Legs Shot
05-30-14, 05:14 PM
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Legs Shot
It is my second week back on the bike after 2 months off because of accident. Something I've noticed is the legs have little power (speed) for the long haul. Is this common with so much time off?
05-30-14, 05:16 PM
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Yes. Muscles atrophy depressingly quickly.
edit: I'm speaking from running experience here, but I don't imagine cycling is any different.
edit: I'm speaking from running experience here, but I don't imagine cycling is any different.
05-30-14, 05:39 PM
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05-30-14, 06:25 PM
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Yup. The good thing is that if you don't over-do it, you should be able to get a lot of that strength and power back almost as quickly. Might want to add some protein shakes to the daily intake for awhile.
05-30-14, 07:46 PM
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Very common, I took around 4 months off for a knee injury. Even my shoulder/arm muscles felt like noodles during my first ride. It takes time to build them back up.
05-30-14, 08:32 PM
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red blood cells die at a remarkable rate. IIRC they have a life span measured in weeks.
05-30-14, 08:58 PM
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Took me most of a month to recover from about two months off the bike.
06-01-14, 03:00 PM
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Took off 3 months after a leg injury from a driver (he ran a red light) and it took a good two months to be back in shape where I was that night. Just ease back into it, and you'll be good in no time!
06-01-14, 03:03 PM
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Yep, that's comparable to the winter layover we see in the Northeast. Depending on your age and overall condition it can take from 2-3 weeks to 2-3 months to get back to where you were before.
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Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
06-01-14, 05:00 PM
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I was off for a month all most to the day, and it took me 2 weeks to get back, now my pedal muscles are bigger than ever haha. Kinda sucks though, as i may need to start getting my pants altered. If i'm not careful i'll end up looking like this guy:
- Andy
- Andy
06-01-14, 05:07 PM
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I agree with the majority here - it takes me quite a while to get my legs back after even a couple of weeks off the bike. But I am in my 50s, I suspect younger riders recover quicker.
06-01-14, 11:29 PM
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It really depends on the nature of the accident.
When I tore my Achilles tendon, I lost probably 90% of my calf muscle in just 2 weeks, following surgery. If you have a muscle immobilized it will atrophy very very quickly. If you're still somewhat active, things atrophy much more slowly, and its just a matter of building back up.
When I tore my Achilles tendon, I lost probably 90% of my calf muscle in just 2 weeks, following surgery. If you have a muscle immobilized it will atrophy very very quickly. If you're still somewhat active, things atrophy much more slowly, and its just a matter of building back up.
06-02-14, 05:55 AM
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I was off the bike for six weeks after a crash that resulted in a broken collarbone and have been back on for three. I lost a little strength, but lots of endurance at upper power levels.
Conventional wisdom is that it takes two weeks to regain the strength you lose from each week off the bike.
Conventional wisdom is that it takes two weeks to regain the strength you lose from each week off the bike.
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06-02-14, 02:07 PM
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The Triplettes of Belleville was a strange, nostalgic, and well-drawn animation with no meaningful dialogue. I've watched it several times and I still can't decide if I like it or not.
06-02-14, 04:59 PM
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contiuniously variable
06-02-14, 05:52 PM
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The grotesque jabs at Disney films (take a look at what's in the toilet bowl next time you watch) tip me in favor of liking it.
06-02-14, 07:05 PM
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It is odd after a week or two off to have the cardio and stamina, but not the muscle strength.
06-02-14, 07:14 PM
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These come back and develop at different rates.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
06-02-14, 07:28 PM
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It really depends on the nature of the accident.
When I tore my Achilles tendon, I lost probably 90% of my calf muscle in just 2 weeks, following surgery. If you have a muscle immobilized it will atrophy very very quickly. If you're still somewhat active, things atrophy much more slowly, and its just a matter of building back up.
When I tore my Achilles tendon, I lost probably 90% of my calf muscle in just 2 weeks, following surgery. If you have a muscle immobilized it will atrophy very very quickly. If you're still somewhat active, things atrophy much more slowly, and its just a matter of building back up.
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