting.

So how long did you ride when you were first starting out? My work is like 3 miles away so riding would only be 6 miles round trip and i would like to do some longer rides after work and on the weekends. how many days of rest do you recommend?

Each person is different, and the pace you set needs to match your current conditioning, time and goals.

I am 64 yo and just came back from a 27 mile ride, and I could have easily gone another 20+ miles.

I will not need a resting day, and will ride again tomorrow, probably about the same.

But, I have been riding about 5 1/2 years.

When I started I was doing maybe 10 miles. I remember my first 15 mile ride - WOW it seemed really long.

I rested as my body told me to. A good option is to ride an easy ride the day after a hard ride.

Start slow, build up, push yourself from time to time until you learn more about biking and decide what your goals are. Always listen to your body. It has a loud voice which we sometimes mistakenly ignore.

Goals can include

* Ride for recreation and relaxation
* Ride for fitness
* Mtn biking
* See how much you can challenge yourself, how fast and long you can go.
* Racing
* Touring
* Commuting
* Replacing your car with a bike

Etc., etc.

As you ride more, you will likely find your interest turning in one direction or the other.

Just remember to always have fun, no matter what. We all have our own definition of "fun" but it must be fun!

i've already thoght about replacing my car with my bike as i am living in the city now. its 3 miles to work so 6 miles round trip. which isn't that far for commuting but a ride after work would be great....what do you do as a commuter when it rains? i mean i could always change in the bathroom at work but i don't want to show up a mess

i've already thoght about replacing my car with my bike as i am living in the city now. its 3 miles to work so 6 miles round trip. which isn't that far for commuting but a ride after work would be great....what do you do as a commuter when it rains? i mean i could always change in the bathroom at work but i don't want to show up a mess

Go to the commuter forum and ask your commuting questions there. Lots and lots of experience to guide you.

Good luck!

Don't forget to find a good bike shop, and meet people who ride. The support from people you meet, and from having a good bike shop at your disposal can go a long way.