Training & Nutrition - Training forum

OK, so you have your new bike, everything fits, and your friends look at your bike with envy. You can smell the leather of your saddle and the gears shift with precision. The next thing you need is a set of legs, which will keep your bike in the bunch during a group ride, or perhaps allow you to challenge the sprint at the finishing line. Or perhaps you just want to climb your favourite hill at a nice pace, with a set of legs, which will take you to the top without feeling spent.

For those members who are new to cycling, post your training questions here, or if you are active in the sport and win some races, let the other members know what it takes.

Snowplug.

Keeping bodyweight or more precisely fat percentage down to a minimum is one of the most important things for any endurance athlete. I found that by trying to reduce my weight too fast I get very tired and I feel weaker on the bike.

I know the golden rule should be to slowly get the weight off but that makes me lose interest and I would just carry on eating whatever I like.

Any suggestions ?

MightyArab,

Weight is very important, especially when climbing, or sprinting. As far as your diet is concerned, tell us more about your activity. Are you on the road or MTB, and how much time do you spend training each month. We can then try some tips. Some of us can’t eat enough, when the miles start adding up, while others have to balance their intake, with the right food and calories burnt.

Snowplug

I'm a roadie and although I do not have a weight problem I try to keep it down continuously. I train Approx 10 to 12 hrs per week.

MightyArab,

Moving this thread to the Nutrition forum, please continue there.

Snowplug

i usually ride my Mtn bike a min of 20 miles a day 3 times a week and then work out 3 times a week. i still have a little ponch and can't seem to get a good diet down i eat alot one day and then don't eat the next... it is so hard to not eat a pop tart in the morning and instead have a bowl of cottage cheese and pineapple...any suggestions? It's ezpensive to eat healthy. i save more money eating out!

Thessen,

Try eating high fibre fruit between meals. Oranges, Kiwi, apples (with skin) etc. Having a high fibre breakfast cerial may also help. Keep up the training!

I have been off my bike except for some rides with my wife for some time( about three years ) I have just recently started to take some spinning classes at my gym and am doing that 5 days a week to try to loose the wieght I put in the last few years. I guess my question is:
Are spinning classes an effeective way of getting back in shape for riding again?

Spinning classes are an excellent substitute for cycling, and they will certainly help you to get back in shape for riding well. Without lots of miles on your bike though, you may find they are not enough to bring your weight down, without some form of diet.

Thanks, I've just been wondering about the spinning since it really is different than actually riding. I've actually enjoyed the interval and speed work in the class more than I remember I had on the road. Besides it has really inspired me to get back on the road.